markwebb

I have been out of the road bike scene for over a year - divorce, injuries, new marriage, and other life interruptions. So now I go out to buy a new road bike. My first choice is eBay because I've always had good results there. I look for a Ti or steel bike. Find a few. Buy a nice 90's vintage Columbus steel frame with 130mm spread in rear. Nice new Campy components. $800 or so plus shipping. But it's not my size/not good fit (always a risk on eBay) so it's now for sale on eBay and I'm again looking. Find a nice new Ti from custom builder - it ends up selling for around $1,500 shipped. Great deal but about $500 more than what I want to spend. Not much else in Ti on eBay (a few years ago $1,000 would get you a great used Ti bike but can't find any now) and steel with 130mm spacing and modern parts is hard to find in good condition (Lemonds going for a lot these days in old 853 frames with good parts). So then I start looking at - gasp- carbon.

Mind you I never ever never would ever have considerd carbon a few years ago. First they were too expensive new, second I worried about longevity. But as I'm riding my steelie that fits poorly I see everyone riding carbon. Carbon has become the norm now based on what I see being ridden. And the prices have dropped. Right now I can buy:

Performance Scattante with Shimano 105 (save Tektro brakes and FSA cranks) bike for $1061 shipped.

Neuvation 100 Carbon SRAM Apex bike for $1,501. Better wheels than the Performance bike but about $500 more than my budget.

Litespeed M1 Carbon SRAM Rival for $1,548 from Competitive Cyclist. Better spec'd components but Neuvation may be better wheel (?).

I didn't price any BD bikes, as with all 3 above I feel confident in warranties and customer service.

For about a grand I'm leaning towards the Performance bike. I can always upgrade wheels later for less than $300 and still have a nicely equipped bike a few hundred $$$ less than Neuvation or the Litespeed.

Based on my shopping, I'd say carbon has arrived at a very affordable pricepoint and is probably the reason it looks like the main ride I see everyone riding around on.

Would there be any other brands you'd recommend (save me the BD recommendations) in the sub-$1,100 price range for a carbon bike, or else Ti or steel? I just can't find comparable Ti or steel at this price point even though they'd be my preferences. Any reason NOT to choose the Performance bike (other than that awful Scattante model name)?

Jed19

Have you ridden any carbon bike?

I think the best frame material out there right now is carbon (light, moldable, stiff where it needs to be etc), save for custom-built Ti.

There is a reason why you see a lot of carbon bikes out there.

JWalton215

If you are looking for new steel:

https://bikesdirect.com/products/moto...premio_pro.htm

https://bikesdirect.com/products/merc..._serpensIX.htm

laserfj

He said he doesn't want to buy from bikes direct.

JWalton215

He sure did. My BaD.

ColinL

I'm riding a Litespeed M1 Rival from CC. I upgraded to Ksyrium Elite wheels for $400 (total to my door, $1949).

I didn't plan on doing anything with it from there but I had to ditch the setback seatpost-- straight Thomson elite on it now. My morning workout circuit is 1/4 to 1/3 cobblestones and it does just fine. It's significantly better in fact than the 2010 Secteur Elite Apex I was riding previously.

Rival is better than 105 IMHO. I rode them both at my LBS (both 2011).

However, you said your budget is $1,000. Not sure that I would splurge for the Litespeed in that case.

laserfj

i c wat u did thur.

himespau 

If you're not opposed to used, I'm sure you could get a hella good used carbon bike for that much. Just be sure it wasn't crashed.

musicmaster

New? Its going to be hard. Maybe PB has a sale, but the lowest carbon bikes I saw there were around $1400.

datlas 

Test ride.

At your level of expertise buying off eBay is foolish, as you should have already figured out.

The frame material is a lower priority after geometry and fit.

PhotoJoe 

If you go the PB route, don't forget to sign up for their club, whatever it's called. On the purchase of a bike, it will pay for itself as well as a new set of pedals or a computer or bibs or jersey or.........

markwebb

I think the higher your level of expertise the less risk with eBay. I can honestly say of the thousands (I think my actual transactions are well in excess of 2,000) on eBay I have only had a handful of negative experiences, and only 1 with a bike. If it don't fit just sell it again - if it's used when you buy it then you'll not lose much if anything.

Fit is important, but so is material. No way I'd buy aluminum - no matter what is said I have NEVER ridden an Al bike that rides anywhere near as good as Ti or steel.

I'm interested in carbon now because the prices have come so far down. I'd snatch up a Ti in a quick second in my price range, as well as an excellent quality steel 853 bike. But I have not found any of those (other than one I bought that is wrong size and now I have listed on eBay) so I'm considering carbon - light and good for all day rides. The longevity worries me, as I'm not easy on bikes and have been known to fall. Ti is probably all-around best for me if I could find one in my price range. So - to me - material is very important.

Garfield Cat

If you get a chance to speak to the carbon repair guys at Calfee Design, you'll find out that not all carbon bike frames are similar. Some are better than others. Price point is just one way to look at it, but not the only way.

motobecane69

i know your budget is around $1000 but if you went for the neuvation bike, spend an extra $65 to upgrade the wheels from their std m28x aero set to their R28xsl and for under 1600 bucks you will have a carbon bike with a VERY nice set of wheels that you won't need to upgrade. Spend the few extra bucks and get it right the first time, I think you'll be glad you did.

JWalton215

The M1 looks like a great deal.

I don't work for BD nor have I ever purchased from them, but I'm curious why you would potentially buy a used steel / Ti / carbon off eBay but worry about a warranty on a new BD purchase.

datlas 

I am sure you can get an acceptable carbon fiber bike at your price point.

Personally I prefer Ti.

Keep an open mind. You say you would never ride an aluminum bike?? Ask some of our fellow BFers who love their Tsunamis or even CAADs.

I still think fit and geometry trump material, but that's just my opinion.

tagaproject6

The Neuvation bikes are an excellent choice! Contact them and they will help you with the fit. Very personable and helpful staff.

markwebb

Yup 1+ on Neuvation and CC. Both excellent on-line retailers.