Ok so I have been doing my research, looking closely at, and speaking with LBS dealers about bikes. More specific, road bikes.
Since I have no desire to be competitive I am looking at road bikes with a geometry leaning towards comfort rather than race. I have looked at Felt Z85 ( probably my favorite but just a bit outside my upper budget limit ) Cannondale Synapse 5 ( again just outside the budget limit ) Cannondale Synapse 6 , Giant Defy 2, Trek 1.5 . I have interest in a Norco crd 1 but not sure if this bike has a relaxed enough geometry as I have not yet been to the bike shop to see this one yet.
The LBS with the Felt was very knowledgeable and willing to "deal" and certainly gave me a good feeling when I left but again the bike is probably just out of reach. They also sell Scott bikes but the geometry seems a bit different for what I am wanting.
The LBS with the Cannondales also carried the Giant brand. Very reputable group of people and willing to deal. However, they did not have the Syapses in stock and seemed to deter me away from them in favor of the Giant. I like the Giant Defy 2 and is well within my budget at the price point I negotiated with them. However, I cant help but feel a little cheated by not being able to see the Cannondales.
Trek is Trek and while I know they are a good bike, the LBS feels more like a big box store than what the other bike shops seem to offer. So I can probably nix my purchase decision from them.
Back to the Norco, I will most likely go take a look at the bike within the coming week unless someone can tell me with some certainty that the geometry is not what I want.
As for me, this will be my first road bike and will be using it for personal fitness and recreation which will include but not limited to training rides and long distance recreational rides.
Any advice, opinions and/or commentary on my situation will be greatly appreciated.
Since I have no desire to be competitive I am looking at road bikes with a geometry leaning towards comfort rather than race. I have looked at Felt Z85 ( probably my favorite but just a bit outside my upper budget limit ) Cannondale Synapse 5 ( again just outside the budget limit ) Cannondale Synapse 6 , Giant Defy 2, Trek 1.5 . I have interest in a Norco crd 1 but not sure if this bike has a relaxed enough geometry as I have not yet been to the bike shop to see this one yet.
The LBS with the Felt was very knowledgeable and willing to "deal" and certainly gave me a good feeling when I left but again the bike is probably just out of reach. They also sell Scott bikes but the geometry seems a bit different for what I am wanting.
The LBS with the Cannondales also carried the Giant brand. Very reputable group of people and willing to deal. However, they did not have the Syapses in stock and seemed to deter me away from them in favor of the Giant. I like the Giant Defy 2 and is well within my budget at the price point I negotiated with them. However, I cant help but feel a little cheated by not being able to see the Cannondales.
Trek is Trek and while I know they are a good bike, the LBS feels more like a big box store than what the other bike shops seem to offer. So I can probably nix my purchase decision from them.
Back to the Norco, I will most likely go take a look at the bike within the coming week unless someone can tell me with some certainty that the geometry is not what I want.
As for me, this will be my first road bike and will be using it for personal fitness and recreation which will include but not limited to training rides and long distance recreational rides.
Any advice, opinions and/or commentary on my situation will be greatly appreciated.
