I am an avid mountain biker who now wants to add a road bike to my arsenal. Only problem I know virtually nothing when it comes to brands and models of road bikes and what ones are better, what each brand is known to turn better, be more comfortable, etc. I am clueless and I'd like some advice.

In everyone's "expert" opinion, what bike would you consider is the best for about $1000. I plan to use it to train and hopefully get into a few races. I am in very good shape so I will plan to ride long distances, am 5'11" tall, 170 lbs (not sure if that will make a difference or not), and invite anyone's advice. I want a good bike i can keep for a couple of years, but I don't want to break the bank. thanks!

jon

The stock answer around here is....... (drumb roll please)



Get the bike that fits you the best.




Now for some actual input on your question...

I'm not sure on prices, but most of the same brands you would be familiar with in MTB would make good road bikes in your price range. Giant is a good bang for the buck. Trek, Felt, Cannondale, Specialized - they all have decent road bikes. As far as components go, 105 or better in the Shimano line would be a good investment. The best thing for you to do is hit your lbs and then come back here and post some models that caught your eye and then someone can give you some input on your selections...

And the "get the bike that fits you the best" is actually excellent advise once you've narrowed it down to a couple of choices.

I am an avid mountain biker who now wants to add a road bike to my arsenal. Only problem I know virtually nothing when it comes to brands and models of road bikes and what ones are better, what each brand is known to turn better, be more comfortable, etc. I am clueless and I'd like some advice.

In everyone's "expert" opinion, what bike would you consider is the best for about $1000. I plan to use it to train and hopefully get into a few races. I am in very good shape so I will plan to ride long distances, am 5'11" tall, 170 lbs (not sure if that will make a difference or not), and invite anyone's advice. I want a good bike i can keep for a couple of years, but I don't want to break the bank. thanks!

jon

Start with you LBS. Very nice bikes are available in that price range.


If you do enough research first, used is a great option. IMO late Nov. to early Jan. is a buyers market for used road bikes.

If you feel the need to try buying new online, call each retailer on the phone and ask to speak with someone knowledgeable about road bikes and fit. The quality of the e-retailer bikes are all decent so the choice should be made based on your impression of their customer service based on live conversation. Again IMO, email does not really give an complete picture of how you will be dealt with after the sale.


Good Luck

I am biased, but I think Felt has pretty good low-end value. Check out the F70.

http://www.feltracing.com/2005_bikes/2005_f70.html

I am biased, but I think Felt has pretty good low-end value. Check out the F70.

http://www.feltracing.com/2005_bikes/2005_f70.html

Felt's are so nice for a basic asian rig. Came very close to getting a very wrong sized (for me) and deeply discounted F55 and stripping the frame off for something custom steel earlier this year. Their prices vis-a-vis their components are very competitive if not the most of all mfg's I've found.

Felt's are so nice for a basic asian rig. Came very close to getting a very wrong sized (for me) and deeply discounted F55 and stripping the frame off for something custom steel earlier this year. Their prices vis-a-vis their components are very competitive if not the most of all mfg's I've found.
The F55 seems like a great value. It would rock even harder if it had a Dura Ace crank.

For the price, I don't think you can beat a Giant OCR. They have better components than average for whatever price range you look in. The OCR 1 lists for, I think, 995. Right now, however, you can find discounted models as they change model years about now. I saw (On Ebay) a bike I looked at in September at Estes Park - 2005 Cannondale R700. I think it was a 54 or 55cm. I wound up buying a an R700 recently and really like it.

You will be told, correctly, that the fit is extremly important. To some extent (Chaning stem size, for example) you can fit a frame to you. Giant makes frames in S, M, L, XL that 'fit' a variety of people. Trek and Cannondale, for example, makes frames in more sizes, using tradional geometry.

Whatever you get, buy what YOU like, not what someone tells you is the ideal bike for you.

Jeff

I have a Fuji Roubiax, if you find these on sale you can get it for under a 1000.00. Full 105 components with a rear carbon stay (this really helps smooth out the ride). I'm 5'10 180, this bikes been really good for me.

I have a Fuji Roubiax, if you find these on sale you can get it for under a 1000.00. Full 105 components with a rear carbon stay (this really helps smooth out the ride). I'm 5'10 180, this bikes been really good for me.

I am the same size and also bought the Fuji Roubaix. I tried every bike within 50 miles and I just couldn't beat the value of the Fuji's.

I also say the LBS is the best place to start. I was a mountain biker who wanted to try road riding for extra training, and like you knew nothing about road bikes (On my first test ride I couldn't even figure out how to shift the STI drivetrain).

But I went to the LBS and got a bike that fit. 5 years later I'm still riding that same frame, with just some better parts.

PS. All of my bikes have been from LBS, and all of them were previous year models (cheaper!).

I also say the LBS is the best place to start. I was a mountain biker who wanted to try road riding for extra training, and like you knew nothing about road bikes (On my first test ride I couldn't even figure out how to shift the STI drivetrain).

But I went to the LBS and got a bike that fit. 5 years later I'm still riding that same frame, with just some better parts.

PS. All of my bikes have been from LBS, and all of them were previous year models (cheaper!).

I just want to say thanks to everyone who has replied to my post. I've been to three LBS in the past couple of days and I have learned a ton. I am leaning toward an 05 Trek 1500 or an 05 Scott Speedster S2. Both are about $1050 which i feel like are good deals. I really liked the Felt's I saw, but the dealer is no longer carrying them so I don't feel good about that. Any more input is always appreciated!

I just want to say thanks to everyone who has replied to my post. I've been to three LBS in the past couple of days and I have learned a ton. I am leaning toward an 05 Trek 1500 or an 05 Scott Speedster S2. Both are about $1050 which i feel like are good deals. I really liked the Felt's I saw, but the dealer is no longer carrying them so I don't feel good about that. Any more input is always appreciated!

The specialized Allez Triple model is real good, about 650 bucks, components are Sora, but with the money you'd save you could upgrade to 150 easily. Lightweight aluminum frame and carbon fork...I Love mine...it's a very personal choice though. :D

The specialized Allez Triple model is real good, about 650 bucks, components are Sora, but with the money you'd save you could upgrade to 150 easily. Lightweight aluminum frame and carbon fork...I Love mine...it's a very personal choice though. :D

Sorry meant to type 105's..clerical error.. :p

Add another $200 or so and snag a Giant TCR2.

I race mtbs in Sport class, plus 12/24hrs, etc. Needed a decent roadie to train with as well, plus it opens up a whole new world of riding. The TCR2 has been perfect for what I wanted(didn't wanna break the bank, could do group rides, entry level roadracing, etc). Was using a HT for road work until this past summer . For lots of reasons, a roadie is way way better. The TCR2 is mostly 105 components, light, race oriented frame geometry, "ok" wheels/tires, good cranks, carbon post, Fitzik saddle, etc.

http://www.giant-bicycle.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?model=11258

<img src="http://www.giant-bicycle.com/images/_upload_us/bikes/models/zooms/2005/TCR_2_final.jpg">