General Discussion Triathlon Talk » First bike purchase anxiety Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2006-11-27 11:30 AM

Regular
79
252525
Subject: First bike purchase anxiety

I have an appointment tomorrow at my LBS for a bike fitting and have been looking at the following bikes.  I was trying to keep my total purchase for this first bike to around $1,500.   Unless otherwise noted, all bikes have carbon forks and tubes.

2006 Felt F-80, Alum. frame, Shimano 105 9 speed, A class(?) wheels, $800

2006 Cannondale Synapse, Tiagra Shifter 9 speed, 105 rear, Alum. frame, mavic rims, $940

2007 Specialized Elite Allez, Carbon rear end, Tiagra Shifters, 105 rear 10 speed, A class aero wheels, $1,050.

2006 Specialized Elite Allez, 105 components, alum. frame, A class aero wheels, $1,000

2006 Cannondale R700, 105 Shifters, Ultegra rear, All alum. frame (just over 2 lbs.), Shimano 550 wheels, $1,125

2006 Croix de Feer, Steel frame, 105 10-speed drive train, Bantager paired spoke rims, $1,150

And for a recommended all carbon frame,

2007 Specialized Roubaix elite, 105 components, Mavic open sport wheels, $1,700

I have been driving my wife crazy with this and she would appreciate any and all comments.  The all carbon frame is affordable, if it makes sense to spend the extra money.  I have been training for about 6 months now.  I am down to a svelte 218 ( from a less than svelte 269 a year ago) and am 6'.



2006-11-27 11:42 AM
in reply to: #608930

User image

Master
1265
10001001002525
CT
Subject: RE: First bike purchase anxiety
They are all excellent bikes!

Get the one that fits you best

Edited by stumfossil 2006-11-27 11:44 AM
2006-11-27 1:32 PM
in reply to: #608930

User image

Champion
4902
20002000500100100100100
Ottawa, Ontario
Subject: RE: First bike purchase anxiety

Well, you want spend around $1500 so you can start by eliminating the Roubaix, which is $1700.  I would also notconsider the Synapse and the 2007 Alite Allez with Tiagra shifters; stick to 105, they are much better.   I would pick, in order of preference:

  1. 2006 Cannondale R700 because it has the Ultegra rear d, great aluminum frame and one of the strongest bottom brackets around
  2. 2006 Specialized Elite Allez with 105 (I presume this is 10spd)
  3. 2006 Felt F-80 is all Shimano 105, (9 speed is still pretty good, the price is great)
  4. 2006 Croix de Feer, Steel frame, 105 10-speed drive train
2006-11-30 3:12 PM
in reply to: #608930

User image

Extreme Veteran
557
5002525
Glendora, CA
Subject: RE: First bike purchase anxiety
checkout the Felt f-75. My LBS-out the door for $1255 with pedals.
2006-11-30 3:29 PM
in reply to: #608930

User image

Master
2299
2000100100252525
New York
Subject: RE: First bike purchase anxiety
I started out on a Felt F80 - loved it. Great, smooth ride. Hard to beat for the green.
2006-11-30 5:23 PM
in reply to: #608930

Regular
79
252525
Subject: RE: First bike purchase anxiety
Thanks for all the feedback.  After much back and forth I went with the Specialized Roubaix.  I picked it up yesterday and went for a ride today.  I have nothing for comparison, but I liked it.  It was 64 degrees in Vermont today, which is our usual June temperatures.


New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » First bike purchase anxiety Rss Feed