i know that these posts come up all the time, but i don't have any cycling friends to ask about this and my choices are confusing me. here's the deal:
i want a new bike, with $1,500 US budget. i'm 25, 6', 195 lbs (and dropping) and want fast recreational riding with the goal of trying out racing this summer. and i'd prefer a double. now here are the bikes from the LBS in my price range (lots of them):
1) 2003 Specialized Allez Comp: compact Al, full Ultegra triple, shimano R540 wheels - $1,400
2) 2004 Airborne Thunderbolt, Al, full Ultegra double, bontrager race-lite wheels - $1,450
3) 2004 Felt F45, Al w/carbon seatstays, Ultegra double except Dura-Ace rear derailleur, ksyrium equipe wheels - $1,500
4) 2003 Raleigh Competition, kinesium Al w/carbon seatstays, full Ultegra double, shimano R540 wheels - $1,099
5) 2004 Raleigh Professional, Al w/carbon seatstays, full Campy Chorus (except Centaur cassette), Campy Proton wheels - $1,470
now i know that fit is the most important thing (of course i'll only consider a bike that fits) and i've heard enough of the campy vs shimano debate. it's definately something i'll consider, but i know the +/- of each. i'm mostly just trying to pare down the field here. what's the best deal? what's the best equiped bike? can i eliminate anything right off? what would be best for my goal of racing?
thanks in advance. great to get advice!
i want a new bike, with $1,500 US budget. i'm 25, 6', 195 lbs (and dropping) and want fast recreational riding with the goal of trying out racing this summer. and i'd prefer a double. now here are the bikes from the LBS in my price range (lots of them):
1) 2003 Specialized Allez Comp: compact Al, full Ultegra triple, shimano R540 wheels - $1,400
2) 2004 Airborne Thunderbolt, Al, full Ultegra double, bontrager race-lite wheels - $1,450
3) 2004 Felt F45, Al w/carbon seatstays, Ultegra double except Dura-Ace rear derailleur, ksyrium equipe wheels - $1,500
4) 2003 Raleigh Competition, kinesium Al w/carbon seatstays, full Ultegra double, shimano R540 wheels - $1,099
5) 2004 Raleigh Professional, Al w/carbon seatstays, full Campy Chorus (except Centaur cassette), Campy Proton wheels - $1,470
now i know that fit is the most important thing (of course i'll only consider a bike that fits) and i've heard enough of the campy vs shimano debate. it's definately something i'll consider, but i know the +/- of each. i'm mostly just trying to pare down the field here. what's the best deal? what's the best equiped bike? can i eliminate anything right off? what would be best for my goal of racing?
thanks in advance. great to get advice!
