thom

I quit mountenbiking about 4 years ago(long story), but now some of my friends who are in this little club asked me to ride with them. I really really really want to start training again, but I don't have a bike.

I'd prefer getting something that's easely available in local stores. Here's the brands I've been looking at so far: Ridley, EddyMerckx, giant, trek, zannata and columbus.

I'm on a very tight budget, but I don't wanna settle for anything less then shimano 105 -or compairable quality- stuff. As far as frames go, I'm opting for an all alu frame. Carbon or corbon/allu frames are over my budget, and I personally don't see their benifits for the kind of cycling I'll be doing.

My question: Would it be possible to find a bike like the one I roughly described for only $1200?? Anything in particular you guys can recommend?

Thanks a lot.

timnoles

I saw a specialized allez w/105 for under $1k with a carbon front fork at my LBS. Pretty nice bike. I'm thinking about getting it. They also had the same model with Tiagra for about $750. Good luck.

thom

I'll check out specialised, thanks a lot for the tip.

WAR85

I was looking at a Giant OCR1, which has Aluxx SL aluminum frame, Giant Composite Aero fork, Shimano Ultegra rear der, 105 front der, Shimano Ultegra STI Dual Control brake levers for a super buy of $1,000. I was about to get it, but I wanted a steel frame so I got a 04 Buenos Aires which is another thousand bucks. Check out the Giant and the Specialised, as a company I like Specialised better, but for what you are looking at the OCR1 is going to be hard to beat.

thom

I was actually looking at a Giant OCR1 yesterday in a local shop, and I'm looking at the specs in a catalogue as we speak. It says the front and rear der are Shimano Tiagra though...

And about the whole alu vs steal discussion...
Tell me once and for all: Is durability really still an issue with today's high tech aluminium frames?

Psyclist

Depends on who you talk to, plus, how much you're going to "beat up" the bike.
They do have a life expectancy, but supposedy, so does steel...
You can definately get a 105 group for the kind of money you're talking about. And take a look at last years models, too! When I bought my Lemond Reno, there was a nice '03 Tourmalet hanging up top for $850.(56cm)
Not my size though...

boze

a friend just got this from these guys:
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../legacypro.htm

he loves it.

i think an LBS might have to just become a place for test rides and tune ups in my opinion because you'd be hard pressed to find a Reynolds 853 bike with Ultegra for less than $1800 and the bike at that link is $1095 w/ no tax.

they also have alum 105 bikes from $795 shipped:
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/fens_04.htm

good luck.

55/Rad

https://www.getawaybikes.com/Detail.c...FTOKEN=8592806
https://www.supergo.com/profile.cfm?L...604&referpage=

Great bikes for a grand.

55/Rad

thom

I'd be willing to have a bike shipped or to drive to the next town or whatever if I come across a realy good deal. But I forgot to mension I'm in Europe, so buying a bike from the US isnt really an option. Thanks for the suggestions though, those are indeed some sweet deals.

rottieruff

The OCR 1 comes with Ultegra
The OCR 2 comes with 105's
The OCR 3 comes with Sora

Not sure what catalogue you are looking at but I am looking at the '04 Giant Catalogue as I write this. I also ride an '03 OCR 1 which has 105's. The '04 models started shipping with Ultegra. Definately not Tiagra! BTW - GREAT bike.

Just noticed that you are from Europe - maybe those have Tiagra???? Weird...

thom

Yeah I guess it's different here in Europe. This is what my '04 Giant catalogue says:

The OCR 1 comes with Tiagra
The OCR 2 comes with Campagnolo Xenon
The OCR 3 comes with "Shimano" parts. I'm guessing they're being vague there because they're not really proud of using that particular low-end shimano group.

thom

What about used bikes? Anything -besides the obvious things, i'm no moron- I should check when looking over a used bike?

I know this guy who's selling his concorde. Don't know much about it yet, but it looks sorta like a time trial bike. Flashy looking carbon frame and 4-spoke wheels,...
I mailed him for some more info.

What if the price is good? Any reasons why a bike like that wouldnt make a good 1st bike for me? For what it's worth: Most of the time I'll be riding alone, once a week I'll get together with some friends.

CRSO

That's the one I was interested in. The carbon colored one.

CadenceCrazy

Last year I picked up a used Trek 2300 with less that 200 miles on it from my LBS for $1000. (Consignment bike, getting out of cycling.) Granted. it was an unusual situation but it sure didn't hurt me to look around.
Good luck!

thom

Sorry to keep bugging you guys, but I still don't have a bike. On friday I'm going back to my LBS because they said they were expecting a used EddyMerckx in my size, from a customer who bought it there two years ago. The lady at the store said the guy payed around $1000 back then, but I was hoping you guys could tell me if she's trying to screw me over or something.

So I'll be back with the exact model/name. Btw, that concorde I was talking about is sold

michael_tn

thom ...

i bought a lemond tourmalet this spring for $1050. its full 105 with ultegra rear. its a nice ride, fits me like a glove.

-- michael

pdxcyclist

I second this advice about the 2004 Scattante R650 Double (Ultegra, $929). A friend has had one for a couple of months, and really likes it. I rode it briefly yesterday and found the ride to be very nice. Just get the right fit. Also, don't sqeeze the top tube too hard...

shaq-d

merckx frames have a nice pedigree, you'd enjoy it. if it's an old aluminum, though, make sure it's in good condition, especially where the tubes meet. old aluminum frames might have cracks. only thing is to see for yourself..

sd