Recommendations for road bike - approx. $2,200 price range?
 

New to the forum, so hello all.. I'm shopping for a road bike for training, club rides, and possibly recreational racing.. I've been on a mountain bike for years on the trails but need to have a cardio activity that I can just walk out the garage and go instead of driving to trails.

My LBS that I was hoping to give the business carries trek mainly and I was looking at the madone line, but I don't know that one can be had at my price point. I was hoping some of you with experience could give me some recommendations on specific bikes to look at. I'd like to get a carbon fiber framed bike, and would prefer to get the Ultegra group though it sounds like the 105 would be fine too?

Any specific recommendations are appreciated and if you have any tips on where to get the best deals, it's much appreciated. Another quick question, I am going to the local shop to work with their fit guy.. with that "fit" translate over to other bikes if I end up buying online? I will certainly be supporting the local shop with accessories, etc., and have a good relationship with them as we've purchased a number of bikes from the for the kids as well as all gear we have needed. I just don't want to be tied to the bike makes that they carry.

So if you were spending up to $2,200, what would you buy and where.. any recommendations on pedals and other useful accessories for a road bike are appreciated to.. thanks a lot for any thoughts! Ben

I'm pretty sure there is a madone 4 series with 105 in your range.

thanks mzeffex. I guess I was looking at the 5 series.. 4.5 or 4.7 with 105 components on it could be in the range.. would that be a good option. Trying to get as many recommendations so I can look and compare solid options with recommendations..

My sig.

Are there any other bike shops you can check out?

If it were up to me, I'd build a bike using a cheap carbon frame (Pedal Force, Planet X, Element 6, eBay, etc.) and put Rival on it.
or http://www.neuvationcycling.com/product206.html $2250

Yeah, it's a good bike. While I don't ride a Trek I do sell them and they are well made. Unfortunately now only the 6 series are made in the US and are OCLV.

great.. since you are in the business, would you have any other specific recommendations for bikes I should try to take a look at and consider?


shovelhd, thanks for the recommendation and I'll see if I can find a local Felt dealer..

ptle, thanks. I'm thinking I want to stay with an established company so I have a better shot of success with warranty issues and the dealer rectifying any issues that come up.

The 105s will suit you fine. Ultegra to 105 is like XT to LX/SLX. Better, but not enough to slow you down.

Once you save up some more dough, you'll probably want to upgrade something other than the drivetrain components (wheelset maybe) or buy more gear.

Well the only carbon Trek road bikes are the Madones, so that's that. Specialized Tarmac, Giant Defy/TCR, really any bike in that price range is going to be nice.

The most important thing is always fit. Try a bunch of bikes
and buy the one you love.

I bought a Specialized Tarmac in that price range; I absolutely love it!

The new 5700 105 looks promising. I'm sure it'll be really good.

im surprised no one has said it, but i guess i will CERVELO S!

thanks for the recommendation lovestoride.. I just read up on the S1 a little bit, and it sounds like a really nice bike.. and right at my price point with ultegra components.. hmmmm..

I guess I should add to my advice request the aluminum v. carbon fiber question.. at least with the S1, the weight is comparable.. am I correct that the distinction that would likely affect me is the carbon fiber possibly being less harsh and soaking up more vibration / bumps?

thank you guys very much for the help!

Not necessarily. I rode the S1 and it didn't have the harsh ride I was expecting. It all depends on the make of the aluminum and how the frame is constructed. The S1 (previously Soloist Team) has a number of major wins on the Pro circuit so it must be good

The s1 won't be as smooth as a carbon bike. When the aluminum is as light as carbon, you know it won't be as smooth riding, or what would you be paying for with carbon? It's a nice bike though, don't get me wrong.

gonna test ride the S1, and Specialized Tarmac Elite and Comp tomorrow.. price-wise, they are all close to the same ballpark. about $2200 for the S1, Tarmac Elite about $1800 and Tarmac Comp around $2250 -- prices on carbon bikes include 15% discount.

the specialized bikes come with 105 components and S1 comes with Ultegra.

We'll see how they feel.

I feel like Cannondale Six with 105 would be in your price range, or CAAD9 with better group?

I'm very happy with my 2010 Scott CR1 Team model, that lists for $2200, but can be had for roughly $2,000 (maybe less by now). It's full 105, although the web site is still showing the 5600 series - you MIGHT want to wait for 5700.

Here is a link: http://www.scott-sports.com/gb_en/pr...9/45090/215704

For a few hundred more there is a Rival-equipped version (that also has nicer wheels), but stepping up to the Ultegra version costs more.

The current CR1 frame is designed with a bit of damping/flex in it, and a slightly more relaxed geometry. If you want something that is more racing oriented, the Addict line has a similar range of equipages, for a tad more money.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...RODUCT.ID=6651

This plus a set of road wheels....
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...RODUCT.ID=8038

thanks for the addition insight guys.. three demo rides today:

Cervelo S1 -- Ultegra components. I really liked it as this was the first road bike I've been on in a while. Rolled extremely well, and very smooth. Didn't really feel anything "harsh", but this was the first ride.

Specialized Tarmac Comp -- Shimano 105 components. This bike felt smoother around the same test route. Might be my imagination, but it didn't feel like it rolled as nice, but wow was it smooth. Nicer stock bars and seat to me.

After that shop, I headed to the trek dealer and got fitted on a Madone 4.7. It was set up with the SRAM Rival components. I actually liked the SRAM system of shifting, though I also liked the Shimano setups. I got to take the bike home, so I went out for a 40 minute ride over hills, flats, rougher and nicer roads. I think this is the one.

As much as I love the aero look of the Cervelo, it didn't feel as comfortable to me as the two carbon fiber bikes. And they all just went compared to the old mountainbike I've been riding. Now the tricky part is selecting between the specialized and trek..

Anyone care to weigh in? I need some help because both felt great.. if it matters, trek is the blue, black and white and the specialized is the black and gray carbon look.. hmmmmmmmmm.. :twitchy:

Scott Addict R3

I don't want to sound like a broken record, but did you try any Cannondales? Does your LBS carry them? I think Six/105 won some kind of award this year

But I have nothing to complain about the Madone. It's a good looking bike

went out for about a 20 mile ride yesterday on the madone and thoroughly enjoyed it.. sure wish I would have had an opportunity for a more lengthy test ride on the specialized, but they didn't offer the demo to take home, and they were also 45 minute away from my house..

so i went with the trek madone 4.7 with the SRAM Rival group.. first set of bicycle shoes and clipless pedals too.. they freaking rock.

Thrilled with the whole setup.

thanks again for all the advice and thoughts!

Nice, enjoy it!