Originally posted by lokstah
Sure; I can recommend a few models and makers to look into. I suppose the one self-correction I need to make regards the wheelset. Though there's no telling what odd build you can find at a local shop, you won't find many new bikes factory spec'd with Ksyrium SLs in that price range, for any year. That's not because Ksyriums are only fit for $3000 bikes, but rather because they're simply market-positioned that way. Bike companies tend to under-spec wheelsets (relative to the market level of other components on the same bike) on factory models.
Take the 2004 Giant TCR Composite 2, for instance -- this is an excellent full carbon race frame with an Ultegra drivetrain; a true hotrod. Giant only sells their absolute top-shelf models with Ksyrium-SL level wheels; the TCR Composite 2 comes with a Shimano R-540 wheelset. Nonetheless, it's a great deal and it goes for about $2000 USD.
The 2004 Specialized Allez Comp is on the other end of the spectrum -- it's got an Ultegra drivetrain and Ksyrium Equipe wheels with a pricetag of $1600 USD.
Same goes for TT or Tri bikes -- you can land a 2004 Cervelo Dual with full Ultegra and a solid Ritchey wheelset for $1500 USD.
Here's the thing, though -- adjust to include value (about $800 USD) of a Ksyrium SL wheelset, even a lightly used one, and your Opus starts to look reasonable, provided its in good shape. The makers listed above (and similar values from Fuji, Felt, Trek, Cannondale, and Bianchi) reflect a slightly different category of bike than Opus seems to be.
Frankly, it's being sold as a sexier, higher-shelf frame, and that's valid in cycling business. Even if they're using similar alloys or composites, you expect to pay more for a DeRosa than for a comparably spec'd Trek. I'm building a Klein Q-Pro and it's simply a more expensive frame than my Giant. Period. But I want it.
Good luck deciding... let us know what you're up to.
