gafirefighter

First post here on a new site. I have been lurking in the shadows for a while and finally decided to join. Let me start with a little background info on myself. A few years back I was really involved in cycling. I purchased a CR1 Team that I used for quite a few centuries and many other races/rides. After riding it for about a year some things came up and I had to let it go. Since then I have spent very little time in the saddle.

Now, it is time to get back. My wife also is quite interested in ridding. A buddy of mine is a certified smith currently working at REI. We have her set up with a Novara road bike that she is quite comfortable on. Now I just have to buy it. The only thing I need to figure out is what I would like to get for myself.

I have considered many options. In a couple years I have a plan in place to get the Moots frame that I have always wanted. The plan with the Moots is to built a bike that fits my taste completely. For now though I am not planning to spend that much. I have looked around and if I could find a good price on a 57cm Litespeed Classic I would pick it up in a minute. So far, I have not. That is one options but more than likely will not be the way I go. I have been the carbon route. I really loved it, but it too is a little more than I want to drop right now. So that leaves me with steel or aluminum.

I could start with a complete bike, but I am never impressed with what the lower end has installed. I really would just like to start with the frame and go from there. This bike is just going to wear a 105 kit, and some other decent components. More or less I would like to keep it middle of the road. So what frames are out there that I should look at. It does not have to be new, just in good shape. I would like to keep the frame cost under $600 if possible.

Any ideas and help would be most appreciated. This will not be an all out race bike, but more of a trainer and a bike that is fun to ride.

Thanks,

Adam

JaRow

Go to a couple bike shops and just test ride a bunch of frames. See what you like/don't like and go from there.

Good luck

TeddyKGB

I'd recommend the Cannondale CAAD 9 for the frame. Definitely can't go wrong w/ that.

uga8589

i hate to admit it, but the Gator is right. Don't be in a hurry and find something that fits you and that you like.

Good Luck!

JaRow

Haha. Why can't we be friends?

MrCrassic 

Welcome to BikeForums!

You should try the Cannondale CAAD 9; very solid frame. Either that, or you can find an old Trek 2100 or 2200, which is also pretty good.

Good luck!

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uga8589

We can . . . Until that first week in November!

JaRow

That will be a fun game. I'm looking forward to it. You guys are looking strong.