Over thinking my first road bike choice!
 

Hey all,

My first post here but I've been reading through a lot of information and trying to make an informed decision. This is my first road bike although between the bikes in my family I've ridden in the past. Need something that will be good for light commuting and also be good for some racing (not super competitive or anything at this point!)

I've tested ridden quite a few bikes the past couple of days and think I've at least narrowed it down...

First: Fuji SL1 Pro LE from Performance Bikes
C7 HM carbon, Ultegra, Tektro brakes (junk), FSA Gossamer and various Oval components.
Felt nice while test riding, only in the parking lot... Love the color scheme (should probably be my least important worry! Hah) - $1649
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...93_-1___400784

Second: 2011 Marin Stelvio 105
CXR T3 Carbon, Full 105 group set, BB30, CXP-22 wheels, etc...
Only test road the 2011 Ultegra model (have to order 105) - liked it, seems very stiff, well built. Hard to compare how different 105 would be? Good looking bike. $1588
http://www.marinbikes.com/2011/bike_...3&Stelvio_105_

Third: Cannondale CAAD10 4 Rival
Aluminum, Rival group set, Fulcrum Racing 7 wheels, BB30
Really liked this and the SRAM shifting. To be honest, and please tell me if I'm being stupid - the Gulf racing color scheme is putting me off a bit... Also like the shop selling this the best. $1590

Also test road both a Trek 2.1 and Specialized Allez. Both had SRAM Apex and I was very unimpressed with shifting performance. The Trek was very boring to ride in general.

Any suggestions to what I have listed or perhaps to try and take a look at? Much appreciated!

I like the fuji best of those 3

If you don't wrench, the shop you buy from will matter some...

I'd prolly go for the Cannondale, but mainly cause I haven't tried SRAM yet, and I don't like STI. Otherwise the other two seem a bit of a toss-up; Ultegra components will be a bit lighter, look better and last longer than 105, but there isn't much in it (I'd be surprised if they felt any different) and it isn't a full group... I'd prolly go the Marin cause of the BB30.

Colour wouldn't faze me much; you can always strip it ;)

CAAD10. It's the finest aluminum frame on the planet. That's why they build a $3,000+ on the frame, it's that good.
I have friends that race that are coming OFF carbon going BACK to aluminum to that frame it's so good.

Nothing else touches it.

Caad10, especially at that price.

Word.

And FWIW, Tektro makes a fine brake.

I have the fuji sl1 pro. I love it. I have made it more aggressive though, removed spacers, cut the steerer, and flipped the stem.

But... my opnion isn't worth much since it's the road bike I've ridden. Lolz

This!

I just bought the same bike a few weeks ago for $1750. LOVE the raw aluminum look...especially on top of my silver car!

Yes, you are overthinking it. :) Of the three you liked riding, just get the one that looks the best to you and start racking up the miles. Enjoy!

I started on an Allez in 2010. It was a great bike! I've since upgraded the frame to a Tarmac, and can say that the carbon frame is a much smoother ride! It isn't any faster, but I can ride faster for longer than I could on the Allez.

I would buy one of the carbon bikes, but I've never ridden a CAAD 10.

Another vote for the CAAD10. It's a really fun bike because it's responsive.

Thanks for everyone's responses! Much appreciated. Seems like an overwhelming CAAD10. It did stand out the best in terms of ride quality. I did like my experience at the shop that is selling it too, although I imagine I will eventually start doing all of the adjustments and such myself as I do my own work on anything else with wheels (cars, motorcycle, etc...).

I also just saw a Specialized Allez Evo Rival that's around the same price. I didn't not like the Allez I rode other than the Apex group. I haven't given it a ride yet to compare to the CAAD10 yet. From my reading, most people say it's frame is not as well liked as the CAAD10s - anybody have any input on that matter?

Thanks again! Didn't think I'd be limiting it down to Aluminum frames at this point... not that there's anything wrong with that. Appreciate all the info!