I'm finally going to make the plunge and I wanted to ask some of the experts their opinions on the 4 bikes I've narrowed it down to. I've riden all of the bikes below and they all fit me well. 2 are compact geometry, which fits me a little better than traditional since I'm pretty short with a long torsoe. I'm listing the 3 bikes below with the prices. Please let me know what you think. Thanks in advance.

2006 Giant TCR2 - demo bike for $950. I really like the 105 components and I've riden it quite a bit and I like the aggresive ride angle of the bike. The shop includes lifetime tuneups for free with every purchase.

2005 Lemond Reno - $700. I like the feel of this bike as well, but I rather not drop down to Tiagra components. The shop is giving me a good deal since the bike has been sitting around for a while. The shop includes tuneups for free for only the first year of ownership.

2007 Trek 1500 - $990. I like the bike, but I'm not a big fan of the shop that sells them in my area. They haven't been the most friendly bunch. The shop does include lifetime tuneups for free with every purchase.

2006 Schwinn Fastback Comp - The last time I was in my local Performance Bike shop, they had these marked down to $995. If I could talk them into honoring their 20% online coupon, I could get this bike for $796. The bike has good components, but I'm not very familiar with the quality of the Schwinn frames. Performance also includes free lifetime tuneups with all purchases at any Performance store.

Let me know what you think, I'm finally going to take the plunge this weekend. Right now I'm leaning towards the Giant. Thanks again!

the 1500 or the Fastback would be my choices on that list, but it all depends on how you feel on the bike. you can always upgrade components, so if the Reno is what feels right, then there you go.

i tried many bikes before i settled on the Cannondale R1000 - double your budget and a little more than i wanted to spend, but it felt right. all the CF frames i rode in my range either felt too snappy or totally dead. the R1000 had some road feel and was tight in the corners.

for a first bike it's hard to know what to look for and how you want the ride to feel. how many bikes have you ridden? don't look at the price tags, they'll fool you into thinking the more expensive bike will have a better feel - that's not the case.

if these are all you have ridden, i'd say go try more bikes out - what area are you in?

I've riden a lot more bikes than the ones I've listed, but I think the 4 above have seemed like the most comfortable. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to give an of the Cannondales a ride. I've riden an older r500, but that's it.

Are there any particular reasons why you would choose the 1500 or fastback? Are you not a fan of the Giant roda bikes? Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it.

For another opinion...

Yes, it is conceptually true that you can "always upgrade components." But components are expensive... some components are VERY expensive, and replacing an entire gruppo will cost you nearly what you are spending on the bike (well, that's a slight exaggeration, but not much).

You can upgrade as things wear out, of course, but there's a decent chance that the only thing you'll wear out is the cassette (and chain of course) before you get the itch to buy a new bike. It's relatively unlikely that you'd actually wear out the brakes (other than pads), crank, derailleurs, or shifters in the next few years.

So, I can't agree with ignoring how the bike is equipped NOW. And on that level, it is pretty hard to beat the price and specs on that Giant. As for the Trek, don't buy from a shop you don't like. Buying a bike is a relationship of sorts, especially if you get free service included over time. Besides, the Giant is more bike for the dough.

Schwinn. Hmmm. I really don't have an opinion of the current Schwinns but if you ever think you might be reselling the bike in 2, 3, 4 years, you'll take it in the shorts on the Schwinn. Whether that is fair or not I don't know, but I think it is true.

And the Reno just isn't as much bike as the rest of the things on your list, so unless you are under budget constraints I wouldn't keep it in the running. If you are really interested in Lemond, I'd see if you can find a deal on a Buenos Aires or Croix de Fer or something.

That being said, these are all opinions and there's no true right answer, so don't overthink.

the 1500 and the Fastback are my choices because you can compare the differences in the frame design. these 2 give you a good contrast - you'll perfer one over the other if you only compare 2 frame designs. you could pick the TCR2 over the Schwinn to compare the sloping top tube design against the level top tube, but i wouldn't buy a demo bike if it is the only way the bike is affordable. demo to me means questionable reliability down the road - are the wheels true, did someone mess up the rear hanger when they fell over, etc.

while not a new rider, i am just getting back into it and went thru all this recently - i wasn't sure what i wanted until i rode the Cannondale - it just felt right. it sounds to me like you like the TCR2, if it's the one you like, buy it. if after a season on the bike you don't like it, you'll know why and be able to find a bike that overcomes those issues.

the only problem i see is getting pissed that the bike doesn't perform and you end up not riding - it happened to me with my Klein - i couldn't stand it after an hour on the road and i ended up not riding for nearly 3 years as a result.

For another opinion...

Yes, it is conceptually true that you can "always upgrade components." But components are expensive... some components are VERY expensive, and replacing an entire gruppo will cost you nearly what you are spending on the bike (well, that's a slight exaggeration, but not much).

You can upgrade as things wear out, of course, but there's a decent chance that the only thing you'll wear out is the cassette (and chain of course) before you get the itch to buy a new bike. It's relatively unlikely that you'd actually wear out the brakes (other than pads), crank, derailleurs, or shifters in the next few years.

So, I can't agree with ignoring how the bike is equipped NOW. And on that level, it is pretty hard to beat the price and specs on that Giant. As for the Trek, don't buy from a shop you don't like. Buying a bike is a relationship of sorts, especially if you get free service included over time. Besides, the Giant is more bike for the dough.

Schwinn. Hmmm. I really don't have an opinion of the current Schwinns but if you ever think you might be reselling the bike in 2, 3, 4 years, you'll take it in the shorts on the Schwinn. Whether that is fair or not I don't know, but I think it is true.

And the Reno just isn't as much bike as the rest of the things on your list, so unless you are under budget constraints I wouldn't keep it in the running. If you are really interested in Lemond, I'd see if you can find a deal on a Buenos Aires or Croix de Fer or something.

That being said, these are all opinions and there's no true right answer, so don't overthink.

I tend to agree with everything said here, every last word of it!