First road bike, Felt?, Giant?, Trek?
 

I am looking to buy my first road bike with a $1000 budget. I am most concerned about the frame, but I would like to get a full Shimano 105. My primary search includes Felt F80 (105/Tiagra triple), Trek 1500 (Ultegra/105), and a Bianchi Veloce (Campy components that I am not familiar with).

In your opinion are the frames roughly equal in quality? Any feed back or even other bike information would be useful. By the way, I did see a Klein Quantum T for $1229. It's a slick looking bike.

Spend another $250 and get a Torelli Gran Sasso

All good brands. I got an 03 lemond alpe d huez on closeout for 1000. Reynolds steel and 105. All the bike I need. Test rideem all.

I didn't see that bike at our lbs's. What makes it better?

I did see a Lemond. It was a Croix de Fer but was $1250. It is a clean looking bike, but what makes it so much better?

At that price (or at any really) its going to come down to what you like, and how the bike feels to you.

That said I have yet to meet someone who's owned a Torelli steel bike and not loved it.

I live in the same state as you. Where do you find this bike? I am just south and east of Salem.

South Salem Cycleworks

http://sscycleworks.net/

I'd get a Felt F70. Good frame with agressive geometry and 105 components. Good bike for the money ( I think it is under $1000).

Felt f70 is the first level of felt with upgraded frame.(carbon stays and integrated headset)

That Klien sounds very attractive. If your budget is $1000, perhaps looking for a very good used bike from a bike mechanic could be a way to go.

I wish to thank all individuals that helped me make my selection. It may be that my final choice will be a tiagra/105 mix. Thank you all.

A buddy of mine bought a 04' specialized Allez Elite Triple.
Full 105, Carbon fork and seat post.
$1200 .... Nice bike

Bianchi Veloce is $1699 for 2005. Are you getting a deal somewhere??

I would test ride each one, and get the one that fits the best, and feels the best. Then you can't go wrong, especially when you know you have the one that feels the best when riding.