jema123

Let me start by saying that I used to be into cycling and did some amateur racing in my 20s. It is now two decades later and time for a new bike. For a decade I managed some centuries and recreational rides with my lightweight steel bike but now everything would need to be replaced and I think I deserver a new bike. I did like steel and the fact that it's lasted as long as it did. I've been researching a bit about AL and Carbon but I'm not sure what I should get. I'm open to steel again but I can't afford Titanium.

What my bike needs are now: Endurance. I want to ride for exercise and recreation. I want to ride centuries and long distances. I'm older and wouldn't mind extra gears for hill climbing. I don't want to buy a bike every few years. I want it to last as long as possible.

I would like at least Shimano 105. I previously rode with Campy Veloce but I haven't seen many in SoCal that have it. I would imagine I would get used to the gear changing. Feel free to educate me on other types of group sets.

In my head I really thought Cannondale or Trek were the bikes I should be looking at but they are rather expensive.

Are there some bikes that you would think would fit my criteria? Other brands you recommend?

Last question is why are so many shops out of bikes? I know it's a pandemic but cycling is what everyone is doing in my part of the world. Are they sold out or just unable to be built?

budget:$1200
up to $1700 if carbon fiber

blakcloud

You don't give a budget but have a look at what I call "B" brands. The brands that are not Trek, Cannondale, Specialized and Giant. Try Scott, Fuji, Felt, Jamis, Norco, Kona and others. Also have a look at Bikes Direct if you want to lessen the cost even more. Don't rule out second hand bikes if money is a concern. The choices are endless.

The pandemic has put a damper on availability. This is the reality. If you still have your old bike, I would suggest using that until things cool down and inventory goes back up.

bampilot06

what size do you think you need and I will look around. Trek will be put of that price range. An Al trek with 105 is 1900. Maybe a Specialized Allez?
Cannondale CAAD 13 with 105 is 1900 at my local bike shop.

jema123

My Old bike needs new wheels. Has a rusted chain to get a new one I would need a new crank and derailer I was told. I check bike exchange daily and there was one in my size and budget and near enough for me to drive to but I didn’t act soon enough - it was a kestrel talon x shimano in my size, but it’s gone now. Is bike direct legit? Seems too good to be true.

i see Scott and Fuji at shops but I never see anyone riding those bikes.

jema123

I’m 5’4” and a half. My last bike was a 52. I was considering a bianchi which I was told 50 was good for me and European bikes run large.

bampilot06

https://www.canyon.com/en-us/road-bi...ts-section-tab

one idea. Has the 105 but it is Aluminum.

jema123

So I have went to all the shops and told about the bike shortage and how everyone is sold out. This is true online I can’t find what I want either. I don’t necessarily want to wait to August and then I’ve missed months of riding and will be back at work. Now I’m thinking about rebuilding a bike with my old frame.

id rather have something new and flashy but it is what it is. The shimano 105 set and new wheels plus a shop to assemble it in? Could I get this done under $1000. Are parts available. One shop said they were all backed up and problem couldn’t get to it for some time.

is my steel frame up to it. Is it fatigued after about 4-6 good years of riding and then a decade of maybe intermittent rare rides and sitting around the house. Can a shop tell me how much life is left in it.

thanks for any advice.

Tacoenthusiast

Another reason disks are bad, they add to the cost of bikes quite a lot

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/al...ext=90020-4244

$1350 MSRP if you can find one or wait for one. Going to rim brakes saves $500 vs that caad13 or trek

Going to disk brakes only for many brands really killed off the aluminum 105 bike at a great price point, sure people seem to love hydraulic brakes but is it worth a $500 premium on a $1300 bike**********?

Ogsarg

Considering that you mainly are looking to ride for exercise and recreation, I'd look closer at fixing up your old bike rather than spend all your money on something just because it's available. Why do you need new wheels? Replacing a rusted chain should not require replacing a derailleur and crank, or do those need to be replaced due to wear?

jema123

the bike shop had recommended that. I was told a new chain wouldn't work on my other parts due to how they have been worn. The bike is about 20 years old.
The wheels are 20 years old.

jema123

What about the colnago C Rs 105 2020 they seem to be instock. WIll have to have it assembled in store after purchased

I can’t post pictures yet. But it’s 1500

Frank72

You have had good luck with steel. How about this:
Bikes direct Gran Premio Pro: Reynolds 853, Ultegra 8000,
$1699 sizes may be limited. Check it out.
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...road-bikes.htm

pullings

You could buy a nice used bike......Identify a few models your interested in and wait for a good deal on Craigslist or Nextdoor. I ended up buying a used 2014 $1600 (list) Giant Defy for $350. It was practically barely used when I bought it in 2018.
After riding it for two years I had a really good idea of what new bike I really wanted......unfortunately CV19 hit and all online deals and even bike shop inventory dried up.
So I spent $850 to upgrade to 1X groupset and carbon wheels. Sold old parts on craigslist for $300.

jema123

yesterday I actually looked through Craigslist and didn’t find anything in my size. I will keep an eye on it but I’m nervous about being able to tell if something is good or bad as I’m no pro. Whether bike was in crash and frame damaged. But I will keep checking it out. Gives me a good idea of what resale value and different bikes people are riding and maybe I’ll find something cheap enough to be worth the risk or they will meet me at a shop with it.

vlad1xxi

Look at Cannondale CAAD Optimo 105. Price is in your range. This is entry level race Aluminum bike with Shimano 105 components. To make it endurance bike You will need mostly to put stem on it with higher angle in order to make you position more upright.

goenrdoug

Some options?
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lg...146743593.html
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sg...145794629.html
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/la...146010330.html
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/...147666928.html
https://ventura.craigslist.org/bik/d...131900797.html