New Roadie, build or buy $2000 budget
 

So basically I am working a ton of OT, and using my tax return to get a new bike. I want to spend about 2k. I was looking at a Soma Smoothie, and building it with Ultegra kit but, an aluminum frame would be lighter and transfer more power, but I am having a hard time finding a decently priced new aluminum frame set(~$600) What do you have for suggestions?

Frames around 600, or complete bike around 2k.

What kind of riding are you planning on doing most?

Is there something that is drawing you towards the Soma? I'm sure there are a ton of options with full ultegra for under 2 grand. Get a CAAD.

Buy.

CAAD.

If you have a hundred bucks leftover, upgrade to continental GP4000s tires for the full BF-approval rating.

p.s. this assumes you are doing fast recreational/performance riding and/or racing. If you really just want more comfort you may wish for a more upright bike with a taller head tube

We need more info, what do you plan to do with the bike, what's important for you? Lightness, racing or comfort, your weight. Do you prefer Steel, carbon, alu, Ti? Are there brands you prefer? Help us so we can help you!
___
Edit : +1 for CAAD.

Get a Specialized Allez E5 aluminum frame then build it up with whatever you want.

For some interesting frames, check out GVH bikes. Also has really good prices on SRAM full or partial groupsets. If you want to try Campy, Ribble has great prices on full sets or you can piecemeal sets with almost no cost penalty.

I plan on doing performance exercise riding, getting back to my 60 miles twice a week, and about 40 other days. Brand doesn't matter, but quality does. I would like something light, I currently ride steel with my Madison, but riding the SS is fine for commuting but I want a tried and true road bike. I was about 160, and will be dropping pounds with the bike. What brought me to the Soma was the price.

This GVH site looks promising.

Personally, I wouldn't bother building my own bike (again) unless I was going real budget or wanted something really special. Also, I think ~2000 is a sweet spot for out of the box performance/dollar value.

I'd suggest you testride a couple of bikes in your price range and see how you like them. You should have plenty of options at that price range.

caad 10 rival or supersix 4 rival? if the geo fits me, as they both have the same geo

Get the Supersix, it's a beast :)

The market is really competitive at that price point, especially if you are considering aluminum. If you are willing to "settle" for some heavier wheels there are quite a few nice stock builds around that money.

Like? And I have an FSA component(cockpit ok) distaste, nothing I have read sounds good.

Soma Smoothie is a very nice steel frame, built with Tange Prestige. Should make for a great ride, reasonable weight, worthy of some racing and just about any other ride you want to take it on. There are some favorites around here, CAAD, etc, but unless you're looking to do crits and fast group riding, the Smootie will be more than enough for you and may even be a better quality ride (in my opinion).

spend just three fourths of that if youre sharp enough.

You'll read nothing negative about a Smoothie! Most people here in the Bay Area love SOMA and they love the Smoothie most of all.

You'll just love a Smoothie! It's not only a beautiful bicycle, I'm told it has a beautiful ride, as well.

- Slim :)

PS.

Why would you hesitate pulling the trigger on a Smoothie?

The price shouldn't lure you to a Smoothie!

A Smoothie should lure you to a Smoothie!

Steel pulls me from a smoothie.

I wouldn't necessarily say steel is the issue - just steel + you budget. ;) You can get light steel, but you will be getting close to carbon territory for the same money. If you want the lightest bike for the money, the CAADs are hard to beat. There's more to a bike than weight though.

How much does light steel cost?

There may be deals and brands I don't of, but what I've seen starts in the $1200 - $1500 range for a 3.6-3.8lb frame.
Gunnar, Torelli, Jamis, and few others I'm drawing a blank on right now have some "reasonably" priced. Reynolds stainless (953 I think), Columbus Zona and Xcr are good things to look for in steel.

To further muddy the waters, I wouldn't rule out carbon either. Carbon has come down in price considerably and is much more affordable now. You might find something you love for not much more. Just get out and ride as many different kinds of bikes as you can find before you narrow your search to a specific material.

OP, I'd look at them Viner frames at GVH.
Italian made with either Deda or Columbus tubes at an excellent price.
Tom is great to work with.

If you shop hard enough you will find something.
I just passed on a 2010 Look 566 with Rival for less than $2k.

Go to as many LBS's in your area that you can and test ride bikes in your size until you find the one that gives you the best WOW Factor. That's the bike you want.

I like my Smoothie, but it makes no sense to build a bike unless you have strong feelings about the specifics. It's certainly not going to save you money.

I build my bikes because I'm picky, and over the years I've learned what I like and what I don't like. I like FSA components...except for the headsets anyways.

The supersix is very close to the geo on my Madison, it is carbon and rival. I think I found my bike.