Looking to get my first road bike so I can get more miles in and start riding to work.

I don't know a whole lot about road bikes. Looking to spend around $1K.

So far in my search I've found a couple options. My LBS wants to sell me a Cannondale R700 for about $1K.

Right now, I'm leaning toward the Scattante 660 at Supergo. Looks like a lot more bang for the buck (Carbon steatstays, Ultegra drivetrain. It's $1200 but there's a 15% off coupon floating around.

Any reason to go with the C'dale from the local shop? Anything alse I really should consider in this price range?

OK, one more question. Double or triple? I'm thinking double. Any reason I'd want the extra chainring?

You've probably answered these questions many times, but any help for a newb is appreciated!

Oh yeah. Types of cranks. If you have lots of mountains look at the triples or compact cranks (lots of info on these in the beginners forum). If you live in the flats or only have moderate rollers then go with a double. I live in the Sierras and love my compact. My wife rides a triple and prefers it. I'm not burly and manly enough to do 3000 foot passes in seven miles with a double.

You should ask this question in the Beginners Forum. You'll get a lot more response. There is a ton of info on ordering online vs. local shop there. I'll summarize quickly. Ordering online is fine if you know what you need and what you are looking for. It is also fine if you know your size, fit, components, etc. A Newb is taking a chance ordering online if he doesn't know the info as bike fit is everything. . .far more important than components. LBS are a very good option for any buyer if 1)They are knowledgable 2)They are friendly 3)They can get what you need 4)They can fit you out properly. There's nothing too wrong with a C-Dale but they are a very stiff and some say unforgiving ride. One of my riding buddies rides one and loves it for fast shorter rides but uses a more forgiving Trek for others. The key to using LBS's is to check out as many shops as you can easily get to in your area. Let them do a very basic fit on you and then ride as many of the brands as you can. If they are a good shop they'll let you take it for a five mile spin if you leave them a credit card and license. Get a feel for the different designs, components, carbon, steel, aluminum, etc, etc. Once you find a bike that feels good with a basic fit have them do a more extensive fitting with the stem, bars, seat height, pedal position, etc. and then ride it for a 1/2 hour. This is the best way to find out if you are going to like the feeling the best or not.

One more note, the Scattante is a descent bike. If you have a Supergo brick and mortar store then check it out. Otherwise I would really recommend staying with your local LBSs.

Good luck.

I know this wasn't one of the bikes you were looking at, but check out the Specialized Allez line. I'm primarily a MTB rider as well, and I love the feel of my Allez. It has a sloping top tube, so it "feels" better to me. Comes with a carbon fork and seatpost. Triple crank (which I'm not ashamed to use), and a decently forgiving ride for an aluminum frame. I rode a friend's Cannondale R1000 on a ride a few weeks ago, and it was a much stiffer ride. It would probably be better for racing, but if you're racing, chances are you aren't in the market for a sub $1000 bike...

Cannondale's are an excellent choice, my brother and dad both ride them and swear by them. I was actually asking my brother last night why he liked his Cdale and he said it's quick, responsive, the geometry fits him well. He did admit that the ride is a bit harsh because of the aluminum frame.

Here's a couple more to think about... I'm an mtber also looking for a road bike as well and I'm down to a C'dale R1000, Giant TCR 2 composite, and a Felt F55. The Giant is full carbon, the C'dale is full aluminum and the Felt is aluminum with carbon seat stays and fork. They all fit me pretty well, but I'm leaning toward the Felt because it's a good combo of aluminum and carbon and also has Dura-Ace shifters / DR's and FSA carbon cranks. Basically it's a great value for the money at $1400 on sale. The C'dale is my second choice - something about a full carbon frame for less than $2k makes me nervous, but everyone that has them here on the Giant forum swears by them... It's a hard choice, I'm still debating myself...

Triple for sure if you've got any long / hard climbs, otherwise either will do...

I wouldn't get less than Ultegra components.

Why would you not go below Ultegra? The second from the best is all that is worth looking at? I am just curious why you think this, as, for a sub 1000 dollar bike, I would not blow my whole wad on a component group.

Also, a fair question to ask is wht groupo you run on your MTB, as this may tell you and us what kind of feel you have (or stigma against not having the best).

I see no problem in any way in getting a 105 groupo. Maybe to say I would not go less tham 105 is arguable, but less than ultegra?

I am in the same situation. After all the reading and looking, I just bought the Supergo Scattante '05 CFR Triple Road Bike. Lots of favorable reviews of this "off name" bike, and nothing bad I could find. With coupon discount, cost $1,350 delivered.

It's a bit of a quess buying before test riding. We shall see.

I did some more shopping at a couple different LBSs. Checked out Specialized and Trek, but I ended up with a Giant TCR1.

Very happy with it so far. LBS spent a lot of time with the fit, so it should be right. I've been riding to work about 3 times/week. Now I need to find a group ride so I can learn how to ride and get some good miles in! :)

I did some more shopping at a couple different LBSs. Checked out Specialized and Trek, but I ended up with a Giant TCR1.

Very happy with it so far. LBS spent a lot of time with the fit, so it should be right. I've been riding to work about 3 times/week. Now I need to find a group ride so I can learn how to ride and get some good miles in! :)
Congrats on your new bike. I don't have one but from a lot of forum posters Giant offers the best bang for the buck.

I am another MTB-er who made the journey to the road too, i find Giant's super comfortable since the compact frame geometry and sloping top tube feel natural just like a mtb......i just feel wrong on a conventional road bike with a high top tube