Which bike to get....
 

Now that I am shopping in earnest for my first road bike, I am really confused...so many models, so many options..

I know that I want at least 105 components (Don't know what the equivalent SRAM line would be) and aluminum frame, (I am very wary of Carbon Fiber as I weigh 215 which from what I understand is more then most carbon frames recommend) but aside from that I have no clue..

My LBS recommended a Cannondale Synapse 6 Aluminum, Nice bike but is almost 1400 (I was hoping to spend a grand not including pedals/fitting etc)

What else can you all recommend?

I would prefer to buy from a LBS then from an online retailer but I am hoping I can find a good deal

Thanks in advance

Yep, go with the Cannondale.

These 2 would be a good place to start.

GT GTR Series 2 SRAM Apex - $899
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._20000__400306
http://www.performancebike.com/image...62-WB-SIDE.jpg

GT GTR Series 1 SRAM Rival - $1079
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._20000__400306
http://www.performancebike.com/image...0-BBK-SIDE.jpg

Pretty damn good bang for the buck with those two bikes and you can't go wrong with either of them. Main difference between the Rival and Apex will be the lighter components on the Rival equipped one and also I think the black and blue frame looks cooler.

http://www.bianchiusa.com/bikes/coas...nirone-7-sora/
http://www.bianchiusa.com/typo3temp/pics/8ed818320b.jpg
I would go for celeste, but thats the 105 and it runs about 1400 as well

Wow a grand for a Sora bike? :eek:

Wow, Lots to think about :)

Which SRAM is the same as the 105? the Apex or the Rival?? *scratches head*

the people i know who use SRAM components tell me that there's not as huge of a difference between the different component levels as there is with the Shimano components. i think the main difference you'll see is weight savings in the SRAM product line. i've heard people say that Apex feels pretty darn close to 105 and Rival is somewhere between 105 and Ultegra. and IIRC, the SRAM groupsets all weigh less than their respective Shimano counterparts.

When going out and trying out SRAM vs Shimano just base it on one and one thing only, the shifting ergonomics. Do you feel more comfortable shifting the SRAM way or the Shimano way, anything else will be pointless. You will not be faster with SRAM and vice versa. At the level of drivetrain that you are looking at both will get the job done and then some.

Thanks everyone for the info :) , I have been researching some more and stopped by another LBS who recommended a Specialized Secatur as sort of a cross between hardcore speed and touring comfort... Again my issue is that it has a carbon fork and I am very leary...But then again I think the Canondale does too....

Going to see what the equivalent Trek is now :)

You don't need to be leery of a carbon fork (or a carbon frame, for that matter) at 215 pounds. The only thing that a full carbon frame is incompatible with is your budget.

Get the bike that fits best, with the components that feel best, from the bike shop that treats you best, within your budget. There are indeed a lot of choices out there.

In the Trek Line you can get the Trek 2.1 which is Shimano 105 equipped for around 1250, aluminum frame, carbon fork I just picked one up and I love it! Good luck on your search! Gene

What do you all think about Giant as a brand?

Umm, what about this one on clearance?

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/fr...bike-9925.html

Shimano 105 5500, is that supposed to be a typo? Because if not 5500 was 2 versions ago and it's 9-speed.

If you select the bike, it says that it's the 5600.

I recently bought this one... I can say without hesitation that it is a FINE bike... bang for the buck I'd put it against any big branded bike costing 12-1300 bucks easily... an EXCELLENT bargain and a plain old good bike any way you cut it...

Hmm, that GT looks like a bargain, but at this point I would rather buy from a LBS rather then internet.

I have been going into shops and looking, so far every shop I've gone into spent time with me going over bikes, reccomending sizes and explaining options, So whichever shop has the bike I choose at a reasonable price will get the sale even if it costs me a hundred or so extra... Just how I feel tho...YMMV :)

So far I've narrowed it down to the following (all 105 equipped):

1) Cannondale Synapse 6
2) Specialized Secatur
3) Trek 2.1

One LBS did say I should wait a few mos for the new models to come out and get a deal on a leftover... :) What sayeth all the bike experts here :)

fwiw - PB is local to me anyway so it wasn't an issue...

You could wait the only downside is the size you need to fit properly might not be available when the newer models come out. When I purchased my 2.1 there were only a few left in my size and paint scheme wanted. So you could be rolling the dice if you wait. Then again you might like the newer ones better!

How about the Schwinn Paramount Series 7? Carbon Frame with 105 for $1250. If you use coupon code 15620 and buy any Vuelta product and get an additional 15% off.

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...0_10000_202339

No PB in NJ. Closest to you would be PA, or DE.

They have great great deals there though. I got my Fuji Team, carbon w/full Ultegra for $1300 last year. I was/am very happy. :)

What time of year was it? Was it a previous season's model?

What? Who told you that? I'm not pushing carbon bikes nor dissing aluminum (I have both), but given your budget, a carbon frame is moot unless you're looking for used. Nevertheless, your assumption of carbon frames is incorrect.

Furthermore, is your 215lbs fat or muscle? If fat, count on losing a bunch off if you're going to ride regularly.

Yea.. It was an '09, purchased August 2010. They had it on clearance plus 10% off, plus 20% in points. My brother was buying a bike, so he gave me money for the points. Worked out GREAT for me.

These are all good suggestions for bikes,the only thing i can add is dont wait,get it now whatever it is and get out and ride.