el forestero

For someone who likes 80 to 200 km rides and long climbs, what's the best 58" frame road bike likely to be available now or by late August for around $1500, give or take a few hundred $, whether purchased online and shipped to the SF Bay Area or purchased at an LBS in/near the Bay? I'm partial to aluminum frames, though carbon fork, seatpost and/or wheels would be fine.

GlennR

The only aluminum bike i've ridden in the past few years was the Trek Emonda ALR. I have a carbon SLR and was impressed on how it handled and it's relatively inexpensive price compared to the SLR.

Symox

Any of the big names (Specialized, Trek, Giant, Cannondale, Bianchi) have nice aluminum framed bikes at that price or close to it.

Availability is pretty bad right now but I'm a big fan of trying as many bikes as you can until you find the right fit. I think geometry and fit are much more important than components. However, at that price I would stick with 105 or Ultegra level components if you can (though I suspect you will have to get Sora or Tiagra which is probably fine but I have no experience with them). If you can find a shop that will do a proper fitting and has a good reputation I would stick with that. I'm in the same area and love Mike's Bikes, the Bicycle Garage and Centripedal.

Palo Alto also has some great shops.

GlennR

While i agree that it has to fit and be comfortable, I don't think you can get Ultegra at that price range.

To get 105 on a Emonda ALR you need to spend $2200.

The Specialized Allez Elite is $1600 and has 105.

Symox

I agree. I think you would have to go to bikesdirect.com to get that level

Bald Paul

Yeah, good luck.

shelbyfv

Used. Watch your CL. Almost nothing is available new and that won't change by August.

iReadBlitz

I just picked up a 21 Specialized Allez Elite in a 58 just a bit ago. Aluminum frame with carbon fork and mostly 105 components. Super happy with it. I would ask around your LBS's and see if they have any incoming you can maybe reserve. Other than Specialized the other big names brands all have decent entry level road bikes around that price as Symox previously mentioned.

big john

Yeah, 58 inch is going to be hard to find.

bruce19

Cannondale CAAD 13 w/105 and rim brakes....$1800.

Jack Tone 

Shouldn't be Too hard

Iride01 

You picked a bad time to be looking for a bike. Inventory will be low the remainder of the year and into the next. And that is if everything stays on track and doesn't get derailed.

However the Trek Emonda ALR is a good riding bike and very light for what it is. My son has a Tiagra equipped Emonda from 2017. I rode it and it was comfortable. I did feel more of the bumps with it than I do my carbon Tarmac or steel Paramount and Raleigh. Not enough to bumpiness to think you strange just for wanting aluminum though.

While the Emonda isn't a real aggressive position, it's still a tad aggressive for some. So if you are going to want to sit more upright, then you need a road bike with more stack. So take that into consideration. While you can always do stuff to make the bars higher, why dork it up? Get a road bike that has the geometry already to give you the position you want. Same applies if you think you'll like a very aggressive position.

And as always, trying them out in person is preferable. And make sure they are the right size for you.

el forestero

Thanks for the advice, all. Will do some calling around to see if any of those bikes are in stock or can be pre-ordered/reserved.

big john

Some of the manufacturers have locators on their web page. Might help you find something.

shelbyfv

Giant website supposedly shows dealer stock and this actually seems to be available. Full 105 including hydraulic discs.

Iride01 

Components and wheels on a bike frame are usually what changes up the price for a particular model, though when you get to the really expensive bikes, there may be some differences in the actual frame.

So if the shop doesn't have the model at the component level you want, but have a proper size bike of the same frame with different components, you can try that out and get the same idea about how it feels. Then you'll be a little more confident in ordering a bike if you have too.

I tried out a Tarmac with just Shimano 105 and then ordered a Tarmac with Ultegra. Same frame so same fit and feel.

It'll probably help to have patience. Though I do see more bikes in my shops around here. Just none that I'd want.

That Giant Contend another posted is a nice looking bike too. I've never sat on one though.

himespau 

And they appear to be out of stock on everything.

PeteHski

Yeah, I would have thought a more endurance focused geometry would be better for the 80-200 km rides planned. So a Trek Domane or similar. That Giant Contend linked above might be a good choice too for a relaxed ride.

Larituk

Check out Ribble, Canyon, and Canondale. I believe they each have aluminum bulds that could fit your requirements. I have 10 years past experience road riding through-out the Bay Area on long moutain roads. Unless you are really into optimized climbing performance don't shy away from regularl road or endurance frame geometry. An endurance bike might be more comfortable on day 2 and 3 if you want to do multiday riding. A Canondale CAAD Optimo 1 is also in your price range and could be a tone of fun.

el forestero

Those are great suggestions. I have a Trek Domane in Japan and am used to its geometry for both climbs and long rides.

AANSHAY123

I have also been in the market for an aluminum bike for around that price. A few options I have seen are the Sensa Romagna Disc 105 or Sensa Romagna Disc Tiagra. I was also looking at the Felt FR 30 and Fuji SL-A 1.3.

el forestero

Those look like great bikes. I have my eye on the Specialized Allez.

bruce19

el forestero

Those look great too! Thanks for the link.