Best 105 bike for the buck?
 

I'm in the market for a new road bike to do light commuting and possibly enter in a club type race. I typically do 20-30 miles per weekday when the time permits, and 30-50 mile rides on weekends, with a some longer rides per season. I usually do 2000-3000 miles per year.

I've searched all over, different brands, etc, and have my eye on the Giant OCR1. It has all 105 componentry, as far as I can tell, and is cheaper than the competition. $1175

What do you think of the OCR1? Are there other bikes that are a better deal?

I also looked at the Mercier Corvus, which, with shipping, would run $750 or so. After reading all of the horror stories about BikesDirect and Mercier, however, I'm second guessing that.

Any input/comments are appreciated.

Do not base your bike purchase under components, make your decision off the frame.

This is what he is saying: 'I am buying a bike with 105. What is the best frame for 105?' He's being smart. If he asked 'What is the best frame'? Then he'd get a lot of responses: Cervelo, Scott, Ridley, boutique stuff -- all frames he can't afford. By specifying 105 he's specifying the level of frame he can afford.

I'd say Specialized Allez. But go ride a bunch and see what you think.

Oh I won't buy a bike that has good components but doesn't fit me, but from the overwhelming reviews of 105 stuff, I'd like to stay near that price-bracket.

My brother has a Mercier, and I know already that I'd want a more upright stem for that one, for example.

I rode an OCR3 a while back and really liked it.

That's right.

I've heard good things about the Allez too. I'll check that one out.

Any suggestion as to steel vs aluminum?

Edit: I should add that I'm wondering if there are bikes to avoid, bikes with some unreliable parts, that sort of thing.

Scott team with 105

Specialized is going to give you the best value at that price level. Trek will be good too. Scott makes amazing bikes but you really only get "value" from them at $2500+. At the lower levels if you compare their "cheap" frames against what you get from Specialized and Trek (and occasionally Bianchi), they're not as good of a buy. Of course, when you get into the expensive bikes, Scott kicks butt.

CAAD9 with 105.

Done.

Those are some ugly wheels. Jesus.

I should have read the actual post, I had a tombstone pizza in my oven so I had to keep an eye on. HAha

You get what you pay for.

http://www.ifbikes.com/frames2/steelcrownjewel.shtml

2,700 dollars with 105. Some great deals require schema. ;)

Ditto that.

You're getting Cannondale's top of the line aluminum frame, not some watered down frame that most other companies would offer with those components. This has two primary benefits:
1 - You have an excellent frame to build if you choose to
2 - You'll get good resale if you want to sell th ebike for something new all together since there will be a demand for this frame on the used market.

Probably correct.

If you ignore the posts where folks have no real experience there are not many horror stories. Remember, many anonymous posters are LBS workers/owners with a bias against BD.;)

FWIW I have 3 different bikes from BD. They are all outstanding values and any minor issues were resolved easily and promptly. My LBS experiences, not so much.

I do my own wrenching so it's a no brainer for me. If you don't, they are still a good deal - but not as much.

BMC Streetfire SSX

Jamis.

+1 on the CAAD9, though I could be slightly biased.

IronHorse makes a few bikes with 105. You asked for the BEST for the buck... and the prices on Iron Horse are hard to beat, the quality is on par with Specialized Allez.

Use the extra money to get a great helmet, lights, tool kit, etc:.

I currently have a Giant TCX with 105 (cyclocross version of OCR1) and really love it, a great bike for an awesome price. I looked at the Specialized, a little at Treks and still thought the Giant was the best deal. I may not be as "Chi-Chi" as a Specialized or Trek, but I have no doubt it will last you as long as you need it. The only other bike I wished I would have looked at is the Felt line, they seem like a really nice bike in a similar price range.
Chris

CAAD9 without question. Phenomenal frame.


I think it goes for ~$1250. Be a good negotiator though and you might be able to get it for the same price as that Giant.

My wife would say +1 to this one.

Me, I ride a CAAD8, so I am going to have +1 on this one.