cydewaze

I have an Emonda SL. It's a stellar bike and has gotten fantastic reviews. These guys give it a 10, but I'm not sure if that's 10/10 or 10/something else.

ypsetihw

I know it's not carbon, but I ride the Nashbar 105 road bike (aluminum frame, carbon fork, modern geometry and tapered head tube) and I got it for like $750 after discount. It will take a 28 in the rear no problem (i'm running a conti grand sport race 28 there now) and a 25 up front. got a practically new fizik aliante on CL for $40, and a DA9000 crankset for $120 with only 4k miles on it. Put wellgo Keo knockoffs on the pedals, upgraded the brake pads and got some of those 37mm Vuelta alloy rims for $130 (also from nashbar) and the bike is HOT. it's just over 20lbs ready to ride, (pedals, cages, and all), rides like a dream. it's stiff (which is saying a lot for me at almost 200lbs), compliant and comfy, bulletproof, and people are literally amazed when they see my setup and find out what I paid for it. I'm into it for about a grand total, and it's worth twice that or more.

Nashbar just does it right. Their customer service is outrageously good. If you get the discounts, you can't get a better bike anywhere for the money (at least in the US, wiggle and ribble have some nice stuff). BD comes close, but I've heard some people having issues with customer service, but again, they have some killer gear on clearance. I've ever heard of people on here buying BD bikes just to strip the groupo and put it on a better frame because it was cheaper than buying the components alone. HA!

Dirt Farmer

Orbea Orca

https://www.orbea.com/us-en/bicycles/orca-m20

(oops, I just saw the "not black" part of your post. How about this? https://www.orbea.com/us-en/bicycles/orca-m30-pro)

Smithson1

Also not carbon, but a lot of bang for your buck with the new Fuji Roubaix with Sram Force. Weights under 16 lbs per Fuji's website.

Fuji Roubaix Elite Road Bike - 2017

San Pedro

I'm looking at the TCR Advanced 2 (1 if I can swing it), the Edy Merckx Sallanches 64, and Tarmac SL4 Sport in that range. Mostly likely going with the Advanced 2 or the Merckx since I don't think I'll be able to convince the Mrs for anything more expensive. The price in the states on the Giant is stupid good. If they had the Advanced 1 there it would probably in your range too.

FeltF2Tarmac

The new FR5 from felt, but since I ready have carbon the FR30 might be more realistic for me but it's aluminum. That would be at the bottom of your budget and it's not carbon. The FR5 is and it's 2 grand.

therh

I forgot about Orbea, I have one dealer close to me as well (5 miles or so)

Has anyone tried a Avant M30 or an Orca M30?

The Orca is full 105.☺️

Seems the Orca and 2017 TCR 2 are full 105 spec.

HazeT

Have you considered building? I saw some ORCA frames on ebay for $799. A full ultegra groupset is running < 600 from UK.
for $600 you can get some very nice, hand built Hed Belgiums or Easton R90SL and have an amazing machine.

Or something like this,
Brand new, never built.

ColonelSanders

I don't know what the Bikes for Sale directory situation is like in the USA, but in Australia using BikeExchange.com.au earlier today, I was able to find some pretty good bikes being discounted by certain stores to the tune of 37.5%.


So all of a sudden a bike you had not considered before due to its price, now becomes a strong contender.


I'm not saying these kinds of discounts are always available on a bike you would be happy to own, but it is worth while keeping an eye out for such things, as one day over a 3 month period, you might spot what you want.

12strings

A friend of mine recently got this 2016 Fuji Gran Fondo 2.5 disk. It looks really nice in black and green, and he loves it. 105 components, mechanical disk brakes, and enough tire clearance for 30 or maybe 32. $1,800 at Performance bike.

Fuji Gran Fondo 2.5 Disc Road Bike -- 2016

therh

I've thought of possibly building a bike, but it is something I've never done.

I'd think for time being I'd like to buy a full bike.

hefeweizen

Giant TCR Advanced or the Defy Advanced 2.

aplcr0331

Stupid name, but https://www.bullsbikesusa.com/night-hawk-p-193.html is Carbon with full 105 weighing 18lbs for 1,699. They have deals from time to time as well. The Ultegra model is just over $2K but looks way better IMHO.

therh

I was been considering the Defy Advanced 2 as well.

I plan on keeping this bike for five years or more, should I look into disc or rim brakes? I think rim brakes is what I will go with. Any thoughts?

the sci guy 

Looking for a new bike for the MS150, eh?
Check out the Cannondale Synapse. Hard to find shops around here that stock them though. Otherwise head to Blue Line in the Heights and check out either a nice Jamis, or their new line of Merckx. I got a 2016 Specialized Roubaix from Bike Barn this year. Love it. Last model before the new suspension version.

SHK

Kestrel Talon is a pretty sexy bike with 105 components.

Anti404

The avant looks like a very nice endurance type bike, and Jenson USA has several deals on different models. I considered the Avant when doing online research, but ultimately chose a NOS Scott Solace because we have a Scott dealer much closer than Orbea. I also considered the Fuji bikes, a Ribble (but didn't like the idea of buying overseas for an entire bike), the Defy Advanced, Trek Domane, and Specialized Roubaix. The Advanced was a very nice bike but I just don't like disc brakes much. The Domane was also nice. I liked the Scott's appearance, handling, and comfort best of all, and ended up finding it from a retailer going out of business for about 50+pct off.

hefeweizen

With the Defy I think you can only get disc.
Where I live is pretty flat and I don't ride much in the rain (those are trainer days). I
did not see the need for disc at this time.
I picked up a close out 2016 TCR Adv 1. I had two new sets of wheels (rim brake)
laying around. Love the bike. I ended up selling my endurance bike. It was not going
to see much if any use with the TCR around.

San Pedro

I just ordered a TCR Advanced 2 today. I told my four year old daughter she could choose the color of my bike (excluding pink), and she said light blue. That narrowed down the field as well as matrimonial harmony (well avoiding as much disharmony at least).

I don't know when I'll pick it up and ride it, but I'll post about it when I do... Now to think accessories.

therh

I've yet to see that blue in person, but as I've said, I do not want an all black bike. The blue does look like it would be nice.

RomansFiveEight

Nashbars customer service is insanely good, and I LOVE my CR5. I love the way it looks, the way it rides... and the price!

I've upgraded the wheels (Ultegra WH-6800's), I upgraded the tires to Vittorias which made a big difference. Upgraded the brakes to Ultegra (also, BIG difference), and my next upgrade: Di2! Should be here soon!