Help a newbie out!..buying a new bike?

[J-Boogie]

Hello all! My name is Justin and I have been casually cycling in group rides and on trails for about a decade now, but have gotten more serious about road biking in the last six months. During that time, I have began riding with a group that challenges my abilities every time I ride with them. To keep up with them, I have modified my diet, lost 20 pounds, and begin running a few times per week to cross train, using a heart rate monitor for threshold training. my question involves my current bike. It is a 1998 Trek 470, which was an entry level road bike back then. It has an aluminum frame, chrome moly fork and quill stem, with Shimano RSX 7 speed components. I am considering purchasing a new bike, with a budget of 1500 dollars. I would like to know what you guys would consider my best purchase for that amount of money, and would also like to hear your thoughts about how a new bicycle will improve my performance and cycling experience. I will go ahead and state that the group I'm riding with currently average is 22 miles per hour over a 30 mile ride, with short periods of 25 or 26 miles per hour . I currently way 160 pounds, and I should state that my current bike is too big for me. Thanks, Justin

 

[mpre53]

Well, if you're hanging with them at that pace, I'd suggest something along the lines of a CAAD 10, Allez, or Madone 2.1 with a 105 group.

MSRP on the Cannondale and Specialized is a little above $1500, but most shops will haggle. The Trek is priced at ~ $1450.

Look at Giant, too. Above all, look at the warranty.

 

[CleanSnipe]

Hi Justin,
Keep up the training. If you're really small, there's a great deal on a Fuji SL 1 road bike with Shimano Ultegra (the component group above 105) for $1399. Link: http://gear.cleansnipe.com/threads/269-Great-Bike-Deal-Fuji-SL-Carbon-Road-Bike-w-Ultegra

Or, the Diamondback Podium 5 with Shimano 105 for $1549. Link: http://www.cleansnipe.com/Searchresults.aspx?q=Diamondback%20Podium%205%20Road%20Bike

You can also get cash back through CleanSnipe, where I work.


As a former bike racer, a good bike does help! Not only is it lighter (important), but the frame and components are more durable (really important!).

Good luck,
Christine

 

[mark174ace]

If you like aluminum and your budget is 1,500 than you cannot go wrong with the CAAD 10 or Madone 2.1. I have the 2012 Trek 2.1 Apex and my second choice was the CAAD 10.

 

[J-Boogie]

Thanks guys! I am leaning towards the CAAD 10...THEYRE SO SEXY! BTW, I am looking for a 54cm bike.

 

[mpre53]

Originally Posted by J-Boogie .

Thanks guys! I am leaning towards the CAAD 10...THEYRE SO SEXY! BTW, I am looking for a 54cm bike.

Go to a shop and take a ride on a 54 cm CAAD, if they have a demo available. Everyone's 54 cm isn't the same. /img/vbsmilies/smilies/wink.gif

I'm not into the whole "which is best" thing, as I think all of those brands are excellent bikes (including the Fuji and DB). But there are a ton of people who believe that the CAAD 10 frame is the best aluminum frame out there.