jmtomasz

Im looking to start cycling, any one recommend decent bikes in around $1200?

55/Rad

What color?

jmtomasz

I dont really have a color preference.

avmanansala

How about the Cannondale Synapse.

jmtomasz

what are the general views on giants? I hear schwinn's and specialized quality have fallen.

I'll check out any bikes suggested, i honestly dont trust the views at LBS, because usually they support the brands they only carry, and put down the ones they dont.

goldfish

REALLY?? I honestly hadn't heard that....there are tonnes of spec riders around here that seem to love their rides.

Dynamic

PF Frame - $510 Shipped
Wheelset - $390
105 - 300

just for the frame

MONGO!

Scout around the local bike shops and see what they have on sale, I've seen some real nice bikes around that price.

I'd be looking for Alu frame w/carbon fork and Shimano 105 as a minimum.
From then it's all about what fits you and feels good.

Brand wise, Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Fuji you may even get lucky and find an Orbea

Dr_Robert

I just picked up one of these at my LBS yesterday. It's a great ride so far, and a complete steal at $1199:

https://cgi.ebay.com/New-in-box-2006-...QQcmdZViewItem

https://www.bikesale.com/index.asp?Pa...OD&ProdID=1367

-DR

jmtomasz

how do you like the bike? My LBS has it on sale for $1100. Also has the TCR C3 for the same price.

Whats the view on giants?

OrangeMKM

You might want to think about the new 2007 Tiagra. They've really improved it this year.

https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/07/c...el-7RA82T.html

Hopetoditchcar

I suggest no shimano, that stuff just sucks bad, you pay more for worse components. I would suggest orbea, I got mine for $1100, the mirage stuff is lighter, and better quality then that 105/ ultegra trash. For the price orbea is hard to beat and the lifetime warranty is great. I have contacted there support staff a few times and they are always prompt with responses and very courteous.

Dr_Robert

I put 20 miles on it earlier today. I haven't ridden a road bike in 10 years (been on a mountain bike pretty much my whole life), but that 20 miles was one of the most enjoyable rides I've had in quite a while. I won't really know how I feel about the bike until I get a couple hundred miles on it (and get used to riding a roadie again), but my first impression of the bike is extremely positive.

-DR

ibex

At my LBS they have a 2006 Fuji Roubaix Pro (105 w/ alex 200(?) wheels and ultegra rear derailleur at around 19lbs) for around $1100, so you might want to look into that. I thought it wasn't a bad bike, although I'm personally looking at Cannondale (Although my LBS doesn't have any my size and they're the only LBS that carries Cannondale...) I'm also eyeing the Douglas Fusion for $1499 (I know, over budget. But...) with dura-ace/ultegra, and what appears to be the a copy of the Roubaix's frame. (Fusion Link) Others may have something to say about that, though.

arsw1

If you are entirely new and do not know what you want, the best is to go try as many as you can possibly find and pick the best...

You can come back with your findings and we can comment on those.. if the only info is just $1200.. anybody can suggest something..

ridethecliche

There's nothing wrong with shimano. Get off your high-horse...

105 is the best bang for buck gruppo, and this forum seems to share that sentiment...

xerocoma

Do yourself a favor and check out LeMond bikes as well... great bikes, nicely equipped and a very comfortable ride (plenty quick and handle nicely)... 1200 should get you a nice aluminum/carbon Tourmalet with Shimano 105 components.... and depending on the model year less... I paid 930.00 USD for mine near the end of the model year. that leaves a bit of cash for pedals, shoes, etc....

A friend just bought a brand new Reno for 750.00 and it's a great bike as well... one model down from the Tourmalet

these were purchaesd in Houston BTW

xerocoma

+1 on the Shimano.. my wife rides a C-dale R900 with Campy and IMO the Shimano on my LeMond is just as smooth, just as quick and quiter.

Brian_1

Shimano, Campagnolo & Sram's groups are all nice, that Campy only attitude is nonsense. There are relatively small differences between the top components today. I grew up riding the old Simplex, Huret, Campy & Shimano groups - count yourself lucky for the component improvements since the 60's - 80's.

I like having index shifting with a friction option - but that's me.

I would agree that the old Campagnolo Super and Nuevo Record groups were overall the most beautiful (in appearance) then or now, but today's popular component groups are a big leap forward in function from almost everything used in the past.

bsyptak

I'd check out the Jamis Quest or Bianchi Eros. Last of the steel rides in that price range. At $1200, I think you might find comfort lacking in an alu frame. I do. If not steel, I'd skip right over aluminum and go with CF. These 41 year old bones can't handle the rigidity.

Both of these are excellent Reynolds 631 steel. I'd give a nod to the Jamis for the better parts spec. However, it's MSRP is $1375 so $1200 might be a bit of a stretch. But bikes rarely sell for MSRP though:

Jamis Quest

Bianchi Eros

Post pics of what you get.

float

I recently got a Trek 1500 with 105 components. Including my bike rack and helmet, I spent approximately $1200. I don't know if you need that stuff or if your budget has that factored in if you do, but there's something to chew on.

And it's a great bike.

fujibike

Also check your local paper. I picked up a Fuji Roubaix Pro, 2005 model with 400 miles on it for $650. Gives you the 105 gruppo, carbon forks/seat stays. Alex wheels which some have negative opinions on but I've not any problem with Alex wheels on this bike or my previous (which I still ride occasionally).

YATES

specialized allez elite.

55/Rad

I suggest something in red. Red is faster.

CardiacKid

For the most part, quality is all the same, across the range of brands, in that price range. There are very few manufacturers of frames and components. Giant makes a huge percentage of the frames on the market, regardless of what brand it says on the frames. People are going to scream that Trek and Cannondale still make their own frames, but every year they get more of their bikes from overseas.
There are only 3 companies that make component groups and not many more than that who sell wheels in your price range.
What I would look for is a good local bike shop that will sell you a bike at a reasonable price, that fits (your body and riding style) and is a color scheme you like. The decals on the frame would be the last thing I looked at.