TeamCNY

Looking for a full bike to replace one that got hit by a truck. What are the least-expensive options that are Ultegra (or comparable)?

I had an all-Dura-Ace Specialized E5 S-Works (that i got a GREAT deal on several years ago). That bike has spoiled me into being a bit of a bike-snob. BUT.... I don't see me getting something that high-end this time around.

Main uses for the bike:
- Good weather solo road riding (fitness)
- Group rides (non-competitive)
- Handful of road-races a year (local, not super-competitive)

I'm not going to kid you (or myself).... looks and light-weight* are important to me. I like owning something that I really like looking at. I realize I don't NEED these features, but I really enjoyed my old bike.

(My definition of light is full-bike=sub 19lbs. I'm not a total WW)(nor am I light myself! )

EDITED TO ADD:I will be getting no insurance payout or any other reimbursement for my now-dead bike.

jdon

1-800- Insurance.

92Esquire

There have been a number of places running specials on '09 Salsa Podios for $1599 or so. That's for a full-Rival bike. Wheels aren't spectacular, but workable. I'm really loving mine.

agarose2000

Don't think you'll beat this aluminum full Ultegra 6700 bike (triple):

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...rvus_al_xi.htm

But honestly, I doubt you'd notice a significant difference between 105 and ultegra - if price is an object, 105 is the way to go.

gazelle5333

if you weren't at fault, the insurance company should pay. I just got hit last Sat and am now trying to move their insurance company along so I can replace it with a comparable level bike w/o any expense to me. I gave them the price for everything and what I am looking for as compensation(quote + $300 due to downgraded components on the same model) for the accident and I'm awaiting their response.

Unagidon

How about this one? https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...RODUCT.ID=6676

achoo

The only way I think you can get a better price than this is if you go to Bike's Direct:

https://www.neuvationcycling.com/product146.html

And the Bike's Direct bike will use cheaper components, although the Neuvation as spec'd does have Tektro brakes and an FSA crank, neither of which are IMO as good as Ultegra.

But you can get a full SRAM Apex from Neuvation for $1,099:

https://www.neuvationcycling.com/product207.html

FWIW, the Neuvation frame looks an awful lot like a Cervelo S1 frame. So much so that it makes one wonder what the odds are of them both coming from the same factory...

lunacycle

Or this one https://www.competitivecyclist.com/ro...bike-6950.html

zambenini

Can't go wrong w/ the Ridley or BMC mentioned here. Rival probably just as good as Ultegra. I have the BMC Racemaster and it's awesome. Road racer posted above is same geometry. If my wife wouldn't have a conniption, I'd order one as a winter bike. Can't beat that price. You could order an Ultegra build kit from Excel Sports Boulder for cheap and just grab a frame off ebay. Any old steel, AL bike would do. Cheap!

TeamCNY

Thanks everyone. I've really been leaning towards a Neuvation bike.

astardotcom

https://www.francobicycles.com/

check them out. 3000 dollars for full 2010 sram force build.

PaulRivers

I don't understand why anyone would want the cheapest crappiest frame they can find and Ultegra.

If you want to go cheap, go with 105 and a cheap frame. There's practically no difference. If you want the fancy under-the-tape cable routing, get this year's 105 (they just came out with the new stuff).

If you want something nice, get a more expensive bike with 105.

There's a far bigger difference between frames (and the frame differences aren't even usually *that* huge) than there is between 105 and Ultegra.

If you really liked your old bike, I might look for a used one on ebay. They're a lot cheaper than they used to be, especially now that everything in that price range is carbon fiber.

TeamCNY

I figured that if I set the bar at Ultegra (or similar) level, that those components don't generally end up on the cheapest crappiest frames.

Now that I've been looking at the BMC (I'd not even considered them before), I really like them.

RiPHRaPH

you can always upgrade parts/components later. Go with the best frameset that fits you the best. Fill in with upgrades later as time goes by.

PaulRivers

If you look at all the bikes out there, including everything they sell on the internet, I'm sure somewhere you'll find where someone has put Ultegra on an extremely mediocre frame, so who's looking at component level only.