options for $2500 new steel road bike

[rodcad]

I have a friend wanting to buy a road bike. Budget is $2500 or less. He's been looking at Treks and Specialized's. He needs 58-60cm frame and is a big dude, probably in the 240# range. He's not looking for a race bike or anything, just something bulletproof. He's hard on stuff even though he's 63.

I don't see him buying anything used. I was thinking something along the lines of a Surly Pacer or Crosscheck, maybe a Gunnar. Something all steel. The standard bike builds don't do much for me though. Do you all think buying the bare frame then getting an Ultegra gruppo could be done for $2500? Should he just get the stock bike and replace stuff down the road?

any other ideas? Bruce Gordon BLT? Soma?

thanks!

[oldpotatoe]

I have a friend wanting to buy a road bike. Budget is $2500 or less. He's been looking at Treks and Specialized's. He needs 58-60cm frame and is a big dude, probably in the 240# range. He's not looking for a race bike or anything, just something bulletproof. He's hard on stuff even though he's 63.

I don't see him buying anything used. I was thinking something along the lines of a Surly Pacer or Crosscheck, maybe a Gunnar. Something all steel. The standard bike builds don't do much for me though. Do you all think buying the bare frame then getting an Ultegra gruppo could be done for $2500? Should he just get the stock bike and replace stuff down the road?

any other ideas? Bruce Gordon BLT? Soma?

thanks!

Not at most shops I know of..Gunnar with Ultegra is more than $2500.

A shop could do a Soma or Surley and Ultegra for that $ but he would be better served with a more expensive frame/fork and a lesser group.

Like Gunnar and 5700 would be close to that $2500 range.

Bikes outta boxes will come with crappy wheels. At 240, he will undoubtedly kill them in short order.

[christian]

Why does it have to be steel?

Why not recommend him a Specialized Tricross Comp Disc Compact or Roubaix Elite Compact?

A Gunnar is great, if he's got a very supportive LBS to help him with parts selection and build-up.

I don't really like Cross-checks and I think a Pacer is a racier bike than he seems to be looking for. If getting a Surly, stock bike is surely the way to go. Cheaper.

[Lanterne Rouge]

Soma Fabrications Frame and Fork (or eBay - I saw a couple of nice NOS steel Pinarello's for $599)

105 Groupset

Some sort of Shimano RS Wheels or equal

Build it himself

Have enough change for a night out and a taxi ride home.

[rodcad]

Why does it have to be steel?

Because I just love steel bikes :)

[Lanterne Rouge]

because i just love steel bikes :)

+1

[Andrewlcox]

He could do what I'm doing and buy a steel frame and fork here on the forum (mine is a Serotta CSI) and build it up with a new groupset and parts. My project should come in under $2000 for sure.

[nighthawk]

Convince him to go used, and get more bang for the buck:

http://westernmass.craigslist.org/bik/3737343798.html

He could spend the saved $$ on a repaint...

[rodcad]

He could do what I'm doing and buy a steel frame and fork here on the forum (mine is a Serotta CSI) and build it up with a new groupset and parts. My project should come in under $2000 for sure.

That's what I would do, but he doesn't tinker with bikes. Wants to be fitted and walk out a few weeks later with a ready to go bike.

[christian]

Because I just love steel bikes :)Sure, so do I, but you're not buying this bike, he is. Don't project your desires on to him. If he wants a mass-market bike, let him get one. Focus on making sure he ends up on the right size, not the "type of bike you like."

[texbike]

How about one of the Black Mountain Cycles steel road framesets?

They're what? $600? Steel frame and fork with plenty of clearance for bigger tires. Add a Rival or Ultegra groupset, wheelset, and cockpit and you should be able to stay under the $2500 budget and have a solid bike for a bigger guy.

Texbike

[FlashUNC]

You mention you like steel.

But more importantly, what does he like?

There's always the CAAD10 answer.

[SpokeValley]

I'm with you on steel, but you ain't riding it. ;)

If he just has to have 'new', he could pick up a new CAAD 10 3 with Ultegra and Aksium wheels well under his budget.

[AngryScientist]

perhaps this is an unpopular suggestion, but this is a LOT of bike for the money,

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/lechamp_slti_xi.htm

[jamaris]

There are quite a few custom frame builders that do full custom steel frames in the 1400-1800 range. You would have to go with lesser components/wheels, but would be worth it in the long run.

[rodcad]

Thanks for the ideas all. I don't think I'm projecting my love of steel on him. He may be 63, but he's a monster of a dude, in very good shape, he drives his truck hard, rides his Harley hard, and is generally not very easy on equipment. He wants something stout that will hold up and be his last bike. He is going to ride with his wife. As he says I can keep up with her on my mountain bike.

I don't want to turn this into a steel versus whatever thread please.

[Lanterne Rouge]

perhaps this is an unpopular suggestion, but this is a LOT of bike for the money,

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/lechamp_slti_xi.htm

Damn! It is worth that just for the components!

[jr59]

perhaps this is an unpopular suggestion, but this is a LOT of bike for the money,

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/lechamp_slti_xi.htm


Thats a LOT of bike for the money!

[FlashUNC]

I don't think I'm projecting my love of steel on him.

But you mention he's been looking at Trek's and Specialized's, who really don't make anything steel anymore.

The better question, imo, is what would be the best bike for his budget and usage -- namely a burly guy who beats the crap out of his equipment.

[dekindy]

How about a Trek 520 for less than $1,300 during Trek days?

[rodcad]

The Trek 520 is an option for sure. He has just walked into the bike shop and naturally what ever they have on the floor is what he's been looking at.

[spacemen3]

The Macho Man (http://www.treefortbikes.com/product/333222384149/982/All-City-Macho-Man-Complete.html?gclid=CP-vyN-nxbYCFQc3nAodiXYAUQ) gets my vote.

[jh_on_the_cape]

The rider is someone who wants to ride, not buy used frame and parts and tinker.
With that, I always suggest getting something a good LBS so they can service it properly. He can get a test ride and fitting and usually save on accessories, etc.
If he is hard on stuff, this will pay off in the long run because you can get things replaced under warranty, even wheels.
I would recommend something like a Spec. Roubaix Elite Compact. The new 105 stuff is really good. I rented a Madone on vacation with 105 and it was a great bike.
If you live in an area with lots of different good LBS dealing different brands, I generally find the best value with Jamis and Giant. Or go to REI and get their house brand.

Like others have said, don't project what you want on your buddy.

[fiamme red]

any other ideas? Bruce Gordon BLT? Soma?I'd go with the BLT. It's a great bargain, complete with front and rear BG racks for $1,725. A very versatile bike.

http://www.bgcycles.com/blt.html

http://brucegordoncycles.bigcartel.com/product/the-fully-loaded-blt-complete-touring-bike-with-front-and-rear-racks

[etu]

sounds like he is not necessarily looking for an aggressive racing style bike. might be a good candidate for a Sam Hillborne. the guys at Riv could get the build to be very close to his pricepoint and he will not have to worry about durability.

[tuxbailey]

perhaps this is an unpopular suggestion, but this is a LOT of bike for the money,

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/lechamp_slti_xi.htm

+1 on this if he doesn't care about brand.

Edit. At that price, he can take the difference and use that money to have shop adjust the bike and get a basic fit for him.

[Ken Robb]

He could do what I'm doing and buy a steel frame and fork here on the forum (mine is a Serotta CSI) and build it up with a new groupset and parts. My project should come in under $2000 for sure.

This will be a great bike!

[cnighbor1]

at 240# the first thing to do is get wheels that will support 240#
rivendells wheel builder Rich is the one to talk to 1st
Than decide on a bicycles next

[rccardr]

Yep, I'd suggest going the Riv route as well. Holds up to hard use and they'll fit and equip him appropriately.

Ain't no race bike, but apparently your friend doesn't want that anyway.

[canadasteep]

Convince your friend it's worth the time to look at used.
Or try to?

At 240 and if he's tough on equipment, maybe a decent bike and
some HED C2 rims - he'll def. appreciate better wheels than notice custom vs. stock steel (I would think).

It also really depends if your friend is a buy new only type.

Hmm I wonder if a Cannondale (stiff and strong) w/105 can be done with some instore swap for HED wheels?

[Ken C]

Gunnar and 5700 would be close to that $2500 range.



This is what I would do. Gunnar Sport with steel fork, 5700, and DT rims. The Sport would give him the option of using larger tires if he wanted.

105 is so good now, the drop off from Ultegra is not huge.

I have a Sport and I love it. You can run all sizes of tires, use fenders if you want, put a rack on if you choose. Also, it does not ride like a tank like a cross check does.

Definatley not as economical as buying a prebuilt bike like a CAAD 10, but I liked choosing all the components I wanted.

[mktng]

http://www.horsecycles.com/

Give it a look. Friend has two bikes from Thomas from Horse Cycles. Affordable for a custom bike.

[scho74]

my 1st suggestion is gunnar, i have the roadie and crosshairs and love them both.

there's always the soma smoothie which is really affordable:
http://store.somafab.com/sosmtaprrora.html

[d_douglas]

Convince him to go used, and get more bang for the buck:

http://westernmass.craigslist.org/bik/3737343798.html

He could spend the saved $$ on a repaint...



That's a cool bike. I want that.

[DoubleButted]

The Salsa Colossal looks like a great bike for a big guy that just wants to ride, some of the Jamis steel bikes are pretty nice too.

http://salsacycles.com/bikes/colossal

Jamis Quest (http://www.myjamis.com/SSP%20Applications/JamisBikes/MyJamis/consumer/bike.html?year=2013&model=Quest&cat_grp=road_7)

[rodcad]

Lots and lots of great ideas all, thank you.

[jpw]

Was Serotta's decision to stop steel just a temporary hiatus?

[c-record]

http://allcitycycles.com/bikes/mr_pink

http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/steel-road/race/record-ace-13/

I've ridden the Mr. Pink at it's a really nice bike.

[TimD]

That Planet X is a deal, if it fits.

Failing that, a Salsa Colossal would be a good choice IMO, if it fits. Esp. the disc brakes for someone of that mass.

The wheels may fail over time, in which case he could replace them with a set of 36H Velocity Dyad on Shimano XT hubs.

[vqdriver]

bianchi has a steel section in their lineup.

[William]

The Salsa Colossal looks like a great bike for a big guy that just wants to ride, some of the Jamis steel bikes are pretty nice too.

http://salsacycles.com/bikes/colossal

Jamis Quest (http://www.myjamis.com/SSP%20Applications/JamisBikes/MyJamis/consumer/bike.html?year=2013&model=Quest&cat_grp=road_7)

With a name like "Colossal" you would think it would be available in sizes larger than a virtual 60cm? Just sayin'.:)





William

[Adam]

Ritchey Road Logic frame set is only $1299, a 105 build and a solid wheelset puts you close to $2500.

[1/2 Wheeler]

With a quill stem this could work.

http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=127806

Like white on rice!

[oldpotatoe]

perhaps this is an unpopular suggestion, but this is a LOT of bike for the money,

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/lechamp_slti_xi.htm

Yep but say good bye to the 'high level wheelset' it comes with for this .24 offa ton rider. If it fits and somehow get better wheels, it would be fine.

This is a real hoot also.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/instructionhelp.htm

[Tony]

Convince him to go used, and get more bang for the buck:

http://westernmass.craigslist.org/bik/3737343798.html

He could spend the saved $$ on a repaint...

+1 Done, that's a wrap!

[fourflys]

You should really be taking a look at Black Mountain Cycles.... Mike can get you built for that price I bet... Maybe not full Ultegra, but....

http://www.blackmtncycles.com/p/road-build-kit.html

[oldpotatoe]

You should really be taking a look at Black Mountain Cycles.... Mike can get you built for that price I bet... Maybe not full Ultegra, but....

http://www.blackmtncycles.com/p/road-build-kit.html

Fair enough but I priced a Soma with all 5700 for about the same $($2095). I think there are a lot of LBS that can do an Asian frame with all 5700 components for about the same and locally, probably can get a fit in the deal.

[Tony]

I have a friend wanting to buy a road bike. Budget is $2500 or less. He's been looking at Treks and Specialized's. He needs 58-60cm frame and is a big dude, probably in the 240# range. He's not looking for a race bike or anything, just something bulletproof. He's hard on stuff even though he's 63.

I don't see him buying anything used. I was thinking something along the lines of a Surly Pacer or Crosscheck, maybe a Gunnar. Something all steel. The standard bike builds don't do much for me though. Do you all think buying the bare frame then getting an Ultegra gruppo could be done for $2500? Should he just get the stock bike and replace stuff down the road?

any other ideas? Bruce Gordon BLT? Soma?

thanks!

Last night while out picked up a Sea Otter Festival event and gear guide mag. Inside they have a Masi Gran Criterium, LUGGED, with Reynolds 525 tubing. The complete bike is $2.070. However, not sure what components are on the bike.

Tony

[charliedid]

Check this...http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2013/Road/F-Series-Road-Bike/F4130.aspx $2589.00

[VTCaraco]

I haven't done business with them directly, but have almost a few times. I've preferred the deals available with second-hand stuff.

But, GVH (http://www.gvhbikes.com/inventory.html) has a few options in bigger sizes and steel (KHS Flite 800 in Reynolds 853 for $425 or a Viner T13 Pro Team in Dedacciai EOM 16.5 for $850). Not sure what their build kit prices are, but Velo Mine has a Veloce 9 pc group (http://www.velomine.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=86_162_258_260&products_id=1694) for $549 that would leave a good bit left for wheels (http://www.velomine.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=86_235_378&products_id=2344) (36 hole Miche from Velo Mine), contact parts and a build-up even with the more expensive frame. My point being that options are out there if you want to go off the floor, piece-by-piece or second hand. For most of us, half the fun is the search and imagining the possibilities of something new.
For your buddy, my advice is just get him on something that he can start using, that will suit his needs. Then sit back and support him with answers and ideas if his thinking/intended use evolves.

[fourflys]

Fair enough but I priced a Soma with all 5700 for about the same $($2095). I think there are a lot of LBS that can do an Asian frame with all 5700 components for about the same and locally, probably can get a fit in the deal.

true, but does the people who designed the the Soma right it everyday? That's what sold me on Mike's bikes... after doing a bunch of research and having the ability to visit the shop on my way up to Alaska sealed the deal for me... Mike rides his frames everyday on a variety of surfaces... not sure Soma or other "asian" frame can claim that... BTW- Mike is an LBS, he just does small runs of the frames he designed... his shop was very cool, much like I imagine yours would be Peter...

[VTCaraco]

Did you notice the Kirk in the classifieds (http://forums.thepaceline.net/showthread.php?t=126401)?
May be too small for your buddy, but that's one of my all-time dream bikes. I'd surely try to convince my friend to buy that, especially if we were about the same size :banana: