brianallan

Hi boarders.

I'm looking at getting a new bike/frame. I'm looking to spend $1-1.5k. I want to get fairly light, hopefully sub-19lbs. I think I want aluminum.

My current ride is a 98' Steal Bianchi Champione with 8 speed campy levers (no idea how old they are, and they're not labeled). The levers work well enough (I love the feel over Shimano, thus I prefer them to Shimano) and I've been told they can be rebuilt to 9 or 10 speed. I've got some Mirage cranks, a no name 8 speed Campy rd. Shimano WH-R550 wheels.

So, I have somewhat sweet components (in my eyes), so I'm wondering, complete bike (big deal on compenents) or should I just get a frame?

If I want a campy equipped bike, what vendors/bikes should I look at in my price range?

If I want to go back to soft Shimano, what vendors/bikes should I look at?

Would you build a new bike out of my existing components, purchasing a new frame? What frames should I look at?

fogrider

bikes choices are a very personal thing...some people like big brands, trek, cannondale, speicalized. Some like smaller companies just to be unique. I think one of the best buys out there is a Salsa Campeon...here's a link to a review: https://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=1686
I got mine off ebay and built it up with some campy parts. This bike is a great bike, it does everything!

feltdude

https://www.feltracing.com/2005_bikes/2005_f65.html

https://www.feltracing.com/2005_bikes/2005_f55.html

Blind Side

I had similar questions about buying a bike in your price range and went with the Scattante brand bike from supergo.com. I bought the Scattante R660 Triple ($1350) with all Ultegra components, and couldn't be more happier with my decision and would say it's worth checking out.

rexford

don't forget the Felt F70. It is a little heavier than you want (just over 20lbs), but at the bottom of your price point. All 105. Carbon fork and seat stays. I just took possession of one today- $1070 out the door with a bottle cage and computer. Only have put five miles on it but my initial impression is good.

pseudobrit

A Lemond Sarthe perhaps? Steel, traditional geometry and Campy 10s. Dunno about the weight.

operator

Why oh why would you want to stop riding that awesome bianchi. Steel all the way!

Noddy

In your price range (and I have a little bit of a mindset against big name brands) I would seriously consider the Orbea Volata ($1250) or the Vuelta ($1499). orbea-usa.com

glevii

If you're just looking for a frame, Performance has some phenomenal deals on Basso frames. For $1-1.5K you could build up a really nice bike. ExcelSports has some good deals on Campy groups. Also, Performance regularly has coupons. Currently if you bought the Basso Devil frame from them you'd get $75.00 off. That would put it under $500 for the frame. VERY NICE!!! Couple that with either a Campy Veloce build kit from Excelsports, and you'd have an awesome bike that would come in around $1500.

For Example,

https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=3020

With say this group

https://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?p...r=5&site=qbike

Or the complete build kit

https://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?p...r=2&site=qbike

Shop around. These are really good prices, but you can do a lot for $1500. Unfortunately you can do a lot more if you go Shimano, but I understand. I spent the extra money on Campy myself.

Adgooroo

I don't think you can find a better value than the Tommaso AS2 sold by bikeswholesale.com online. Easton aluminum frame, Ultegra drive train (three-ring up front, 9 in back), Ultegra brake levers, shifters, carbon fiber fork, bars, stem, seat post, weighs in at 17.5 lbs, was priced just under $1000. (I think the price has gone up a bit since then). I had reservations about buying off the net sight-unseen, so I drove across Florida to the bikeswholesale retail store and checked out the operation for myself - it's a real bike shop, with real enthusiasts and professionals putting bikes together and testing them. They offer a "pro-build" option that includes completely assembling the bike and road testing it (I saw them doing this - the bike mechanic has 35 yrs. experience) before they break it down for shipping. You can spend more - you may eventually choose to upgrade a few components (brake calipers and wheels, someday for me) but you can't get more bike for your buck.

Serpico

you're gonna get 50 different answers and end up more confused that you began.

go to a bike shop and try a few, if the saleman is pushy go somewhere else. make sure they answer your questions

moonkat

brianallen,
I just went through this process though not with your criteria. I am a Shimano fan and focussed on Cannondale 1000 as a bike that would satisfy my needs for hill climbing and efficiency with comfort as a lessor criteria.

What I learned is that this is a great time to be shopping for bikes (here in Maryland) and that the 2004s are on clearance. You can get an 04 Cannondale R1000 for 1400 at several shops in MD and DE. This is a (sub) 17lb bike (w/o peddals) that is Shimano Ultegra except brake calipers, though my dealer said they could upgrade for $30-$40 to Ultegra. Wheels are Ksyrium Elites which they can upgrade to SLs for 300. 2004s are Ultegra 9spd while 2005s are Ultegra 10spd.

I quickly decided on a 2004 C'dale R2000 which had all Ultegra 9spd and Ksyrium SL wheelset after doing the "Quick fit" to verify size compatibility.

Good luck !

STEVO820

get a felt i think those look cool... and isnt looking cool what it is all about

ultra-g

Check Scottusa.com

RoboCheme

Performance bike stores have a clearance sale on '04 Fuji Professionals, Al with Carbon fork, stays and post and Dura Ace's. $1699 plus a 150$ in store instant rebate gets you to $1549. Then if you join their club for $20 bucks, you'll get 150 of instore coupons. My son bought it at $2000 and we thought that he was getting a great deal. He loves the bike!!!

brianallan

that is an AMAZING deal. Fuji specs the bike at 18lbs (i expected it to be a lot lower considering it's Al + DA). If I can find that set-up, i'll have to buy it.

RoboCheme

Brianallan, Amazingly, the price isn't the same among Performance stores. The one in my area (SF bay area) had it for the price that I mentioned, but the one in the San Diego area still at it for 1999$. With Look 247 pedals, it weighed in at 18.0 lbs