chief244

Over the past week I have visited a few bike shops and I am strongly considering buying a bike of one of these makes for around $2,000.

Pinarello - Galileo - Ultegra Components
Orbea - Onix TDF - Ultegra Components
Lemond - Versailles - Ultegra Components and Shimano 105

I honestly do not know much about these particular bike companies. Both the Pinarello and Orbea offer better components. Pinarello's price is a little less because it has an aluminium frame along with a carbon fork. Should I be worried about the frame on the pinarello? The fork on the pinarello is a snake design which claims to help lessen the impact of a rocky ride. Please share your thoughts on these particular or if I can find something better for around 2 G's.

80vette

Have you ridden any of them?
Ride them.... see which one you like.... buy it.

Univega

IMHO, you MUST take the bikes for a ride. Bikes do feel and handle very differently.

chief244

No I have not ridden any of them yet. Can anyone tell me about their experiences with these particular brands?

Thanks

Surferbruce

They're all really good. If it fits, you'll like whichever you choose, but getting the right size is key. My wife has a Lemond and she's had a number of bikes and it's by far her favorite, but that's because it fits her best. Myself, I love Pinarello's. Other than the price tag, I've never heard a bad word about Pinarello bikes. I have an older steel one, and if i was in the next tax bracket up, I'd be all over one of their CF frames.

kmart

The bikes you listed should not be compared on an "Ultegra or 105" basis. The key thing is fit and feel of the ride. Each of these companies have their own specific philosophies and traditions regarding frame geometry and fit. On your test rides try some tight cornering, standing up out of the saddle and sprint hard, do some jumps at various gears, practice some climbs and descents. That's the only way to really know.

chief244

I appreciate all of the feedback. Thanks for helping me out.

Mose

Steal all three and ride them, then sell the two you don't like on eBay.

ericcox

I agree with the other posters that you should test ride each bike. That being said, I have an Onix TDF and am very satisfied with it; the frame is quite comfortable to me. It absorbs road vibration really well, but feels quite stiff in the bottom bracket and head tube. It handles quite well, and is reasonably light for the price range. I have been completely satisfied so far.

One small item; the TDF comes with a 105 chain and casette (unless you shop has upgraded them), but these are probably the first items (other than tires) you will need to upgrade.

ettsn

All three are beautiful, well-made bikes. That said, Pinarello is Italian.

NuBiker

Orbea

ericcox

NuBiker, I am liking you more and more all the time.

MONGO!

There are a LOT of good bikes in that price range, Specialized, Giant, Cannondale, Trek and Felt all have nice bikes around there.

Of the three you list I'd go with:
Orbea Onix
Pinarello Galileo
Lemond

The Orbea is all carbon and good features, they look great and ride well
The Pinarello, well, it's a Pinny, although $2k for an alu/carbon bike is a bit steep and you are paying for the name, it's still a bike I'd like.

At that price point none of them suck and at the end of the day you still have to pedal, steer and shift, no matter which bike you get, so get the one that suits you and your style of riding.

orestes

Like everybody else it's all about the geometry mixing with your geometry. If you have a longer torso take a serious look at the Lemond as there top tubes are a little longer than average. But test them all.