Bike was stolen, looking for opinions on a new one. Jamis, Aerocat, Fuji?
 

Hi all,

First time poster but a loooong time reader. I'm always on this forum whenever I have need to look up a question or just looking for bike porn. Unfortunately, my road bike was stolen and I'm in the market for a new one. I had an Aerocat R505 (http://www.aerocatbike.com/Products/R505/R505Home.html) with a 105/Ultegra mix. Our team gets a deal through them and it was my first real carbon race bike. So now, I think I've narrowed it down to three other bikes. Would very much value opinions. Thanks!

1. 2011 Fuji sst 2.0 I would just buy this bike stock, straight from the LBS. http://www.fujibikes.com/bike/details/sst_2_0

2. 2009 Jamis Xenith SL. They have one of these at the bike shop for a deal. I would buy the frameset and then probably spec with force and 3t components. (No way can I afford red and zipps) http://www.jamisbikes.com/canada/the...9_xenithsl.pdf

3. 2011 Aerocat R509. Again, I'd get a pretty good deal on the frame and could go pretty crazy with components and groupset. Just not sure if better components or a better frame is more valuable. http://www.aerocatbike.com/Products/R509/R509Home.html

Thanks for any help!

Full disclosure - We are sponsored by Aerocat.

I have built up what seems like 5 or 6 R509's in the last few weeks including one for me. I really like a few of the key design features - the head tube/downtube are fiercely stiff, the 1-1/4 bottom headset bearing (tapered headtube), the BB30. I have built a few into the just over 15 pound range and they're stiff too.

If your team has been working with the Pooles then I'd recommend helping to support the team and the Pooles by picking up another AeroCat. The 509 is a really nice frame for the $$.

Thanks for the reply. I have loved working with Tim, he has been very easy to work with. Even overnighted me a derailleur hanger when I broke one on a training trip. Can't beat customer service from a small company like that. Do you have any opinion on their new R705?

Get the best you can for your dollar. If you can get a step up with the aerocat b/c of your discount, then do it.