I've been an mtb'er for that last three years. occasionally I'll throw a couple of slicks on the hardtail and go for a road ride. Now I'm interested in getting a road bike. It would be used mostly for recreation and group rides (although I'm not interested in being left at the back of the pack). I was also interested in training for a century. I've never raced before, but I'm planning on entering my first mtb race soon. I'd like a bike that was comfortable, but could also be considered a strong racer should I get the urg. What materials would you suggest? are there any specific companies that I should look at? also, could you tell me anything about some of these smaller boutique companies like gunnar, steelman....? what about bikes that are custom fit to your riding style? seven?

thanks

How much are you willing to spend?

You can get a nice rig for $1500 that is steel (a smooth ride which will feel responsive). Check into Lemond or Bianchi. Aluminum is getting better as a material over the years, look at Cannondale, but I still think AL rides harsh, it's a stiff material and you will feel every bump in the road, whereas steel will soften that ride.

If you can spend more, Titanium is a sweet ride. They call it a "magical" for a reason. It's durable and expensive, but will offer a smooth ride that is responsive like steel. It will ride the same in ten years as the day you bought it. This was my choice. Look into Litespeed or Merlin titanium.

Last material, carbon...some like it, some don't. And different companies's carbon will feel differently due to the way it's manufactured for the frame. Carbon is a great racing material since it's light, and it deadens the harsh ride (which some people like and others don't). Your local shops may carry LOOK frames, Trek or a Bianchi XL. They all ride differently. Price range will vary, but average is around $2500.

Here are some helpful websites:
www.coloradocyclist.com
www.excelsports.com
www.gvhbikes.com
www.lemondbikes.com
www.trekbikes.com
www.litespeed.com
www.merlinbike.com

Keep us posted on how the search is going. Give us more info on you and we can help narrow this down more. Also, check through other posts, as people have asked similar questions.

cheers,
Ride hard or ride home.

Ti,its what the pro's would use. Litespeed has a new model for $1999.

Hi, I'm new to this forum.
I am also trying to decide between Titanium and Carbon.
Actually, I have written both the Litespeed Firenza and Trek 5500. They feel and ride the same to me. However, the 5500 is out of my wife's limit.
Litespeed Firenza ($1999) has the same components as the Trek 5000 ($2000).
My problem is again, Titanium vs Carbon.
I have heard some say Ti is magical and life long (meaning just upgrade components without getting a new frame). Some others say Carbon is the same (life long) other say 10year shelf life.

Please help. Wife has given me only until the end of the month to spend the $2000.

I have frames in all 4 materials, but nothing mixed such as AL frame w/ carbon rear triangle, etc. There's a 853 steel Lemond Zurich, Al Giant, Ti Moots and a carbon C40. Naturally, each ride is different. Hands down my favorite is the C40. Great smooth and steady ride and quick. But it also has the best component build (Record) and I think the paint scheme is a work of art, so I'm also drawn to it for these reasons. I'm currently looking at another bike for this year and the only frames I'm looking at are carbon. They're generally more expense but worth every penny as far as I'm concerned.

Hi, I'm new to this forum.
I am also trying to decide between Titanium and Carbon.
Actually, I have written both the Litespeed Firenza and Trek 5500. They feel and ride the same to me. However, the 5500 is out of my wife's limit.
Litespeed Firenza ($1999) has the same components as the Trek 5000 ($2000).
My problem is again, Titanium vs Carbon.
I have heard some say Ti is magical and life long (meaning just upgrade components without getting a new frame). Some others say Carbon is the same (life long) other say 10year shelf life.

Please help. Wife has given me only until the end of the month to spend the $2000.

Whats wrong with the 5200?

Ti,its what the pro's would use. Litespeed has a new model for $1999.

How many Pro's are riding Ti? Aluminum and carbon frames outnumber Ti by a large margin in the Pro Peloton...

I deliberated the ti vs carbon question, and I was just about to go with a Calfee when one on my riding buddies started lamenting how his 2 year old Look was holding up. He didn't have any structural problems, just minor scars from the road. I changed my mind and went with a Merlin Cyrene. Now I think I made the right choice, but not just for the durability, but the for the handling too.

How many Pro's are riding Ti? Aluminum and carbon frames outnumber Ti by a large margin in the Pro Peloton...
If they could ride what they wanted,it would be ti.It was a great read in VeloNew a few months ago.

Hi, I'm new to this forum.
I am also trying to decide between Titanium and Carbon.
Actually, I have written both the Litespeed Firenza and Trek 5500. They feel and ride the same to me. However, the 5500 is out of my wife's limit.
Litespeed Firenza ($1999) has the same components as the Trek 5000 ($2000).
My problem is again, Titanium vs Carbon.
I have heard some say Ti is magical and life long (meaning just upgrade components without getting a new frame). Some others say Carbon is the same (life long) other say 10year shelf life.

Please help. Wife has given me only until the end of the month to spend the $2000.


I own a 2003 5200. It's a solid bike and it's certainly confomforable. However, it doesn't have the snap that I've felt on some ti frames. Try to find a shop that will let you take them out for a real test ride (1-30 miles). I think you'll find that the Ti gives you better power transfer when sprinting.

Godd luck!

I have frames in all 4 materials, but nothing mixed such as AL frame w/ carbon rear triangle, etc. There's a 853 steel Lemond Zurich, Al Giant, Ti Moots and a carbon C40. Naturally, each ride is different. Hands down my favorite is the C40. Great smooth and steady ride and quick. But it also has the best component build (Record) and I think the paint scheme is a work of art, so I'm also drawn to it for these reasons. I'm currently looking at another bike for this year and the only frames I'm looking at are carbon. They're generally more expense but worth every penny as far as I'm concerned.

Im really keen on the Giant composite , but Ive been told that its too brittle for the foads we have here in Africa ,and that it wouldnt need much of a bang to break ... was I miss informed ?

Im really keen on the Giant Comp, I think its a great looking bike , I ride an OCR right now and wanted to upgrade to the carbon ,I was told that for the roads we ride on in Africa Id be making a mistake . And that the first crash I get into will brake the bike... Is carbon too brittle ?

Im really keen on the Giant Comp, I think its a great looking bike , I ride an OCR right now and wanted to upgrade to the carbon ,I was told that for the roads we ride on in Africa Id be making a mistake . And that the first crash I get into will brake the bike... Is carbon too brittle ?
Most any bike will break in a crash as they are so thin nowadays but some can be fixed as i dont belive carbon can be.

Steel. Lugged Steel.

sure im a tradiationalist, but a well built steel frame is tough toughtough and rides like a dream. not too stiff (hah aluminum) not too pricey and tough. flexier is good for touring but you can get nice responsive stiffness...just testride