m3gumby

Hey guys I am brand new to the forum and also fairly new to cycling. I am in the market for a new bike and have a decent budget of 800ish which should get me a pretty solid entry level bike. I went and tried out the Fuji Roubaix 2.0 the other day and really liked it a lot. I was surfing a few other local shops and stumbled on a Trek 1.2. It's got almost an identical component set up (don't bash the tiagra and soras haha I'm new) and the Trek is around 100 cheaper than the Fuji.

Any help with opinions?

datlas 

Ride them both and get the one you like?

RT

Assuming you are talking about the 2010 models, the Fuji comes with better components. I own two Fujis, so I may be biased, but based on spec alone, the Fuji is th=e better deal. Plus, if you are going through Performance and happen to have a Team Performance membership, you get double points through April 30. I used many of my points to buy the tools I have sorely neglected to purchase. The jump from Sora to Tiagra is significant enough to make the Fuji better, IMHO.

kayakdiver

If they both fit into the budget.. get the one with Tiagra. Same form and function as the upper levels. The new Tiagra is good stuff.

Phil85207

what they said

JaceK

In before the "get a cannondale" !!!

Homebrew01

Get a Cannondale .... Is the CAAD 8 in your price range.

Caad 8

The Caad 8 is a great bike for all different levels of cyclists. The CAAD series is the bar by which other bike companies try to match their aluminum frames. You can never go wrong with a CAAD bike.

RT

Nice.

Juan Foote

I would suggest looking around to find an 08-09 Trek 1.5 over the 1.2 as the components are better and should still be within the price range you are looking. I have no opinion on the Fuji, never ridden one.

m3gumby

I was told to look at the CAAD 8 by a good friend, what do they run?

On paper each bike is very similar and I'm sure even riding them they're going to be very similar. Performance just finished their discount of the roubaix 2.0 of 100 off and I am not a member so retail on it right now is 999 and the 1.2 is 845ish so there is always a money tipping point

In dealing with a LBS I know it varies from shop to shop but what sort of negotiation can be done? I went and tried out the Fuji and the owner told me on my way out that he can knock off 50 dollars of retail of the roubaix 2.0 (999 - 50). I haven't ever bought a new bike before but what kind of perks can I ask for?

banerjek

Ride the bikes and see what you like -- bikes ride far more differently than most people realize. You are much more likely to be happy if you get what you like best rather than the bike that is the best deal. Just because a bike is the best for someone else (or even the majority of people) doesn't mean it is best for you.

I do not recommend buying a bike you can't test ride unless you really know what you're doing (few people do). Shops may show some flexibility on price, but I don't think it's beneficial to bargain too hard since they're liable to cut you less slack later in situations when they have discretion.

HigherGround

I'd agree with everything that banerjek wrote, and I'd also ask if you feel like one shop is easier to deal with or more helpful than the other? Having a good relationship with a local shop can be tremendously beneficial. especially if you're just starting out.

m3gumby

I went and checked out the 1.2 today and noted that the components on the fuji are higher quality. I haven't found a shop that carries cannondale (I haven't searched yet) but judging peoples experiences over the two brands.

Fuji Roubaix 2.0 vs. Cannondale CAAD 8?

RT

I love Fuji, but I have yet to see anyone in this forum, when given the choice, recommend anything but a C'dale.

JaceK

I stand by the fact that I have never recommended C'Dale, I bought one, and will will never touch one again. I would saw my arm off if I touched one ever again.

BTW: I am on the forum.

Namenda

I have a Fuji, and I have a Trek. I like my Fuji better, so get one of those.

m3gumby

I'm leaning towards the Fuji, I can get a decent deal on one and I like how they aren't quite (relative) as mainstream as Trek's are.