kevmk81

Well, I think I'm ready to buy a new ride (after my Trek 1500 flew off the back of my car).

I'm having trouble figuring out what to look for, so I figure I might get some suggestions from here.

This is what I'm thinking:

1 - a road bike, with a race specific frame for both crits and road races (will be used for training as well, also used for commuting - I keep it indoors in the office)
2 - don't want a compact chainring
3 - shimano, sram, campagnolo, any of those 3
4 - 9,10, or 11 speed cassettes
5 - new, not used (unless it's in perfect shape used - I'm ok with buying new tires for a used bike, and replacing the saddle and bar tape, but that's all I want to have to do if buying used)
6 - I *think* 2,000ish tops for what I'm willing to spend
7 - carbon fiber or aluminum, I don't care which, the lighter obviously the better, but I'm used to riding my 'heavy' trek that weighed in around 21 pounds.
8 - it'd be a plus it is a red, white, or black colored frame (or a combination of 2 or more of those colors), but it's definitely not a necessity
9 - I'm 5'8", 140 lbs... not sure if that matters for suggestions

Any ideas? I was looking at some of the Kestrel bikes on bikes direct, but a lot of them either don't have my size, or have a compact chainring. Looking at REI at some of the Cannondales and Scott's as well. I'll run by a bike shop tomorrow (with my ride that fell of, I'm wanting them to look at it), and get their opinion on what I should buy. Thought I'd hear what you all think first though.

kevmk81

Shops in my area carry these brands:

Specialized
Kona
Raleigh
Felt
Trek
Giant
Cervelo
Cannondale
S Works

kevmk81

I can also put a bike together, so ordering online is fine.

FlatSix911

Based on your list of requirements, take a look online ... no tax & free shipping

20 Speed Carbon Fiber 2011 Kestrel Talon Carbon Road $1,299
2011 Shimano 105 Group, Oval Bar, Stem, Oval Concepts Wheels

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._bikes_105.htm



or SRAM Rival, 20 Speed Kestrel TSR3 SL Road Carbon $1,995
FULL SRAM Rival Components, Profile Bar+Stem, Mavic Wheels

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...rival_road.htm

kevmk81

Yep, I've been eyeing that TSR3 SL

ColinL

you are going to have a problem with these 2 items if you are strict about it. at least in the big 3, and quite possibly in most anything else other than BD, you won't find any standard cranksets on bikes $2,000 and under. best you could do is "mid-compact" 52/36 which a lot of specialized and other bikes with 'racing intentions' will have.

personally I'd rather have a compact crankset and 52/36. shifting is ok, and if you lose a sprint because you had 52x11 and the other guy had 53x11 that will be a minor miracle.

Makel

Sorry, I don't get the "I don't want a compact."

Pinkbullet3

Any CAAD10s in stock?

a1penguin

Unless you purchase online (or find an older model year), you will get 105/Tiagra components on low end carbon for $2k after tax. For $1500, you should be able to find aluminum with 105 components. Why haven't the CAAD10 people been all over this? The 2013 bikes will be coming out soon, so you can find a steal on a 2011 bike and perhaps a deal on 2012. CAAD10, Specialized Allez, Felt F, Giant Defy, Trek 2 and 3 series. The Felt F6 lists at $1900 and is carbon with Apex components. That's a pretty decent deal. Weight under 19lbs. F75 is aluminum/105 at $1400 at 19.5 lbs. If you want lighter, consider wheel upgrade. What is your objection to compact double? You should head to your a few LBS and see what they have in stock. You know your budget and you know what you are looking for. Going out and riding some bikes will help you narrow down your selection. If you have a Fuji dealer near you, check them out. Fuji has been turning out decent bikes and you will get a lot of bang for your buck.

ColinL

me either.

1. compact 110BCD is a bit lighter. not much, but more than titanium skewers and other silly WW crap.

2. 52/36 is a lot of gear for anyone. even 50x11 is very damn fast, it's enough for a wimp like me to sprint with the best tailwind Kansas has to offer.

3. 46/34 is great for commuting. you can't do that with a standard crankset.

kevmk81

I've been riding a 53/39 for 5 years, I just like it better than a compact crankset. To each his/her own right? I've used it for commuting, racing, training, long rides, etc... without issue.

I kind of like that CAAD10 3!

Paul Barnard

I am bored right now. I just spent about 30 minutes combing over online bike sales sites. There are some really good deals to be had if you are willing to buy online, but very few of those good deals comes in a bike that doesn't sport compact gearing. You may find that it's worth it to try a compact and switch if you don't like it. You may still come out ahead dollar wise. This is about the best deal I came across in a non-compact drivetrain.

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...rtal_ice_x.htm

Luckily, your color preference is easy to find.

ColinL

Yes, I referred to this in an earlier post. Standard cranksets are not common on affordable bikes.

If the OP buys a compact crank I would:
1) first ride it--if really missing the 39T but yet hardly using much of the cassette in the big ring, a standard crankset is really wrong
2) change to 52/36 rings if unhappy
3) buy a standard crank

bikejrff

Last week my LBS still had 3 2011 CAAD10-1's. I think the price was down to $2050. One 54 cm and 2 56 cm frames. Red & White, 53/39 crank, Dura Ace, Shimano RS 80 wheels. I LOVE mine and I paid $2500 from my LBS in Nov. 2011.Summit City Bicycle and Fitness, Fort Wayne, IN

unionmade

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/fr...ampaign=Izoard XP/SRAM Rival Complete Bike

I think it was $200 off last week or so. probably will be again.

Very nice looking bike, IMHO.

ColinL

that is absolutely sick. $2050 for that bike is a deal that I would take any day of the week.

JustinNY

Beat me to it, I was going to recommend this exact bike.

FlatSix911

Another option from Competitive Cyclist ...
The Orbea Onix TLT/Shimano Ultegra Complete Bike is available in five sizes from 48cm to 60cm, and in White/red.
Onix TLT/Shimano Ultegra Complete Bike Price: $2199.94 (Was $2999.00)

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...&MODE=SPECIALS

kayakdiver

Fugly

FlatSix911

Must not be a Triathlete ...