Hey All -

Avid mountain biker here that wants to finally go to the dark side and get a road bike! I know, I've sold my soul, but road cycling just seems like great exercise and actually a lot of fun, plus my lady can do it with me =)

Trying to decide on a couple bikes for us and here is my quarrel. I always buy new as I've had bad experiences with craigslist, plus I like the service from an LBS. I've always been a big fan of Trek bikes. I have a Fuel EX 8 mountain bike, as well as a 7.3 FX bike I use for commuting. Love the FX, but I think I want something a little faster with drop bars. My first instinct is to get the 1.1 beginner bottom of the line road bike, for $700 here. My buddy told me to try some of the bikes at Performance bikes (outlet chain). I tried some Scattante as well as GT and Fuji that were around $500 bikes. They all felt somewhat cheap to me. But saving a couple hundred on an entry level bike is a big deal, and the componentry looked very similar, even better on some of the Performance bikes.

I know I should try the 1.1, but the store is 45 miles away so I thought I'd get some opinions first. What do you guys think of the bikes I have in mind? I feel like Trek is the better brand, and would probably be the better bike, but worth a couple hundred extra, not sure?

Gimme some opinions or tips on the bikes for beginners... How are the Fuji's vs Trek entry level? (Also considering Fuji Roubaix 3.0 $649 vs Trek 1.1 $700)

Thanks.

Value wise your best bet is used, but it takes work and knowledge.

Generally speaking, the Performance bikes will be better deals and you'll still get shop support. Brand names really mean very little in your price range since every bike will come from China or Taiwan. The markup on bikes at a local shop is huge, and the chains and online retailers usually sell for much less. You might find a good end of season deal though.

Bikes in this category are so similar that you should go by looks, seriously.

You have to spend generally about $200-$300 more to get better components. The frames on these entry level bikes are so good now that they're raceable at the top levels without compromise. Sure, they're not carbon, but you won't be missing it whatsoever on these outstanding rames.

This is very different from mtn biking, in which there is a lot more performance variation in shock, geometry, etc. In road cycling, entry level bike gets you 95% of the way there, if not 98% of the way there.

11,500 miles and counting on my Fuji Newest (Sora components). No issues other than normal wear items such as tires, brake pads, chain etc.

Thanks for the answers guys. And yea I totally understand. I was just curious cause like you said, mountain biking there is a noticeable difference at every step up in a bike IMO. A $1000 bike is MUCH better than a $500 bike.

So now I'm still considering the Trek 1.1 and the Fuji Roubaix 3.0. The trek is only $50 more and I really dig the look, plus I love trek bikes. The Fuji seems to have the better components, Sora vs 2300 derailers, as well as a Carbon fork. Not sure how much of a difference it will make, and Trek has really been good to me in the past. Might come down to the point of my GF and I both getting bikes at Performance Bikes as its closer and probably going to be cheaper, plus you get rewards and points and such.

Hmm.

Carbon fork is a HUGE difference, the 1.1 is pretty bad for value.

Also, Trek bikes aren't that well regarded in the road community. I think they're hideously expensive and pretty mediocre.

I'll just go ahead and say it: get a bikesdirect bike. You already know a bit about bicycles and you'll get much more for your money.

The 1.1 is a $350 bike sold for $700 just because it says "Trek" there's absolutely nothing worthwhile on it.

Nah, BD bikes in that price range can be fugly. They're definitely significantly cheaper yes, but I don't think it's worth it at that price range given that you'll only save about $200, which is easily made up on the service the LBS will give you if there are any problems whatsoever.

The new Trek 1.1s looked pretty awesome to me in the store last month - I seriously thought it was a Madone until I looked at the price tag. Since looks are the most important thing in this price range, might as well go with something that makes you happy when you look at it.

BDs also worth going for if you know you MUST have that '105' or up component or you're not going to ride. If you're that stringent and on a budget, go for it. But I do think having the selection at your fingertips at the LBS (they carry a LOT of these entry level bikes) and an easy place to bring it back if there are any problems is totally worth it.

My father bought a Trek 2011 1.1 and absolutely loves it...I bought a 2.1 and also liked it but I ended up selling it and upgraded to a 5.2 Madone. I wasn't aware that Treks were regarded so negatively as kabex put it... Guess I can't really compare Treks to other bikes because they are really all I have ever ridden- But we are really enjoying them and you can probably get a really good price right now seeing as Trek is trying to get them all out the door for the 2012's. Best thing to do is go test a few out at the LBS and take it from there...

I just got an AWESOME deal on a 2011 Trek 2.3. Run to your LBS and discuss prices.

The 2.1 seems to be the best bet for entry. Carbon fork and seat post, 105 and much better tires than a 1.1. I got a 2.3 for less than what the 2.1 should have been, because he had it in stock, and the 2012's are starting to come in.