llamont

Hello all

I am new to BF and I recently purchased a Hardrock Disc for riding around the neighborhood. Well, I've decided to do some local organized rides (30-60 mile events) and I would like to add a decent road bike to my stable. I would like a bike that is relatively light in weight and a good all around road bike for exercising and recreational neighborhood riding with the lady. Also, I understand that there are probably a ton of options out there but I'd like to stay south of $1G. Since I currently have a Specialized mountain bike, I was thinking about sticking with Specialized for the road bike but I've been looking at some of the bikes on the bikesdirect site. Anywho, I'm not totally committed to any specific brand at this point and I'd like to get the most bicycle for the dollar. I would appreciate some feedback on the matter.

Thanks
Loren

AC1074

hiya and welcome! I would suggest looking at a Trek 1000 or 1.1. That should keep you below or near your budget. They are nice road bikes and I am a proud owner of a 04 Trek 1000. There are lots of options out there. I also suggest to swing by your local bike shop for deals and talk to some of the staff there. Road bikes are a lot like cars in that you can sometimes find a bike made the year before and get a good deal if the shop is trying to clear the inventory.

horatio 

The Specialized Allez is an entry-level road racing bike that should meet your requirements, and I think they have re-introduced a steel-frame version with down-tube shifters for around $700. You might also snag a good deal on a 2010 closeout model at your LBS.

I spent a couple of months riding and comparing carbon and aluminim bikes, and settled on the Secteur. The only things I will probably upgrade are the Sora shifters. BikesDirect has good values, but you have to assemble and tune the bikes yourself. I would spec out a few bikes in your price range then ride as many of them as you can before buying, and ride each for a couple of hours if you can. Make sure you get the right frame size to start with. There's also the option of getting a used bike off CL.

HTH

tacticalfireguy

I did some research when I bought my new road bike, what I learned/discovered was that for my budget FELT was the best answer. The same basic bike from Trek, Giant, or Specialized was around 300-400 more. I bought the F85. 105 fd,rd, and brakes. Microshift brifters, FSA crank, carbon fork. Really nice bike. But it all comes down to taste. I liked the FELT, the giant had the same components that the cheapie ebay bike I was riding (no reason to spend more for the same equipment), and everyone rides Trek. that is what helped me decide. Good luck, and enjoy what ever you get.

llamont

Thank you for the responses! I have my work cut out for me but I now have a better idea of some viable options.

doctor j

This is a good idea. It's the way I've purchased both of my modern-day road bikes. You'll get more bike for for your bucks. Just make sure it fits you.

WHOOOSSHHH...

If you don't want to break the bank then stay away from cycling. If you are like most here , you will break the bank eventually!!

baj32161

I wish I could laugh at this but it is so true.