Recommendations for new bike in the $1500-$2000 range

[Frank]

Having sold my Schwinn Paramount and all of my frames and most of my parts, I am giving some thought to what I will buy if and when the bike urge hits. I have time to do some browsing and shopping so that I will not have to start from scratch if I decide to try a bike again.

I am going to stay in the $1500-$2000 range and want new with 10 speed Shimano. I know I can't get there with a Serotta, or I would buy one, so this is in no way taking away from a Serotta sale.

I had a Giant TCR carbon fiber bike a couple of years ago and liked it the short time I rode it, but at the time still had too much investment in older parts and tools, affinity for traditional lugged steel, and wasn't ready to get out of the bike buying and selling side of the hobby. I also didn't have the length cranks on the Giant that I need, but will make sure that is correct with this purchase.

I will be considering Giant again, but thought you all might have some experiences with other stock production bikes in that price range that would be helpful. No racing, just 20-60 mile recreational rides.

Thanks,

Frank

[Louis]

I am going to stay in the $1500-$2000 range and want new with 10 speed Shimano.

Why just new? If you want to try CF again why not a nice used Calfee?

[konstantkarma]

Frank,

If lugged steel is not a requirement, I would consider oversized aluminum....something like a Cannondale. It is hard to beat their prices on a complete bike. Also, I saw a brand new Lemond Proprad cyclocross bike yesterday for $1300. Decent components and a nice Cromoly frameset on it. I bet you could find an equivalent steel Lemond roadie in that price range as well.

BTW, thanks for contibuting to my recent Build!

Carl

[false_Aest]

Cannosnails.

[Frank]

as almost all of the bikes I have owned have been pre-owned, mainly lugged steel, and were all great values.

However, for this next purchase I am wanting to have a new production bike (probably not steel this time) in the $1500-$2000 price range with Shimano 10 speed.

Thanks

[hansolo758]

How about the Bianchi Via Nirone, of which there are many interations? Here's one in your price range: http://bianchiusa.com/08_c2c_nirone_ultegra.html

There's the Trek 2 series:http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2008/road/2_series/23/

Since you lke Giant, here's their offering:
http://giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/road/1242/29266/

Good luck.

[mschol17]

I'd bet this years' Lemonds are a pretty good deal.

[Michael Maddox]

I know you said "new", but what's wrong with a used Serotta? You'll get a LOT more bike from the Classifieds than you ever will at a shop.

I mean, unless you just WANT a cookie-cutter bike. Coming from a Paramount, I'd think you'd be unhappy with something less. Still, a bike's a bike. Better a poor ride than a proud walk, any day.

[eddief]

He does custom and sells em built up too. In your sweet spot.

[M.Sommers]

I'd bet this years' Lemonds are a pretty good deal.

LOL. I <3 Greg.

:beer:

[Bill Bove]

2009 Orbea Onix :banana: $1999, 105. Newly redisgened T700 HM carbon frame w/ Mavic Aksiums. Killer deal. $2600 w/ Ultegra SL and Mavic Equippes.

[shinomaster]

You know a six-13 is a pretty zippy comfortable bike and the price has dropped considerably. I hear really good things about the synapse for a more comfy bike too.

[chuckroast]

I don't know for sure that they are in your price range but I've been on 'dale Synapse 3's about a half dozen times as rentals and they were good riding bikes.

[thwart]

Have a riding buddy who really loves his Specialized Roubaix...

[CaptStash]

My wife loves her Felt F-75. Still about the best deal out there in imho. 105 fd and shifters with an Ultegra rear. The carbon seat stays make for a pleasant ride. MSRP of ~$1400 is right in the sweet spot. The F55 upgrqades to some Dura Ace goodies. You might also check out their Z series if you're looking for more relaxed geometry.

I admit that I am partial to Felt (I own two myself -- if you count the one my son stole from me and kicks my a$$ with on a regular basis).

CaptStash....

[Kane]

Saratoga is a steel 725 tig welded frame made by Serotta for City Cycles in S.F.

I sent my colleague to City Cycles several years ago. He rode Carbon, Ti, and the steel Saratoga with a carbon fork and chose the the Saratoga. He paid about $2000 for an Utegra triple at the time.

Interestingly, he use to ride a custom made Richard Sachs in the 1980's. He loves the Saratoga.

You might also look at GVHbikes.com for a screaming deal on a built up bike.

Cheers,

Kane

[Acotts]

2009 Orbea Onix :banana: $1999, 105. Newly redisgened T700 HM carbon frame w/ Mavic Aksiums. Killer deal. $2600 w/ Ultegra SL and Mavic Equippes.


No offense to any Orbea riders...but something about the way they shape their tubes makes me angry. I dont know why.

I know that plenty of CF bikes do crazy stuff, but I love the way Looks look, same with my Kestrel and even the funky DeRosa has finally grown on me.

But the Orbeas...I just cannot appreciate. I dont even think they are ugly. They are quite pretty. But they piss me off and I dont know why.

Thankfully, the world is full of bikes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Thats all.

For 2k, I would shop classifieds. or save up a little and buy a Look. Them Looks be sexy.

[Fixed]

bro buy used you want a good bike ?
new fuji
cheers imho

[mflaherty37]

http://greatlakescycling.com/page.cfm?pageId=332#6

[sevencyclist]

Soma Speedster lugged steel frameset with fork for $795. I am sure you can find Shimano kit for less than $1200.
http://www.somafab.com/speedster.html

[dancinkozmo]

How about an aluminum framed DeRosa Team ?....about 2100 bucks complete with centaur grouppo at Sierra Trading POst (need a 20% off coupon code)...

[mgm777]

Great bike. $2000 complete with Ultegra 10 Sp. It is a stiff racing bike, but surprisingly comfortable. If your average rides are..."20-60 mile recreational rides", a soloist will more than suit your needs. A great value bike. Check it out. No, I don't work nor am I affiliated with Cervello. I bought one and pre-deployed it to CA where I often travel to for business. I did a 90 mile ride recently on the Cervello and felt just fine. Good luck.

[mosca]

I bet you could find an equivalent steel Lemond roadie in that price range as well.A friend of mine bought a Sarthe last year. He had the shop upgrade all the 105 parts to Ultegra and still stayed under $2K iirc. If you're willing to go steel this seems like an affordable bike with a little mojo to it.