3K-4K New Bike/Clueless
 

I have been riding recreationally for around 8 years. One and only bike has been a 2003 Lemond Alpe D'Huez. I do no racing. Only time I ride with people is if just meet during a ride. My area is actually pretty hilly, so something that will be good on climbs. Other than that I ride a 2x during week on 30mile rides, and I usually do one or two 60 mile rides on the weekend. I want a nice bike, but comfort is first and foremost. Would love to hear some suggestions on bikes, as I just don't know what is out there that would fit my needs. Thanks.

Poke around here just to see what kind of bikes are out there:

http://www.bikesdirect.com/

FWIW, for the kind of riding you're doing, you probably wouldn't notice the difference if you got a $1500 bike (or less) with 105-level components and then upgraded to a good non-OEM wheelset.

You can get an outstanding new bike in the $2500 range. If you insist on spending more dinero, upgrade the wheels.

Specialized Roubaix Elite (Compact or Apex), list around $2500. Ridiculously cushy.

Cdale Synapse Carbon 5 105, $2500 list. Soaks up the bumps, not as much as the Roubaix.

Scott CR1 Comp. Probably a bit more road feel than the above.

If your LBS doesn't carry any of the above, tell 'em you want to test ride a similar bike ("endurance"). If they don't feel zippy enough, check out a typical road bike: Spec Tarmac or Allez, Cdale SuperSix or CAAD 10.

Well, since you're not in a rush, you should consider finding a "demo days" event near you and try some bikes out, see what you like. Is there anything you particularly like or don't like about your bike?

I agree with this above.... If you have around $3K to spend, get a nice entry-level carbon bike with a middle of the road groupset like the 105. Maybe something close to $2000. Then find a nice wheelset between 500 and 1000. That still leaves some extra money for pedals, maybe a saddle change, or whatever you want to play with... handlebars, stem, cassette etc...

Seems like a lot of bikes to me even close to $4000 I would really want to upgrade the wheelset. I would definitely leave some room there. Just my opinion.

I think it would be hard to go wrong with just about anything in that price range. Only, I wouldn't buy online. I think if you are going to spend that much you want to go and do some test riding and see what you really like. Find a shop or two that you like and vist often. Shouldn't take too long for a couple bikes to start to speak to you. Ride them. It will become clear which one is right.

EDIT: I second the suggestion to stick in the $2,000-3,000 range and save some for wheels. Stock wheels are not all that bad in this range but I think it's more fun to get better wheels than spend everything on a more expensive bike for the component upgrade. You are already in the 105, Rival, Ultegra range so can't really go wrong. Bike manufacturers seem to cut corners on things like bars, stem, saddle, wheels and I'd rather upgrade these contact points.

Wassamatter with the current bike??

Really nothing at all. I might just end up taking it to the bike shop and getting some suggestions on upgrades to just improve my current ride. Wife got a quarterly bonus, and she asked why I hadn't gotten a new bike yet. I might just spend 750 or so on upgrading the Lemond. The 853 steel is really nice. The only thing I have changed on it is the seat, so I am sure a new wheelset would be nice. Great suggestions so far. Feel free to add more bike suggestions or upgrade suggestions to the Lemond. Thanks again.

Wife swap ??

Keep the frame and upgrade to Campy Chorus 11-speed and get yourself a nicer wheelset.

Group set and wheels are a lovely improvement, not necessarily in performance but in enjoying the biking experience. If it is a stock 2003, any group set may be a nice change in shifting smoothness. Campy is always fun, and I love my 10 speed Centaur which was a third the cost of the Chorus just mentioned (half if you going it up with carbon).

Then donate some money to Habitat for Humanity or a favorite charity of your choice instead of upgrading for the sake of upgrading.

Roubaix Expert. Current bike back up.

Or at least give the new bike box to a homeless person.

Tithe set aside for church, and we usally give extra when we buy things like nice bikes or whatever else. Thanks for asking though.

For me, test riding muddies the waters. Pedalforce.com, get a good frame and a good group for your money.

One comment there. Going up 2 steps to the Expert gets you into the new SL4 frame, which is pretty nice. Although it lists for $3800 you should be able to find it for $3500 or so, which is right in the middle of your price range.

Frankly, I don't think that there's lot of ways to go too wrong in that range. I'd advocate finding a shop and salesperson that you have a rapport with and going with what they recommend.

For comfort and endurance, something from the Specialized Roubaix lineup would make a great choice.

Alternatively, you can also check out the Trek Domane. The 4.5 comes with Ultegra shifters and MSRP is under 3k.

At that price point you have so many options. In your position, I'd go out and test ride a few - as it might help you narrow down a few things - do you prefer the feel of a carbon, aluminum or steel frame. What component groups do you like best - which shifters fit your hand best (this is a very personal thing). For some brands you don't always see in your LBS, also spend some time on competitivecyclist.com - they often have great deals on some really nice frames.

Am now thinking of maybe going the competitivecyclist.com route or something similar. What other sites offer deals like them. Also, would love to hear some suggestions from what CC offers. I have seen some cool bikes they offer like bmc,ridley,willier,etc. I might start a new thread for suggestions from CC. Thanks.