ZMike

I'm at the end of my test riding and I've completely narrowed my search to 3 bikes.

This is my first road bike. I just want to make sure I dont regret the choice I make and that I'm getting the best bike for my money

2010 Trek 1.5 Dont have the site for it yet but they upgraded to the Tiagra Shifters from the Sora. From my understanding it's almost identical to the Gary Fisher.

2009 Gary Fisher Has the Tiagra Shifters - I dont remember if I rode the double or triple. So far it's been the most comfortable fitting bike but I think it was the seat which is supposed to be the same on the 2010 Trek.

https://fisherbikes.com/bike/model/ar-super

2007 or 2008 (Not sure) New old stock

Cannondale Caad 8 Optimo 1 Triple 105 Equipped

https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/07/c...el-7RA81D.html

It's that bike with the Red Frame. So I'm guessing 2007 ? All 3 bikes are beteen 1000 and 1100. All 3 bikes fit me properly with the Trek and the Gary Fisher almost being identical. I like the looks of the Caad the best and with this one being made in the U.S. thats a big plus for me. Im going tomorrow to test ride that one. I was at the LBS today and rode some specialized and the lady at the shop held my license and I forgot about it. Later in the evening I opened my wallet and realized I had left it at the shop so while there at closing time they made me what seems like a really sweet deal if I want the Cannondale. From my understanding the 105 group is much better than the Tiagra ?

With Cannondale not making the Caad 8 is there anything I should worry about now ?


The Trek and Gary Fisher are 9 Speeds and the Caad is a 10. I guess on paper the Caad seems like a better deal since at one point is was a much more expenive bike. Any input on these would be greatly appriciated. The only one I've truely got to take out for a spin was the Gary Fisher. The LBS does have the 2010 Trek 2.1 in which has the 105 group that I can test ride tomorrow to see how that one feels.

ZMike

No one has advice on the 3 bikes above ? I'd figure as many people seem to have the Cannondales maybe I could find out if that bike is as nice as the newer 9 series.

cshell

The Specialized!

Wait............ Was that one of the choices?

ZMike

cshell,

I did try an Allez. It didnt feel very comfortable to me in all honesty, but maybe I needed to try one of the other ones they had in it. Seems right now a lot of the LBS are out of my size (54 or 55) depending on the brand because of the 2010 bikes coming in.


Oh I didnt make it at lunch today I was held over at work but I did talk to the LBS. The CAAD 8 was indeed a 2007 left over.

Lamp-Shade

OMGAWD GET DA DTREK LANCE LANCLNLANCLNE.
Get the one that makes you feel the dirtiest for choosing to support CEO's abusing the souls trapped inside third world slave labor factories.

terrymorse 

Assuming they all fit, go with the 105 10-speed drivetrain.

9-speed is no longer produced in the 105, Ultegra, and Dura Ace models. Shimano is keeping it around in their cheaper models, but 10-speed is the standard.

cshell

I'm new, so I just went with the 2010 Specialized Allez. Out the door for $850.00.

(fyi - the 2010 Allez is not the same as in previous years. It's the low end model.)

But it's my first road bike. I'm a runner. So I wanted to see if I liked the whole idea of cycling.

FYI #2, I LOVE the cycling a 100 times more than running!!!! Even on the low end (entry level) Specialized.

mdome7

Even if this is your first bike, should be able to feel the difference between the tiagra and the (better) 105. Usually, people say just get the bike that you feel better riding on. And since you said all 3 bikes fit you well and you like the look of the CAAD...

ZMike

Lamp-Shade,

I was just simply asking for advice on bikes not what you think about the factory and reading about the dumbest post of the day.

terrymorse,

Thank you very much. That's the way I'm leaning since it seems to be better components for my money even though it's an older model I'm trying not to break the bank for my first bike to make sure I'm going to like it as much as I think. Thanks again.

ZMike

mdone,

I havent had a chance to test the Tiagra and the 105's side by side and the bikes I have rode have been on different days so it was hard for me to notice a differnece. The only thing I know for sure is that I dont like the Sora's

Lamp-Shade

My apologies mate.
105 hands down. I understand where your at right now with buying a bike, and at this point its really about components. Not only does the cannondale have 105 all the way through, but its a CAAD. Good frame-stuffs. I'd go with that if I could.

ZMike

Lamp-Shade,

Thank you. That's much more informational



Can anyone tell me off hand how the CAAD 8 compares to the newer CAAD 9's ? Would it be worth the additional monies to go up a year or two ? If it doesnt matter for a beginner then I think I'll go take the 8 for a spin tomorrow and possible take it home.

shfifty

I picked up a Fisher AR Super for my first bike two weeks ago... I was looking at the CAAD 9 as well, went with the fisher... have not regretted it yet!

Good luck, and happy riding!

under18cyclists

Caad