mbabiker

I've been mostly a mountain biker and have a trek fuel 5.5 bicycle which I love. I've been using it on the roads as well but now I'd like to have a road bike as well. Any recommendations? I'd love to get a bike around the $500 range but willing to go to about $1,000 for one that people may just absolutely love.

mulveyr 

Anything in that price range is going to be low to low-middle-end, but you can still get something decent.

I recently bought a Specialized Secteur, a relaxed-geometry road bike. It's bumping up against your upper limit, but you can probably still get 2010 closeout prices, if you're lucky, and drop that down a bit. I'm happy with it, for the kind of riding I do. :-)

KiuBWhy

See this thread and my post in there (#8)

markymark69

That is a good post. My last 3 bikes have been used.

I would also recommend getting in touch with any local riding/race clubs. I have hooked up 2 of my friends with higher end frames from the local club I belong too. Invariably someone has a 2nd or 3rd bike they want to offload and sell it for less than what they could get on ebay..just to help out a local new rider.

jwill87ta

I recently got in to road cycling and purchased a used bike that was about 4 years old but had been ridden very little. I spent half the price of a new bike and was able to get 105/Ultegra groupset and carbon fork and stays. I feel like I was able to get much more bike, that will still last me a long time, rather then buying a pure "entry-level" bike. If you know about what size you need this may be your best bet. You'll also be able to save some money for the "extras" which to this point have cost me about as much as the bike itself.

superNoid

I wish I had gone used, if only to save half the cash. However you can get a great bike for ~$1000.

pgjackson

I just got a new Felt Z85 for under $1000 at Bicycle Warehouse. You can get a really decent 25lb road bike for around $500, but you will be getting entry level components, which work just fine. The next grade up will be around $1000-1200 where you get in to the 105's with lighter frames around 18-20lbs. The next step will be the super light carbon frames (and other exotic materials) with professional level components and the price goes through the roof.

The best advice is determine what you want ("inexpensive" entry level bike to see if you even like the sport, a mid-level bike with great components, or an elite level bike with top of the line everything), then do your research. Bike prices vary greatly and bike frequently go on deep discount. It's not uncommon to see a bike with a $1400 price tag one day, then on Sunday it's on sale for $1100 or less. Shop around, visit as many bike shops as you can, ask a lot of questions. Visit this forum frequently.

mbabiker

thank you...this is very helpful and definitely helps with the budget!

bassjones

at the higher end of your budget, you should be able to get a leftover (brand doesn't matter much) with 105 group. There is a pretty good difference in shifting feel from Sora - Tiagra - 105. 105 is a pretty good group and you'll be glad you spent the extra money. Just make sure you get fitted properly and know that different brands fit differently for the same size frame. On a Cannondale or Felt I was sized for a 60 and on a Scott I was sized at a 58.

achoo

If you're comfortable buying a bike of the intertubes, Neuvation alloy frame bike with SRAM Apex is $1099:

https://www.neuvationcycling.com/F100.html

Disclaimer: I have that bike, but with Ultegra 6700.

And then there's the infamous https://bikesdirect.com

Symr00

LOL, I was in the same boat as you MTBer looking to ride on the road. My budget was $500-$700 for bike alone. I found out quickly that for a new bike, you don't get much for $700. I ended up spending $1200 for a decent bike with 105 components and I've been happy with it ever since. I am glad I spent the extra for a better bike.

Phil85207

X2 I too wish I had gone used. Could have saved a bundle, and still gotten a great bike.