Wanted: Suggestion for inexpensive race bike

[jerome]

"Poor people don't have the means to buy cheap"

get a used one

best

[Gummee]

I'll second or third or whatever the 'get an older top of the line AL bike.' Especially racing criteriums.

Then find some older Flashpoint or Zipp aero wheels and call it good. You don't *need* the aero wheels, but they'll make you feel faster, which can help in and of itself.

...and remember: only race what you can afford to replace.

M

[pdmtong]

Craigslist

[spartanKid]

As previously stated, the entry level Allez from Specialized or the CAAD8/9/10 from Cannondale are all very good choices.

Another route is buying a bike from http://bikesdirect.com/

I bought a bike from there about a year ago, and it's been pretty great. I've been racing on it this college road season.

PM me for some details about bikesdirect bikes if you're thinking about going that route.

[rice rocket]

No Spooky love?

[Puget Pounder]

If you've got parts lying around, you can go for a nashbar alu/CF frame.

[Rost]

Everyone, thank you for the quick and thoughtful replies! Excellent advice all around!

Best...

[fourflys]

gotta go with a CAAD... really well designed bikes, light, and if you get a 9 I bet you can get one for cheap so when you crash you won't cry.... at least not over the bike anyway...

[fourflys]

Originally Posted by rice rocket

No Spooky love?

great bike I'm sure but I don't it's as affordable as a used CAAD...