MRT2

I see it on the W & S website. Only on sale in the 58 cm, which is probably too big for you. If I could justify it, might buy it for my son as he could ride a 58 cm. But I can't justify it as we just bought him a $1,200 Kona mountain bike.

Inara220

I am getting so frustrated with their site, everything I'm finding is not available. I know it must be hard to keep a good inventory online, but ARGH! I'd like to go in with some knowledge in hand.

When looking at the road bikes, I noticed that hardly any have disc brakes, (which I have to admit... I really really like)

The Cyclocross bikes looks like they mostly have disc brakes but might be heavier than the road?

I really don't want to go spend a bunch more money (since I'm already a little wary)... but online some of the stuff I'm finding is closer to $2K than the $1K I would like it to be.

Pendergast

If you can stretch your budget to $1500, the Felt V85 looks good. Nicely spec-ed. Comes with 28mm tires which would be very comfortable for paved roads but has clearance for up to 38mm tires if you wanted to switch to more gravel oriented tires. Looks like Wheel & Sprocket would probably have a size that would fit you.

Felt Bicycles V85 - Wheel & Sprocket | One of America's Best Bike Shops

Inara220

Thank you... I was definitely beginning to look at that range... and I was considering that one. (also yes it does appear to be in stock at the store I would need to go to)

I wonder how I could find out how much it weighs.

Pendergast

One of the other forums said a size 58 V85 weighs about 22 pounds. There's not a huge difference from one frame size to the next so probably in the high 21 almost 22 pound range in the sizes you'd be looking at.

If you don't think you'd ever need wider tires, the Z95 might interest you. It comes with 25 mm tires, but I'm sure 28mm would fit. Lower spec though and would probably weigh close to the V85. I'd much rather have the V85, but if money is an issue, the Z95 still looks like a nice road bike.

Felt Bicycles Z95 - Wheel & Sprocket | One of America's Best Bike Shops

ColonelSanders

At that price the Trek Emonda ALR also comes into contention.

Inara220

I hadn't considered that one because I was focused on getting disc brakes but due to the lack of disc brakes on the road bikes, I wonder if I should give that up and go back down to sub 1000 and get a Lexa or 1.2.

I can't wait to get in there and try some. Probably won't be able to go til Wednesday night.

mongol777

Felt looks really nice and 105 is hard to beat for price/value.
Has nice brakes as well
No experience with the brand but I would not hesitate to try it and buy it if I were you.
Don't be concerned with weight, it is not as important as you may think. Surely no one likes to ride a tank but good frame with good balance and good fit (!!!) will not make you think about weight.

birru

I'm becoming a fan of adventure bikes like that Felt V85. It looks like a lot of bike for $1500. I don't see much in the way of cost cutting either, with proper 105 components, including the crankset. Felt's specs page lists 33c tires too, which I think is a good choice for its intended versatility. From the looks of the geometry it seems like it will be a stable, confidence-inspiring ride. It doesn't look like a twitchy race bike. The weight seems perfectly fine too, if it's around 22lbs. I think it could be a winner if it winds up feeling comfortable.

Inara220

I am going to try to go today... my plan is to try the following:

Trek Cross Rip Comp
Felt V85

Inara220

1 year later update:

WOW... once again THANK YOU ALL!!!!!! Your advice (and me listening to it) totally paid off. Yesterday I completed a 70 mile ride and have booked two centuries for later this summer. I also am going on a bicycling vacation where I'll be going 70 miles per day (average) for 6 days, in Vermont! OH boy need to start training for hills.

The bike you guys helped me get (Felt V85) is amazing and has been the catalyst for all this riding stuff I love it, love love love it. I realize that I maybe should "on paper" get a road bike for all the distance I am doing... but the other week we went on a ride out in the rain and my bike was the only one to stay upright during a crossing of a slick wooden bridge. (thank you disc brakes and cyclocross tread tires because I am super clumbsy) The road bikes all slipped (no one was hurt too bad but a couple of the riders turned around a little shaken)

Anyways... I just wanted you all to know that I still appreciate the advice and help you gave me a year ago. You all rock!

birru

You rock for getting out there and riding a ton!

MRT2

Congratulations on beginning the journey. Sounds like you are well on your way.

ColonelSanders

Good stuff.


Crazy how fast a year passes.

Pendergast

Good to hear we steered you in the right direction. Congrats on your accomplishments so far, and good luck on your accomplishments yet to come.