builderguy

I've been getting in 7 to 10 miles per day. That's what I have time for. I have a 1980 Schwinn Le Tour. It does fine. Pretty much all original. I had considered having it serviced and putting some money in it.

After reading alot of threads about it, I decided to leave it alone and get a new bike. ( I did alot of reading. A search will bring up over 13,000 threads)

I know I don't need a super fancy bike for 7 to 10 miles per day. The way I look at it is my old truck gets around just fine. Not super comfortable, but it gets the job done. My Cadillac, on the other hand, I love to drive. It gets around the same, but I enjoy it.

Now I want a bike that is a Cadillac.

I would like to stay in the $1200 to $1500 range. There are alot of brands. I've read about Nashbar. Read about Giant. And a friend has a Kestrel.
I think I would like a carbon bike with Shimano Ultegra gears. Maybe alot to ask for that amount, but I think it can be done.
Overkill for 7 to 10 miles. I'm sure, but I will enjoy it.

I have other questions, but lets start with this.

I appreciate your help.

10 Wheels

A carbon bike with Shimano Ultegra gears is What a Racer would get.

longbeachgary

Not sure that you're going to get full Ultegra for $1,500 new. You might get Ultegra shifters but lower end everything else. Not that anything is wrong with that. In my mind, you can't buy a bad bike but you can buy the wrong bike.

builderguy

A racer probably would. I will never be a racer.

I probably don't need that. I was basing that off of my friend that has the kestrel. He has shimano 105 and said he wished he had ultegra.

If I'm living in a dream world, don't be afraid to let me know.
If I knew what I needed, I would need to post.

I just know that I stick with a bike for quite a while and I don't want to wish I had something else.

10 Wheels

https://peoria.craigslist.org/bik/5755481841.html

10 Wheels

10 mile bike...

https://peoria.craigslist.org/bik/5726705995.html

obed7

If you are talking new, Ultegra is not going to happen in that price range...not even aluminum, much less CF...
you might find a used bike with 6700 series ultegra in that price range, and it would very likely be a good bike...and if you are going to be doing the range of riding and the style riding you are talking about, you will likely not notice much difference in the function of the 6700 Vs 6800 nor will you miss having the extra gear the 6800 allows...
for the comfort and yet efficient riding it sounds like you are looking for, I would suggest any of the endurance performance bikes, just make sure you get the correct fit and enjoy..
I personally prefer the trek Domane 5.2, which is their model in that market, but lots of folks like other models better...get one that feels good and makes you want to ride. Most of those bike are in the 3 to 4K range new.

jefnvk

Best place to start: What don't you like about what you already have?

FWIW, Bikes Direct has Ultegra carbon bikes right around $1500, so you'll probably be unlikely to find them at an actual shop at that price new.

builderguy

This is good. Thanks for the input.

What I don't like about mine.

Most of the things could be cured with some maintenance or extensive maintenance. Being a runner, I didn't take care if my bike.
I'm thinking like greasing and new bearings, the wheels have some rust spots.

It's more a want. Not a need.

The schwinn fits me good, I think. If it doesn't, I don't know the difference. I'm , 6' tall with fairly long arms. Inseam is 33".

I'll look at the bikes direct. I know a local bike shop would be the way to go. Just don't have any near me. I will get there at some point.

10 Wheels

Have Fun shopping.

kevindsingleton 

I'm not sure that part makes sense. I'm a runner, and I take care of my bikes.

Where are you? Your Cadillac should be able to get you to a bike store.

10 Wheels

Bike Riding is (10% the bike)..(90% The Motor)

Maelochs

Ultegra group from UK supplier: $500
CF frame from China : $450
Vuelta Corsa Lite wheels: $225
Various bits and pieces from Ebay: the rest of your $1500 budget.

BikesDirect will deliver the bike almost completely built ... the cost of the stress of putting it all together and making it work has to added to the price one way or another.

A better option (because you can return it if it the wrong size or if you just plain don't like it after a while): Nashbar CR5 Road Bike $1499. This is what I would probably recommend if what you think you want is really what you want ...

and if not, pay a restock fee and return shipping and get the rest of your cash back and buy something else.

jefnvk

Especially if you wait for a 20-30% off coupon that includes bikes.

builderguy

I didn't take care of my bike. I only rode it when I needed a change. It was hard for me to ride when I could get the same workout in less miles/time.

Doesn't matter anymore. I will be riding from here on out. Not going to chance running.

I think I can do alot to my bike with cleaning, de-greaser, grease. TLC. I will probably do that. Just got the bug for a new one and can't get off it.

10 Wheels: Looked at the craigslist options. Good choices, I assume. I am curious, because I am ignorant. You put the 10 mile mark next to the $2000 bike. Is is just not as good as the first option? The other option is better for longer distances?
Just curious.

10% is the bike. I just figure why not have that 10% as good as I can afford. The 90% motor (me) realizes that if it is harder to pedal, that's just more of a workout.

When I was running, I bought the best shoes I could afford/that worked for me. Even expensive shoes are worthless if they don't fit the runner right.

builderguy

Yes, I can make it to a bike shop. On a weekend. Get off work at 5. Shop closes at 6. Not going to make it. After your post, I did a little research. I found one open til 7 on weeknights.

Right now, I see so many online options, that makes it tough. I know I need to get on one and feel it for myself, but this sure is tempting. Probably a good way for someone to be parted with their money.

Nashbar Carbon 105 Road Bike

Then they have the aluminum for $100 less.
Nashbar 105 Road Bike

Haven't had time to look anywhere else. Need to stop looking on the internet and get to work.

10 Wheels

https://peoria.craigslist.org/bik/5745394366.html

Nice bike but to small for you.

You need a 58/60 for the Best Fit.

We are the same size, I have a 34 inch Bicycle inseam.

Find yours:
Bicycle Sizing & Fitting

Wilfred Laurier

A carbon road bike with Ultegra is not a Cadillac - it is a Formula 3 race car - fast and fun, but not practical for everyday use.

Sam Hillborne Complete Choco-Bar
^That is a Cadillac.

https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bi...l-elite/126333
^or maybe this.

10 Wheels

Nashbar would be A good place to buy from.

builderguy

These posts are faster than I can keep up. I just saw Maeloc post #13.

Is that the same bike as above, on clearance for $999?

Also, checked the craigslist add. The Giant looked really nice. It's a Medium 54cm. I think I will need a little bigger one. Obviously not sure til I sit on it.

6' tall, 33" inseam, and pretty long arms.

Just wanted to say again. I appreciate all the input. Alot of responses very quick. The more I look at other bikes, it just makes me think of working on mine. Maybe there is some sentimental attachment.

10 Wheels

Got this one New Size 60CM when I was 70y/o

10 Wheels

Test ride a 58cm or 60cm when you get a chance.

10 Wheels

Got my RED BMC here.

Road Bikes on Sale | Deals & Discounts on Road Bikes | Competitive Cyclist.

They assemble, then Test Ride the bike before shipping it to you.

jimb100

I completely understand that you want a nice race bike even if you don't race. Don't let people talk you out of it with the argument that you should only get what you need otherwise you'll be "wasting" something.

I'm like you, I'm not going to train to race any time soon but I bought a used 2012 Trek Madone 5.2 not long ago to replace my 2006 Motobecane. Both have Ultegra, the Moto is aluminum the Trek carbon. I bought the Trek off Craigslist for $1000. It is in near perfect condition cosmetically. Mechanically, it is perfect, checked out at my local Trek store.

You can find the same and use the rest of your money to buy helmet, clothes, new chain or cassette if needed, spare tires and tubes, a few common tools, chain lube. The list goes on.

Bottom line: get what you want and enjoy it. If you don't like it after riding it for a while, sell it and get something else.

10 Wheels

Here is The Bike you Want.

The 700 X 32 tires are Safer than 700 x 23's.

Colnago World Cup 105 Complete Bike-2015 | Competitive Cyclist