I currently own a Raleigh Sport road bike that I bought at the end of May last year. It is the first road bike I have purchased. I did not want to spend a decent chunk of change for a bike whenever I was a beginner. I am now beginning to prepare for a 100 mile race with a friend and I am looking for advice on buying a new bike. I want to spend somewhere in the ballpark of $1200 for a bike. I have a few questions and I'm also open for suggestions.

We have a nearby store that sales Specialized road bikes only. Of course, they think they are the best road bikes you can buy. What are your opinions on that? (I also don't live too far from Houston either, so I can always make that drive for a different type of bike)

I don't know too much, but what about off brand bicycles? Are they just as good for less money?

What are some good websites to check out to buy a bike?

Thanks for any help and suggestions!

How many miles did you put on the Raleigh Sport?

I bought it used, but I think I personally put around 1,000 on it.

spend some more, buy a volagi, and have it tuned for you at the Specialized shop. make sure to get a Volagi Kit.

Aside from this debate - The only two specialized stores I have been in (one local, and one near my parents) both seem to have an elitist mentality. If it weren't for one of the guys being an outstanding mechanic there, I would not go back. However, they do seem to make a quality product - I have some friends that have them, and love them.

This is the starting point for off-brand stuff: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/road_bikes.htm Most people are happy as long as they are good with sizing themselves and getting their bike set up themselves.

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/ will often have good deals but they may be a couple hundred more than your budget.

And here is an on-going thread about a mail order bike you may find interesting: https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...osetti-Vertigo

errrrrrrrrrmmmmmmmmm what have you ridden besides a raleigh sport exactly? I wouldn't call a raleigh sport a road bike.. it's more of an upright townie, unless of course yours is severely modified? Sorry I'm just fascinated by going from old heavy steel to a 1200 budget.

What if he has this https://www.raleighusa.com/archive/2009-road/sport/

Why then good sir then I realize I don't know squat about modern raleigh's

I actually have the 08 Raleigh Sport. I have ridden a few of my friends' specialized. They were lower teir specialized, but they were better than mine.

So what on your raleigh do you want to improve on?

I say, either upgrade your Raleigh Sport, or get the Le Tour Schwinn Legacy referenced below:


www.bikesdirect.com/products/schwinn/schwinn_letour_legacy_xi.htm

This bike is reasonably priced at $800, has a carbon fiber fork, and has 105 componentry.

Since it's frame is made of chromoly steel, this bike will last for decades, if kept dry.

- Slim

PS.

Alternatively, you can stay within the Raleigh family and get a Grand Prix, just like mine. It's a great lugged chromoly steel road bike!.....Beautiful!!!

You bought one of those new grand prixs eh?

Yep! I've had it for sometime, now. I only chose it over the Satellite Comp, because I wanted steel lugs on a chromoly frame. It rides nicely! Though, I mostly don't ride it, in preference to my ole Nishiki Sebring. I don't know why I love that Nishiki so much. I feel like I'm cheating on her, everytime I ride something else!

I was pretty impressed with the looks of them in that then and now thread over in C&V glad to hear they ride well too.. maybe that'll be my "modern" bike when I get around to getting one.

Raleigh Bikes is owned by Derby Cycle which is in the process of being merged with PON Holdings which is acquiring Cervelo. Go to the Cervelo web site and take a look at their discount deal ending January 31, 2012.