I'm looking to get into road biking for recreational/fitness riding and was looking for feedback as to what bike to buy. Currently, I'm leaning towards a custom lightweight steel bike either a Waterford or Serotta. I know Waterford specializes in steel bikes but I've heard lots of great things about Serotta. Any feedback (negaive/positive) that you could give me on these 2 bikes would be greatly appreciated. I have a budget of $3,800. Also any information on components would be more than welcome. I currently have a mountain bike and this is a whole new world for me. Thanks!

I'm looking to get into road biking for recreational/fitness riding and was looking for feedback as to what bike to buy. Currently, I'm leaning towards a custom lightweight steel bike either a Waterford or Serotta. I know Waterford specializes in steel bikes but I've heard lots of great things about Serotta. Any feedback (negaive/positive) that you could give me on these 2 bikes would be greatly appreciated. I have a budget of $3,800. Also any information on components would be more than welcome. I currently have a mountain bike and this is a whole new world for me. Thanks!

Two excellent choices. Having owned several Serottas including a CSI, I'm fairly familiar with them. The Waterford 2200 or the new light steel one look super sweet. If it were my money going toward a lifetime steel bike it would be the Waterford. The history, with Schwinn and such are awesome. Serotta has seemed to have gotten away from their early 90's racing roots and become an old man's showpiece. It's great that they are sponsoring a team again though-maybe they'll get some of that back. Good luck.

Choices like this come down to what sticker you want on your downtube. They are both premier builders. There are plenty more you could add to your list if you want more confusions.

Component choice is easy. Shimano for mountain bikes. Campagnolo for road bikes.

I'm looking to get into road biking for recreational/fitness riding and was looking for feedback as to what bike to buy. Currently, I'm leaning towards a custom lightweight steel bike either a Waterford or Serotta.

Why do you need a custom bike when you are just looking to get into road cycling? Are you built like Popeye? Are you built like an orangutang? If not, you should ride a season on the road so you know what you really want before dropping coin on something only required by a very, very small percentage of riders.

Why do you need a custom bike when you are just looking to get into road cycling? Are you built like Popeye? Are you built like an orangutang? If not, you should ride a season on the road so you know what you really want before dropping coin on something only required by a very, very small percentage of riders.

Good considerations. I know many people have injuries/back problems that can be minimized with good fit. I can ride about anything due to my flexibility but I know when I am on a bike that is set up and fits well.

Also, the ride of a quality bike is amazing. Not saying that can't be attained on an off-the-shelf machine. The whole package makes the machine but I shop frame first.

Good riding.