venmous28

Alright guys, i'm pretty new here but have been lurking around for a few years. It's finally time where i have thought enough about a road bike to actually go out and purchase one. Thanks to all the knowledge here, it's making the decision a little easier.

My main goal here was to stay under the $1k mark and get something beginner'ish. The problem is that $1k isnt that far off from some definite upgrades.

My first two to decide from were a Bianchi Via Nirone 7 Sora & a Trek 1.2. I love the Bianchi fit/style as i also have a Bianchi mtn bike.

Here is the wrench thrown into it all. I've found an 08 Raleigh Competition on sale for $1299. Full 105 components with an Ultegra rear delrailer. it's nice but there's something about it that i dont love.

Moving to the ~$1299 range i can get a Via Nirone 105 alucarbon, a KHS flight 720, or a Cannondale Synapse 5. All of these have 105 goodies but lack the full carbon frame.


What would you do? Sorry for the long post!

sced

I take it you can do your own wrenching and you won't be impressing anyone with your stated choices anyway, so you can buy a much better bike online.

venmous28

It's not about impressing anyone at all. Sure, i can do things myself. If you're speaking of the bikesdirect stuff, lets please keep this out of the 4 choices above.

Thank you.

EKCooper

I love my Synapse. I also have three bikes and all are alloy. I've test ridden carbon bikes and unless you get high-end carbon, I don't think you're going to see much difference. There's nothing wrong with alloy bikes (or titanium or steel) and 105 seem to be good components. Get the one you like the best, but I would steer you away from Sora parts. Good luck!