I just wanted to get some input on what some other bikers felt an appropriate first road bike for myself would be. I am currently five foot three, fourteen years old and weigh around 110lbs. I wanted to know what companies I would get the best performence to money ratio and what price range I should be looking at. Although I may grow a lot, my parents are both very short (mom - five foot even)(dad - five foot sixish) so the chances are slim I will be a walking giant. I am willing to pay up to around and possibly a little more than $2,000, however I do not want to purchase a bike of that stature only to find that I out grow it in a couple years. The companies that I have looked into are Trek, Jamis, Fuji, and Bianchi, but I am willing to entertain any and all suggestions/reccomendations. I currently own a Trek 4900 mountain bike with a Cat Eye Astrale 8 Cyclocomputer and am very happy with the durrability of the components. I am serrious and currently ride 10+ miles a day with a lot of difficult climbs. The Fuji Roubaix - $1,050, Trek 1500 - $1,100, Fuji Newest - $750, Trek 2100 - $1,429, Bianchi Giro - $1500, and Bianchi Eros have all seemed of good quality(I have seen all of them at local bike shops). Lastly, what could I add to a cheeper bike like the Newest to lighten it up and make it preform better. Any feedback as far as bikes, pedals, shoes, computers... is greatly appreciated.
Jon
GO LANCE

I just bought my first road bike after many years of riding a MTB. I have a Bianchi Eros, and am liking it a lot. My MTB is a Cannondale non-shock model, and after trying out aluminum and steel road bikes, I found that I liked the steel frames much more.

In your price range, you might want to check out the Bianchi Veloce. It looks like it has the same frame as the Eros, but with better Campy parts.

I just bought my first road bike after many years of riding (& racing) MTBs.

I spent less then $2K (including tax and shipping) on a handmade Italian Deda' EOM 16.5 light steel Viner Pro Team, frame weighs mere 3.3# (see www.viner.it ) & for $200 more you can get carbon seatstays if you're into the carbon fad, with complete '03 Campy Chorus (Centaur brakes) 20-speed gruppo set with light Campy Proton wheels. My entire bike, with my own pedals, weighs less then 20# and it's look GREAT and rides fast. I love my Viner bike: now I actually wish I spent more money on full 2004 Campy Record carbon gruppo, but maybe i'll do that after some road race accomplishments. I'll be replacing any wornout parts from the lightest Campy Records.

check out http://gvhbikes.com/ and talk to Gary or Tom as you also check out your LBSs.

p.s. my 2nd choice was Trek 5200 carbon 18-speed Ultegra bike from my LBS, listed $2500 plus 8.75% tax ($2700). Trek 5200 rides very nice indeed: same weight as my Viner Pro Team with Campys.

Here are my thoughts:

1) You are one of the more articulate and intelligent 14 year olds that I have seen in a while. You should be proud of that.

2) It is likely you will be around your father's height or even a bit taller. I would buy a bike frame one size to large (would probably be a 54-55 cm frame) with a slightly short stem, which would allow it to fit properly from 5'5"-5'8" with some adjustments.

3) If you feel comfortable working on your own bikes, take a serious look at the Supergo bikes. The R-550 for $699 gets you a 105 group (with house brand brakes) and an easton tubed frame. The 650 gets you a full ultegra bike for $990, and for 1299 you can get a full ultegra bike with a carbon frame.

Ok thanks for all of the input. It will probably take me a little while to earn the extra $$$ required to get a bike, but I appreciate your coments. Thanks again.