Wrm199031

I know this has probably been asked a million times but I'm looking to buy a road bike for $1000 or under. Trying to see what you guys would recommend. I've seen a good number for around that price point. A bike shop near me has a 2015 Cannondale CAAD8 with Tiagra components for 800. Is that a good deal? Thanks for any suggestions.

PepeM

It is a good deal.

Wrm199031

Thanks for the reply. I was also looking at the trek 1.2 which I could get from a bike shop that is much closer but I'm also looking for the best deal. I think the 1.2 was 900 something. I'm kind of new to road biking. My current setup is some kind of Chinese bike that I bought for like 50 bucks so I'm looking to upgrade.

shoota 

If you want the best deal buy a used bike. I have a 2012 CAAD10 with Ultegra for $800, for example.

big john

Can you test ride them? If one fits and rides nicer than the other then a few bucks more would be worth it.
Also, if one shop is cool and helpful and the other one is full of jerks....

Shuffleman

That is a fair price on the Cannondale. Do you have a Performance bike near you? If so, you can get a nice Fuji there for less that is comparable in specs.
Fuji Sportif 1.5D Road Bike - 2015
I would avoid the temptation to buy used since you are new to the sport. You do not want to buy a used bike unless you are certain that it is the right size. Even after that, go pay a lbs for a good fitting. It should run you under $100.
I would not fret too much. The Cannondale is nice as is the Fuji for $650.00. Most bikes in this price range are going to have very similar specs. It is a great entry level into the sport.

seymour1910

I agree with a lot of what shuffleman said. CAAD8 Tiagra is a good buy at $800. Also look at performance bike if there is one close.

This bike has 11 speed 105 and it's $999

Ridley Fenix AL Shimano 105 Road Bike -- 2016 Performance Exclusive

CafeVelo

I've seen these in person. They're quite nice. If I was in for $1k or less it would be really hard to beat that bike.

OP has not indicated if he has or needs the additional equipment a new rider requires, such as pedals, clothing, pump, and a flat kit. These must also be accounted in the budget unless they're intended to be a separate purchase or are already owned.

Wrm199031

These are all great suggestions and are much appreciated. The nearest performance bike is about an hour away which isn't a big deal so I'm definitely going to look into that. My price point is for bike only, I do already own the additional equipment I need so that's not an issue. My issue is what size to get as well? Should I go to my lbs for help on that? Of course I won't be buying from my lbs (everything seems overpriced). For additional info I'm 5'10" 1/2 with 32" inseam

seymour1910

If you don't plan to buy their bike, just leave them alone. No need to take up their time and then walk out to buy elsewere. $800 for the CAAD is good. If you like the Ridley I linked, drive to performnace, they will let you ride it, and fit you. You will probably be a Medium on the Ridley, and a 54 on the CAAD **approximate**

If you like red, this has 4700 Tiagra
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...400306__400306

Wrm199031

Yeah that's what I was thinking about my lbs. I'm not going to do something like that. I wouldn't mind giving them my business if their prices weren't so high and all they sell is trek. Thanks for all the help guys.

shoota 

56cm. Which my CAAD10 happens to be.

Maelochs

Sit on a couple different sizes before you pick. Everyone is proportioned differently. 54 or 56 ought to fit ... but I cannot guarantee it over the Internet. 56 Sounds right .... but don't go with your mind made up. Fit is the most important aspect of the purchase. If the bike doesn't fit you really can't ride it well, and won't ride it much.

Wrm199031

Thanks guys. Yeah I don't want to ride a bike that's not comfortable. Also the CAAD8 is a closeout for 2015 and all they have is 56 or 58 so if 56 doesn't fit it doesn't fit. I'm going to definitely do some shopping around

Dan333SP

You should look at Bikesdirect.com

They carry Motobecane, which is a fairly prestigious brand going way back. They have multiple options for you at your price point.

Check this out!

Save up to 60% of new Shimano Ultegra 6800 22 Speed Road Bikes | Motobecane Super Strada Road Bikes Sale | Save up to 60% off your next new Road Bike

Some of the parts are Ultegra. It's way better than any of the "big brands".

DMC707

bad karma to scope out a bike locally, then buy it elsewhere cheaper. It's like taking up half an hour of a shoe salesman's time trying on boots and shoes to get the perfect fit-then walking out and purchasing the one you like on Amazon for $20 less

your cycling inseam is usually an inch or two longer than your pants size-- as an example, i'm 5'8 and find a 30-31" inseam in pants to be agreeable, but my cycling inseam is 32.5- google how to measure that- its real easy but takes 2 people

Maelochs

Actually, one person can self-measure and I certainly recommend this : Bike Fit Calculator | Find Your Bike Size | Competitive Cyclist

Again, it is just numbers, and only sitting on the bike will really show you what's up, but you can get a pretty good idea. Also, if you have a comfortable bike, measure it or look up the geometry and take some notes. Usually a rider can fit on a couple sized frames; a tiny bit too small beats a tiny bit too big.

PepeM

The 1.2 is also nice, but I think the CAAD is the better deal. You could talk to the store and see if they can make a deal for you, since you rather deal with then due to convenience. If not just go for the CAAD ( provided it fits well), they are very good bikes.

Wrm199031

Honestly I would rather go to my LBS support them and the community but they were rather rude last time I was there as well. I brought in my road bike for service and I know it isn't the best bike or anything but instead of just being helpful, giving advice, and being thankful for my business they were rude and acted like they didn't want to deal with me. Of course they are the only bike shop within 20 minutes. All the others are up towards the city more. (I live about 2 hours away from chicago)

thin_concrete

Then speak with your wallet and go elsewhere. I did that with a local LBS that was rude.

thin_concrete

+1 if I didn't already have a Pinarello, I'd be all over a Motobecane from BikesDirect.

DMC707

I drive past several shops like this to get my bikes worked on when they need it at a shop i feel more at ease with -- i also drive about an hour as well

--- I'm hoping your trip to PErformance is fruitful -- i dont have a shop in my area, but i frequent the PErformance chain when i am travelling -- it helps to know the basics about fit, -- a guy at Performance may just be there working his way through college, and wont be as knowledgable about all the ins and outs of things as a guy who has decided that cycling is his career -- but the flip side is, some of the career guys can be more pompous and snarky acting to newcomers

Some of the height /inseam calculators can give you a good baseline of what to look for before you walk in the door though. PErformance generally has good prices on everything as well
I recently paid retail for a 10 speed Shimano SLX cassette at a local shop -- i'm used to riding on higher end stuff like Shimano XTR or Dura Ace, so when the shop-keep sold the cassette to me for 80 bucks, i didnt even question it, - thinking it sounded like a decent price
Lo and behold i was looking at PErformance's site a few weeks later for something else entirely, but the same SLX cassette was listed for $45 -- holy cow

Dan333SP

If you're lucky, a Motobecane owner may be willing to swap bikes with you, if you $weeten the deal a bit. Worth looking in to, in any case.

thin_concrete

Doubt it. I'm not that lucky.

Wrm199031

So from what I have been reading, the CAAD8 is more aggressive than an endurance bike. I want something that is quick but also something that is comfortable. Will it really make a big difference? I saw this Product: Fuji Sportif 2.0 LE Road Bike - 2016 Performance Exclusive . I like the 10 speed cassette but do you guys think it is worth it to go for the Tiagra or save some money and go for the 9 speed sora? Also how is fuji in quality compared to the Cannondale? Thanks guys I know that's a lot