Need some suggestions

hmmm...ti? good choice, but for a budget of $2k, you will definitely have a hard time finding something. the frames for merlin are awesome, but then you're stuck with suck components on it, the clunky stuff. so what'chya gonna do?

~the turtle

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by seriousturtle
hmmm...ti? good choice, but for a budget of $2k, you will definitely have a hard time finding something...

Don't forget, friend, that's 2K GBP, not USD. The bloke's dealing with about 3,700 american dollars, which is plenty enough to put together a smashing bike.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by MeesterBond
I'm trying to compile a shortlist of frames / bikes to try before buying a replacement for my OCR2... Whilst the Giant is an ok bike (I'll probably keep and fixie it) it's a bit heavy, the Tiagra is a bit clunky and frankly I've got the opportunity to upgrade.

I ride 3 or 4 times a week, mainly recreational, though I'd like something that could be raced without disgracing itself. So whilst speed is important, comfort is very close behind. It'll also be a bike that I'll be keeping for many years to come, so I'm looking at Ti or Steel for the repairability should I stack it.

My budget's about £2k and so far I'm considering:

De Rosa Neo Primato
Colnago Master X-Lite
Litespeed Tuscany
Merlin Forttius
Omega Alchemy

what about airborne? ive heard their frames are extremely good value and heard very few complaints about them.
i also believe that their after sales service is also excellent.
The Merlin and Litespeed are going to be tough to build for the budget, but it might be possible if I can find an end of line etc...

Does anyone have any experience with the above or can you recommend anything similar that I should look at. To be awkward, I've deliberately steered away from the more mass-brands (Cannondales, Specializeds, Treks etc), for no reason other than I fancy something a little different...

All advice welcome (except for the 'why don't you lose some weight off your waist rather than the bike' one.. I've heard that!)

As Alan suggested, check out Airborne if you are interested in Ti (http://www.airborne.net/eready/janette/abhome.asp). They have received many good reviews from what I have heard. Good luck, they are all great bikes!!!

Jeff