eddiepliers 

I'm a somewhat disabled rider, so my income is not the best. I'm currently 5'3" and I would like suggestions for a half-decent road bike.

A couple of my options were buying a Felt F95 team (which I really want), a Trek 1.2, a Giant Defy 3, and a Specialized Allez triple (because the hills or PA are pretty tough).

I know my ideal size would be from 46-48, but does it make a difference whether I go with 650cc or 700cc wheelsets? And when I decide to upgrade my group, is there any difference between Campy and Shimano?

Thanks in advance...

DenisMenchov

Try them all out, then make a decision. Don't get sold on the first bike you try out, I think we are all guilty on that at some point.

Then bargain bargain bargain the price down.

Bikesdirect has good deals as well, but you need to either know how to wrench, or are willing to learn. It's always easier to just go to the LBS if you have an issue though.

AtlBentRider

I just bought a Trek 1.5 for my daughter. It was on sale at the Trek dealer for the same price as the 1.2. It's a nice bike.

peddlinski

I would say go ride a few and then ride them again. Thats what I did. I rode the Defy 3 then went to another dealer and rode the Jamis Ventura Sport and then went to another dealer and rode the Fuji Newest 3.0. They were all nice but I found the Giant to be exactly what I was looking for. The Jamis was heavy and had a double crank and cromoly fork but it rode good. The Fuji had everything I was looking for except it just didn't look as modern as the Giant. I also really liked the shifters on the Fuji. It was the cheapest of the bunch too. The Giant has everything the Fuji has and looks great to boot. It also feels much lighter but is the most expensive of the 3.

halfspeed

If it fits, then get the F95 because that's what you really want.

The wheel size does make a difference. On small frames, compromises in the frame geometry have to be made in order to fit 700C wheels. This is why some small frames are made with 650C wheels. That said, with 700C you have more choices of tires and can share tubes with other riders.

sonik90

check eBay for used deals.. this is the only way to get a highend groupset for under $900. I have seen Colnago's, Serotta's, and older Trek's go for less.

eddiepliers 

I found this one on ebay... should I go after it???

https://cgi.ebay.com/Masi-Alare-47-CM...d=p3286.c0.m14

vikz

I just bought a Giant defy 3 for 699.99 and i'm glad I did..

joe_5700

Have you looked at the Felt Z100 or Z80? With a triple and a cassette with better ratios for hills it may suit you better than the F95.

Acbike

You may also want to look into a caad9 7 which go for around 799 new. It's a great frame for a entry level bike, that would definately be worth upgrading the components on later if wanted.

caloso

This is akin to asking Catholic or Protestant? In Belfast.

eddiepliers 

Or Apple vs Windows?

lol

do-well

While I can buy the religion question as one of personal preference, I don't feel the same way about your example.

As for an entry level bike, get the bike that 1) fits you best and 2) comes with a good relationship with a LBS. Alot of entry bikes are similar (not exactly the same). I ended up with a Lemond Etape in 2006. Like the bike. Ho-hum on the LBS.

G-money

I just got a Trek 1.5 for both me and the wife and we are loving them (although I think I need a new saddle)! You might also check out this useful article re: starter road bike options: https://www.bicycling.com/bikesunder1k/.

TGilmore

I just bought a Felt F85 for a bit above your $900 budget. The bike was Originally $1250, but they had it 25% off due to end of season. So far I'm really enjoying the ride. Check around your LBS for closeouts on '09 models. Good Luck!

Tyson