Originally Posted by Garfield Cat

Still, not to answer directly to your question. But he is a mechanical engineer. Maybe he would like to hear from another mechanical engineer who's been around for a while with a very good reputation. This link may not be the answer he wants to hear; but he will gain some insight as to road bikes by reading in between these lines. This is an interview format with Damon Rinard back in January 2015.

On the move with Damon Rinard - Slowtwitch.com

Originally Posted by qcpmsame

Miss Kenton,
Sorry I didn't know he had been winged, and on to a RAG squadron (or whatever the Air Scouts call their familiarization squadrons.) Hope he got the -15E that he was hoping for, when we went to dinner last November. Best wishes to him, and his beautiful bride.

Best wishes to you, and Mr. Miss Kenton

Bill

Originally Posted by berner

You asked for bike recommendations so here goes. My bike, which I'm very satisfied with, is a Specialized, aluminum Secteur. I use 28mm tires but it may fit up to 30mm tires but that would be the limit. I can ride it on gravel roads for short stretches and sometimes ride through a short section of woods trail at the local state park. I can hang panniers on it for grocery shopping and but use the bike for just about every other errand in town such as trips to the post office or library. I've done several weekend. tours with another forum member. I've learned to pack fairly light for backpacking so I've only put 25 pounds on the bike for tours and the bike is happy with that. This bike cost $800 5 years ago with bottom of the barrel shifters which have worked perfectly for 17,000 miles.

If I were searching for another bike, I'd consider a cyclocross bike which can take quite large tires for seriously off road ventures. Barretsvc has a carbon cross bike he assembled which looks very nice. Cross bike are sort of a rugged racing bike that may appeal to grasshoppers.

Originally Posted by freedomrider1

Good points Berner. If they are looking for more of the sports car of bikes i would recommend the Cannondale Caad 10. Good price and great bike.

Originally Posted by miss kenton

I like this one, too. I'm not quite sure what is budget is, but this may be in line. Based on the REI description I read, I'm thinking he might have something like this mind. His wife, I'm not so sure she's thinking of "time trials" and "fast-paced group rides". I could be wrong about that, but I think she'll be like me, more of a "stop and smell the roses" rider.