Just Getting Into Road Bikes, I need some advice from you guys!

[SeanKimStyle]

Hello, I am looking to buy a road bike since I've been riding my moutain bike over 800 miles in 3 months. I am getting into Triathalon, and doing a long ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles in September. I honestly don't want to spend more than $1200. But if I have to spend over $1200 I will buy Giant TCR Composite series, but I really would like to keep my budget below $1200. Keep in mind I don't know much of road bikes, so u can definetly recommand me other bikes.

Also would i feel the difference in between full carbon(giant composite one) and the Aluminum/carbon?

These are 3 bikes I am looking at this point.
Trek 1500 $1149 http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=1442000&f=4

Giant TCR 2 Sport $1249 http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?model=11258

Fezzari Catania $889 http://fezzari.com/catania.htm (I would love to get this one, but never heard of the company before, but Customer Service guys were very helpful, which made me want to buy it)

 

[RickF]

They are comparable as far as components go, but the frame geometries are different. You need to ride them and see which feels right to you. Others in that price range to consider are the Specialized Allez Elite ($1200 http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=12389&bikeTab=techspec) and the Felt F80 ($999 http://www.feltracing.com/06/06_bikes/f80/spec.html)

Within a given price range, there is not much difference among the brands except for the fit. Fit is an individual thing, so try as many as you can until you find the one that is right for you.

 

[skinned_knee]

Another thing to think about is the shop where you buy... In my area, one shop carries Trek/Cannondale, the other carries Giant/Specialized. After talking to and visiting both shops, I knew I would be buying from the Giant/Specialized store regardless.