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$4,000 to buy a bike, how would you spend it?

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$4,000 to buy a bike, how would you spend it?

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Old 05-14-10, 08:56 AM
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$4,000 to buy a bike, how would you spend it?

If you had 3-4K to buy a bike, what frame components would you buy? I'm looking for a great bang for the buck bike. I typically ride group rides on weekends and shorter interval rides and hills during the week. I ride them on my tri-bike getting ready for Lake Placid this summer, but once I'm done with the IM, I'm going to focus on the bike. Normally about 150-180 miles is the average.
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Old 05-14-10, 08:59 AM
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Tcr
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Old 05-14-10, 09:02 AM
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Something aluminium that fits with DA and some great wheels.
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Old 05-14-10, 09:13 AM
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That is a nice budget. Custom steel is the way I'd go but with that cash you have all kinds of options.
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Old 05-14-10, 09:13 AM
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Originally Posted by kayakdiver
Tcr
Specifically a TCR Advanced SL3: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/....3/3871/36659/

You can probably get that for the middle of your price range.

Honestly, whatever Giant, Trek, Specialized, Felt, etc. you get in that price range will be a very nice bike, and will be pretty similar.

I'm partial to Giant, one because of their in house expertise building with carbon fiber, and two, the lack of cache in the name usually means a comparable Giant can be bought a little bit cheaper.
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Old 05-14-10, 09:17 AM
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I'd probably spend ~3k to get a nice ultegra-level bike, then spend about 1k on some psimet carbon wheels or something.
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Old 05-14-10, 09:20 AM
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Since you asked about me...
CAAD-9 4 (al frame with rival and force chainset) ~$1800
https://www.cannondale.com/usa/usaeng...0RA94C-CAAD9-4

HED Stinger 6 race wheels ~ $1650 for the set
https://www.hedcycling.com/wheels/stinger6.asp

And I'd scrounge around and buy a computer with the rest of it, maybe a power system if I could get good deals on everything.
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Old 05-14-10, 09:22 AM
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Originally Posted by jfmckenna
That is a nice budget. Custom steel is the way I'd go but with that cash you have all kinds of options.
+1. IF Steel Crown Jewel for me.
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Old 05-14-10, 09:26 AM
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If I had only 3-4k to buy a bike, I would wait till I had more money, then buy the bike.

I would look at it differently. I would come up with a wish list and then start pricing things out.

That way I am not settling for something less. Those PSIMET carbon clinchers are nice, if you get nice hubs, spokes to go with it.
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Old 05-14-10, 09:27 AM
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Lynskey.

R340 complete for less than $3K. Sell the Askium, and then get some better wheels and you will still have money left for accessories.

https://www.lynskeyperformance.com/a/...romo-event.php
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Old 05-14-10, 09:34 AM
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the one that fits.

Seriously, look at doing your own build not some off the rack whatever for that kind of cheddar.

Grab components and wheels from Ribble or PBK or Wiggle or whereever in the UK. Grab your frame and bars, seatpost, saddle, stem wherever and build the damn thing yourself.

I'm partial to my Wilier but go with what makes you want to ride. You can build up anything from a Wilier to a Look for the money.

Otherwise, why would your ride a TCR-- I have never riden one so take this for what its worth-- but I seem to see alot of complaints that it rides like a block of wood.

Go for the new Colnago Ace or Look 566 - both Ultegra bikes for ~3K. Fantastic reviews and stellar ride quality (my bud has a 566, it is a nice bike)


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Old 05-14-10, 09:35 AM
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Originally Posted by tuxbailey
Lynskey.

R340 complete for less than $3K. Sell the Askium, and then get some better wheels and you will still have money left for accessories.

https://www.lynskeyperformance.com/a/...romo-event.php
+1 -- also a good idea.
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Old 05-14-10, 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by duffymcpatzer
+1 -- also a good idea.
yeah, that is a hot deal. I would seriously consider that if I am shopping for a Ti Bike now. Or I will get the frame and BD parts.
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Old 05-14-10, 10:11 AM
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Too many great choices at that price range. Just make sure to save some cash for a good fitting and get a bike with a great warranty if you plan to keep it for a long time. I wish I had your problem!
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Old 05-14-10, 10:18 AM
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I would get a $3000 bike and put on a $1000 set of PowerCranks on it.
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Old 05-14-10, 10:53 AM
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105 is faster than Dura Ace if the engine fits the chassis and is properly tuned.
I'd go for the pro bike fit, spin analysis & follow up, and spend a few months testing every saddle on the market. Then maybe a Power Meter.
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Old 05-14-10, 10:55 AM
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$3K on bike, $1K on a powertap or wheels.
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Old 05-14-10, 10:57 AM
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i'd buy a Ti frame of some sort, chorus-11 groupset, and the best wheels i could afford once the frame and components were purchased.
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Old 05-14-10, 11:12 AM
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My Scott Addict R2 listed for $3600. I paid $3000. I upgraded the brakes, wheels and saddle and sold the original parts, that probably added $700 or so. Wound up with a $3600 (approx) bike with Ultegra and clinchers that weighs 15 lbs 14 oz. Loving it. Anyway, same budget, that's what I did. Photo below is before I added the Zero G brakes (which brought the weight down to < 16 lbs).

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Old 05-14-10, 11:16 AM
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I would buy this bike - a Cervelo RS. https://www.competitivecyclist.com/ro...o-rs-6423.html

My local dealer had a 2010 with Ultegra for $3600 as I recall and I think he also had a 2009 model for $3100.
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Old 05-14-10, 11:16 AM
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ti frame, red or force group, 50-60mm carbon clinchers.
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Old 05-14-10, 11:26 AM
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www.soulcraftbikes.com
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Old 05-14-10, 11:52 AM
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If you actually needed a 4000 dollar bike, you wouldn't be paying for it.
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Old 05-14-10, 11:54 AM
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i disapprove of unnecessary bicycle spending.

except for storage solutions for 3 road bikes and a cople of mountain bikes.
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Old 05-14-10, 11:56 AM
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Originally Posted by bismillah
If you actually needed a 4000 dollar bike, you wouldn't be paying for it.
If I don't buy a $4000+ bike, how is that poor bike company going to be able to afford to give away the same bike to the pros? They can't. It's our duty. I'm practically a primary sponsor of some of those pro teams with the money I spend on cycling.
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