I'm starting back to cycling after several years off. I now have time to do it once again and am quite excited about it. I used to ride primarily mountain bikes, but now would like to get a good road bike. I'm not looking to spend $5000, but would like the best bike I can get for my money. I'm not going to be racing, but I'd like as light a bike as possible. Are there any bikes that come to mind that might do nicely? Any bikes you might recommend?

Thanks! :)

How much are you looking to spend? The # of bikes available for less than $5,000 is pretty huge!

What kind of riding do you want to do? Because if you're not racing, I really wouldn't worry about getting "as light a bike as possible", I'd worry about something that'll be comfy for the rides you'll be doing.

jeff

Maybe $3500 or so would be nice. I could go a little over. I might like a comfortable race bike if that makes sense; something that I may be able to race if I wanted to in the future.

You can get a lot of bike in that price range!! Maybe even full Record or Dura-Ace. I all would recommend is go out and ride stuff. With that price tag most things are available to you. I would get the best frame wheels I could and then go chorus or ultegra if youre at your limit by then. For example I am getting a Merlin Proteus with ultegra and dura ace cranks for a around what you are willing to spend. Go out a demo bikes. You should have an idea of what you want before you buy anything.

Well, $3,500 is totally out of my league - my $1,500 Lemond Buenos Aires was the absolute most I was willing to spend.

I'm guessing that $3,500 will put you on a custom frame. Check for serotta dealers and the like in your area and look into it.

jeff

I agree that:

1. In that price range there are are so many good bikes available it's impossible to know where to start, and
2. You can do fine spending a lot less. Of course, it's your money, but 3,500 is a lot to spend for someone just getting back into cycling. There are many great models available for 2,000 or less, in a selection of frame materials.

Your best bet is just to get out and visit some shops, look at the selection, talk with people about your expectations and the kind of riding you plan to do. I'd suggest that you don't tell salespeople you are willing to spend 3,500, because that's all they show you. Start out between 1,500 and 2,000. You'll probably find something you like in that range, but if you fall in lust over something that costs more you still have the option of going up

I agree that:
Your best bet is just to get out and visit some shops, look at the selection, talk with people about your expectations and the kind of riding you plan to do. I'd suggest that you don't tell salespeople you are willing to spend 3,500, because that's all they show you. Start out between 1,500 and 2,000. You'll probably find something you like in that range, but if you fall in lust over something that costs more you still have the option of going up

Thats some of the best advice I've seen in this forum. Including mine! :D

Thanks for the help guys.

Mayday, you are a wise person. Thanks for your insight. I'll give that a try and get back to you guys.

Try the Colorado cyclist.....
I just got the summer sale catalog in the mail. If you are going to spend that kind of $ on
a bike, you will likely want to choose the parts individually. The best frame deal (I think, but I am partial to Fondriest) Carb-Level plus '04 for $1299( 54cm and 57cm) includes Selcof carbon post(32.4) and the top carbon fork that comes on the $5000 Fondriest.(frame = 1.1 kg/ 2.42lbs)
Other frames include:Lightspeed Vortex (Ti) $2299( in 53,55,59,61;2.8 lbs) w/Real Design fork; Eddy Merckx Premium (2.85 lbs ;special "flared" Scandium tubing) $2199 (in 55,56,58); Lightspeed Ultimate for $1599 (no fork, 53; 3.2lbs)...frames need to FIT you well
Also Campy Proton Wheels for $375 and a few custom chorus wheels (CC is known for EXCELLENT wheel builds) for $299.-only 2 sets left-
I am thinking the hot group is a Dura Ace 7800 crank with Campy drivetrain, Mavic SSC brakes, and either Odds & Endos or CC custom wheels, maybe Campy Eurus or Toplino wheelset.
I have a few leads on components on-line if you would like to contact me.
You will have an amazing bike for that amt. of $ and you will likely be considering a full carbon monocoque (1piece) frame as well.