Teambayern

I'm in the market for my first road bike. Tried to pick up a bike at the end of the season to get a good deal, but the deals I've found are for bikes with Tiagra (CAAD9 6 for 950 is the main one; budget is approx 1200, but the lower the better). I could save up another year and buy a better bike with 105, as there aren't many good months here left (Boston), but not sure it's worth the wait. Suggestions welcome.

AdelaaR

Wait a bit longer ... might still get good second hand deals once the winter hits.

Elvo

Craigslist.

I got a carbon bike (Intense Fenix) with full 2008 Force for $800 last year. Just bought my first TT bike with full 2010 Red (except for TT900 levers/shifters) for $1000 even.

edit:
I even got a 2007 K2 Mod 3.0 (105 except for an FSA Crank) for $270

McTufferton

Wait. You're going to get this bike JUST in time to store it in the basement for the next 6 months.

Ikarios

I would pick up an older bike off craigslist first (1990-2005 or so, so it's modern enough), ride that for a year to get used to cycling, then buy a bike next year. A couple things - 2011 Tiagra is new, and 10-speed, so you'd be buying into "old" Tiagra, and most people recommend 105 as the sweet spot for price/performance in the Shimano lineup. TBH though you probably won't notice a difference performance-wise for a while, although you may miss that extra speed if Boston is hilly at all.

Or you can snag a relatively new bike with 5600 for cheap this fall/winter if you like to stalk craigslist.

Seattle Forrest

I would get it now, but #4 is a good point. Will you ride it through the winter?

merlinextraligh

Even in Boston, I got to think you've got almost 2 months of pretty good riding weather left. I'd get a bike I could aford and start riding.

mpath

It's worth the wait. I can already feel the chill in the air, with the inevitable reality of storing my "good" bike away and prepping my rain bike soon.

DP Roberts

Or, buy a cheaper bike, and save your $$ for a trainer so you can ride it indoors through the winter.

I just bought my first road bike. I did a lot of research online, but actually trying them all out made a big difference. I ended up getting a bike with different specs than I had planned, from a store I hadn't considered, and a brand that wasn't on my list. I love it.

eippo1

So you're willing to wait a year for the 2012 models to start going on sale?! Hope you're an unusual size. Most bikes in the 1000K price point sell out in the Boston area long before discounts start to take place. It's the high end models where you'll still find some deals.

McTufferton

That's quite the budget. Why wait with that much money burning a hole in your pocket?

eippo1

hmm, oh right. Whoops. Meant $1000.

Teambayern

For those suggesting craigslist, help me out a little. That was my original intention but I found that most craigslist ads for roadies fell into 2 categories:

1) a multi-thousand dollar bike for fewer thousands of dollars (e.g. https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bik/2566865760.html)

2) vintage bikes for very cheap (e.g. https://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/bik/2593265277.html)

I can't afford #1 so that's out. Are you suggesting I go for #2, or that I just keep careful watch for the occasional new entry level bike that goes up? Many thanks

Also, as to the question about winter, I'd ride it until salt hit the roads due to snow. For the rest, my current hybrid commuter will be my sole workhorse.

Elvo

1 min worth of searching:
https://boston.craigslist.org/nos/bik/2595325545.html
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/2596047242.html
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/2580065180.html
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/2585178483.html
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/2585494765.html

Teambayern

Wow, that was quick. Most of those are too small, but I appreciate the point. Thanks.

MikeyBoyAz

Come visit AZ, riding weather has just begun... the furnace is turning off... time for the tours to begin

eippo1

Feel free to post up some craigslist bikes and we'll give you some advice. Also, the Classic and Vintage forum generally has good tabs w/ craigslist and even have this thread:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...!-quot-Part-II

They also have a ton of knowledge regarding what's crap and what is good. Then ride it while the weather is good while you save up for a 2012. Also, Nokian makes some great snow (ice) tires that will take you right though winter.

igknighted

2011 Allez Comp's are still in stock in some places and on sale, also may find some Trek 2.1's left. Both 105/Apex and (at least the specialized), pretty race worthy. Might also consider the Trek Madone 3.1, at about 1500 you can get a carbon 105 bike are a reasonable price. Most Trek dealers still have some in stock from what I can tell (the 4 series Madones sold out quicker).

Teambayern

This is a little out of my budget range (https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/2594698502.html), but what do you think? Better deal than a CAAD9 6 for 950? Also found a Kona Jake for 700 new at an LBS? Thanks again.

eippo1

yeah, that's a good deal. Good price for a good bike. Slightly on the high side, but actually if it only has 200 miles on it, then maybe not. What parts did the Jake have? You could throw road tires on there and it will handle mostly like a road bike. Cross bikes are super versatile, though and handle all kinds of terrain.

Teambayern

Thanks for your help. Jake was 2010 model, with all Tiagra. Full specs here: https://www.konaworld.co/bike.cfm?content=jake

fishymamba

I got my CAAD9 Tiagra for $850 new.

Awesome bike! I compared the shifting to 105 and I honestly didn't feel much of a difference. If your shifting is properly tuned you will have no problem.

DP Roberts

If your budget is about $1200, the new 2012 Felt z85 lists for $1249, last year's model was $1199. Their F series is probably in the same range (my LBS has the 2011 F75 on clearance for $999), but I can't tell because Felt's site appears to be down right now.

Gluteus

No.

Teambayern

Wow, the F75s I saw in the store were 1400 i think. I'll check next time im in.