Fugi for my first road bike? Good or bad idea?

[Neecole]

Hi, tomorrow I am going bike shopping with a buddy of mine. I am on a budget ($400 - $600) and initially we were going to look for something used. However, if there is not anything used (which is probable), he is suggesting a Fugi 2005 he found for $525. I am assuming it would be the Fugi Ace, League, or Finest after looking at the website and the prices. Are Fugi's in this price range quality bikes? I recently test rode a Specialized Allez, not a bad bike but I wasn't too impressed- it seemed plasticy. Any suggestions?

Side note: my expectations for my road bike are that it is more efficient, higher geared, and faster than my Specialized Hard Rock Mountain Bike- I don't think I'm asking for much initially.

[boudreaux]

Hi, tomorrow I am going bike shopping with a buddy of mine. I am on a budget ($400 - $600) and initially we were going to look for something used. However, if there is not anything used (which is probable), he is suggesting a Fugi 2005 he found for $525. I am assuming it would be the Fugi Ace, League, or Finest after looking at the website and the prices. Are Fugi's in this price range quality bikes? I recently test rode a Specialized Allez, not a bad bike but I wasn't too impressed- it seemed plasticy. Any suggestions?

Side note: my expectations for my road bike are that it is more efficient, higher geared, and faster than my Specialized Hard Rock Mountain Bike- I don't think I'm asking for much initially.Fuji is good bang for the buck.Bottom end bikes are all pretty on the same end of the barrel.

[Neecole]

Fuji is good bang for the buck.Bottom end bikes are all pretty on the same end of the barrel.
So, would you just suggest finding the least expensive fugi? I know there is another bike for $375. I just want something to train on and hopefully next fall upgrade bikes as a more experienced rider.

[boudreaux]

So, would you just suggest finding the least expensive fugi? I know there is another bike for $375. I just want something to train on and hopefully next fall upgrade bikes as a more experienced rider.That would just seem to be throwing money away.

[Hooben]

I would seriously go for the more expensive model. You dont want to comprimise anything in your riding enjoyment. If you upgrade, then great...but if you dont, at least you have the 500 dollar model.
If your looking at Fuji, then make sure and check out the entry level Giant.
Have fun!

[Hooben]

I consider 500 dollars the bare minimum for a good road bike, regardless of the manufacturer. Get yourself the more expensive bike. If you dont upgrade, at least you can ride without worrying about your choice. Make sure and check out Giant, for a good cheap entry level bike.
Have fun!

[gruppo]

If you are looking for bang-for-the-buck, why not look at 2004 models which should be selling heavily discounted this time of year?

[Neecole]

Thanks for all the good info and excusing my spelling error!;)

[Jaguar27]

Hi, tomorrow I am going bike shopping with a buddy of mine. I am on a budget ($400 - $600) and initially we were going to look for something used. However, if there is not anything used (which is probable), he is suggesting a Fugi 2005 he found for $525. I am assuming it would be the Fugi Ace, League, or Finest after looking at the website and the prices. Are Fugi's in this price range quality bikes? I recently test rode a Specialized Allez, not a bad bike but I wasn't too impressed- it seemed plasticy. Any suggestions?

Side note: my expectations for my road bike are that it is more efficient, higher geared, and faster than my Specialized Hard Rock Mountain Bike- I don't think I'm asking for much initially.

Take a look at the Felt F90, It's under $600 and a very nice Bike for the price...http://feltracing.com/2004_bikes/f90.html also, you might beable to pick up a Cannondale CAAD4 R400 within your budget...just something for you to think about....

[Neecole]

Take a look at the Felt F90, It's under $600 and a very nice Bike for the price...http://feltracing.com/2004_bikes/f90.html also, you might beable to pick up a Cannondale CAAD4 R400 within your budget...just something for you to think about....
What do you think of Specialized Allez?