Help me select a new road bike

[danfoz]

Originally Posted by amazinmets73

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/4325607104.html

This seems to be a better candidate for upgrade

If the owners story is on the level I have to agree. This seems to be a pretty common occurrence in the road bike world, folks buy 'em with the best of intentions and then realize it's a bunch of hard work. The fact he mentions hills somewhat adds to the story's authenticity but as always, caveat emptor.

The first thing I'd do is rotate those handlebars right down. In fact that further ads to the story's truth as he's got the max # of spacers, the stem flipped, and the bars rotated all the way up. Something's telling me this guys back was not up to the task at hand.

Is it your size?

 

[amazinmets73]

Why do you need the full group, and why do you need Ultegra, why not 105? Why not Veloce? Calipers are calipers, a crank is a crank. RD, FD, and brifters bada bing. And there's really nothing wrong with Tiagra if you've got the legs. Shimano 105 ($450) http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-105-5700-Silver-groupset-8-components-cableset-/141184993653?pt=AU_Sport_Cycling_Parts&hash=item20df480975 Personally I would take up an extra paper route and pony up the extra $100 for this... Veloce ($545): http://www.ebay.com/itm/Campagnolo-Veloce-10-Speed-Black-Alloy-8pc-group-Complete-Groupset-for-Road-Bike-/271349932068?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3f2db76024 But this is more along the lines with what I had in mind: This guy's selling the combo for $310 http://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-Shimano-105-5700-Shifters-Front-Rear-Derailleur-Group-set-3pcs-2x10s-Black-/331022392466?pt=US_Shifters&hash=item4d1278dc92 But in 3 minutes I was just able to build the same for almost $100 less (total $215): Shifters ($150): http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Silver-Shimano-105-ST-5700-Shifter-Brake-Lever-Set-3x10-FREE-SHIPPING-/151230485179?hash=item23360a12bb RD ($41) :http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Take-Off-Shimano-105-RD-5700-SS-Short-Cage-10S-Rear-Derailleur-Black-/191067183842?pt=US_Derailleurs_Rear&hash=item2c7c7ddae2 FD ($24)  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-105-Front-Derailleur-FD-5700-10sp-Braze-on-Double-Drivetrains-Black-86g-/380831772022?pt=US_Derailleurs_Front&hash=item58ab57ad76 In the world of $1000+ bikes, $215 ain't bad for a significant upgrade. If I went for "slightly" used stuff I could probably get the same setup for less than $150. With a wig and some high heels you could earn that in a couple hours. But seriously, you seemed to be responding to another thread and I don't even know what the other frame is. But yes, some people value the heart and soul of a bike, "the frame", more than it's components - you did put that out there. The frames I have enjoyed riding over the years, there have been about half a dozen, have seen multiple component iterations pass through their hallowed threads. And my latest, a beautiful SuperSix, which has no threads (it's a BB30 with integrated headset), will likely also see a component upgrade (I'm thinking Record or Super Record... when I can afford it) in it's lifespan before I render it's modulus inept from the massive powah ouput my quads put out, purchased on the cheap off eBay of course. Just joshing, that's the great thing about bikes, so many ways to float one's boat. What floats mine might not float yours. If you are looking I hope you end up with a bike you look forward to riding every morning, components, frame, and all. If you have already found that special bike, life is good.

Maybe I should get one of these for cheap and put it on my Windsor.

 

[danfoz]

Originally Posted by Volnix
It doesn't say "bought new"...

Awesome flick. Zoë Bell and Vanessa Ferlito are about as hot as they come.

 

[CAMPYBOB]

For many years I have longed for a Boostor with 20 Cm of drop.

 

[oldbobcat]

Originally Posted by CAMPYBOB


For many years I have longed for a Boostor with 20 Cm of drop.

Should be really fast because you're always facing downhill.

 

[oldbobcat]

Quote:


Nice build.

 

[Volnix]

Originally Posted by danfoz
Awesome flick. Zoë Bell and Vanessa Ferlito are about as hot as they come.

Yeees...

Zoe Bell is a colossal bull-dyke though...

 

[mpre53]

Originally Posted by danfoz

If the owners story is on the level I have to agree. This seems to be a pretty common occurrence in the road bike world, folks buy 'em with the best of intentions and then realize it's a bunch of hard work. The fact he mentions hills somewhat adds to the story's authenticity but as always, caveat emptor.

The first thing I'd do is rotate those handlebars right down. In fact that further ads to the story's truth as he's got the max # of spacers, the stem flipped, and the bars rotated all the way up. Something's telling me this guys back was not up to the task at hand.

Is it your size?

Yup, dead giveaway that a rookie roadie bought more bike than he could handle. 53/39 crank and 12-26 on the back according to specs, so that also adds credence that he had some hill issues.

I'm thinking you could get him down to $500.

 

[amazinmets73]

I got the Lemond. Still have my eyes on the Motobecane

 

[CAMPYBOB]

Originally Posted by oldbobcat
Should be really fast because you're always facing downhill.

That's why my dream Boostor always has the saddle pointed down precisely 7.5°...or 7° 30 ' 00", if you prefer!

 

[mpre53]

Tarmac SL4 Comp at MSRP $2950 is one of the best values out there. Full 6800 Ultegra (except for the FSA 52/36 crank), good frame (2 levels below S-Works), and decent wheels. Couple hundred dollars more, throw Praxis 52/36 rings on the crank. As good a ride as 95% of us will ever need.

 

[wrightwrjr]

Originally Posted by amazinmets73

I found a 2013 Cannondale CAAD10. Guy says he wants 1,200 firm

I have a CAAD8 and it is a fine bike. Never rode a 10, but the price depends on use, condition, etc.. May be a good price, may not be.