Paging Cheapie (or anyone else that rides)

[VTGreg]

I'm looking at upgrading and wanted to get some opinions or suggestions. I'm on a Trek 1500 right now with stock everything (105/Ultegra grouppo). I've just started my search but so far I'm looking at the 5.2 Madone, Giant TCR C1 or C2, Guru Flite, and possibly Orbea Onix.

Any other bikes that I should consider in the $2k-$3k range? Any makers that I should stay away from? Has anyone used Sram components? I am interested in the Force grouppo as a possible alternative to ultegra.

I'm lucky in that there are plenty of bike shops in the area and I have access to most manufacturers.

[smeakim]

Bianchi makes a nice road bike. I ride with a friend from Europe and his wife bought him a Bianchi last year. He had to have the steel one but its just as light as my Synapse. Check them out http://www.bianchiusa.com. You could also check out Felt that is what Team Slipstearm is going to ride on this year. Felt is a a CO company. http://www.feltracing.com/default.asp

[Prngr44]

I thought this was about motorcycles....

:wavey2:

[cheapie]

i'd highly consider the felt as well. really good bikes for the money. might want to check out some of the bikes specialized makes as well. really good stuff.

the madone is very nice. it's pretty stiff to limit energy loss but that also means it's going to be a harsher ride than others.

orbea makes beautiful rides. i've never really seen an ugly one. garish maybe. but not ugly.

are you aware that the sram force is only available as a double? i'm pretty sure this is the case and since your siggy says you live in charlotte, doing anything like the blue ridge parkway in a double would kill me. you might be a lot stronger rider than i am though.

also, what bikes would come with the force as an optional drivetrain? cuz if you're thinking about building it up yourself, that could get pricey really quick!

i would just go out and test ride a bunch of different stuff. that's the best way to find out what you like. and i wouldn't be too nervous about ultegra. that's really good stuff. i have a trek 5200 with full ultegra and have had zero problems over 4 years or so.

but i do love sram. i have an ellsworth mtn bike with sram x.0 components (xtr front der) and LOVE it. well, except for the fact a derailleur limit screw came out during a race in november, resulting in a broken der hanger, busted spokes, etc.

[VTGreg]

i'd highly consider the felt as well. really good bikes for the money. might want to check out some of the bikes specialized makes as well. really good stuff.

the madone is very nice. it's pretty stiff to limit energy loss but that also means it's going to be a harsher ride than others.

orbea makes beautiful rides. i've never really seen an ugly one. garish maybe. but not ugly.

are you aware that the sram force is only available as a double? i'm pretty sure this is the case and since your siggy says you live in charlotte, doing anything like the blue ridge parkway in a double would kill me. you might be a lot stronger rider than i am though.

also, what bikes would come with the force as an optional drivetrain? cuz if you're thinking about building it up yourself, that could get pricey really quick!

i would just go out and test ride a bunch of different stuff. that's the best way to find out what you like. and i wouldn't be too nervous about ultegra. that's really good stuff. i have a trek 5200 with full ultegra and have had zero problems over 4 years or so.

but i do love sram. i have an ellsworth mtn bike with sram x.0 components (xtr front der) and LOVE it. well, except for the fact a derailleur limit screw came out during a race in november, resulting in a broken der hanger, busted spokes, etc.

I'm planning on going out and riding a bunch of them but wanted to have some semblance of a list before I started. I currently have a triple and want to go to a double. I may look at a compact as well.

For the most part, at any of the shops I've been to, they will swap out components for you and just charge you the difference. I know the Orbeas have models that come with Sram components. I'm just enamored with the double tap technology and also like the fact that Sram shifters can be repaired similar to Campy's.

[cheapie]

oh man. an orbea with sram force? :drool:

[smeakim]

Unless you are going to race I would go with something a little less stiff. I tried out a CAAD8 and 9 by Cannondale and they were way too stiff for me to ride. I agree never an ugly Orbea. I have a triple on mine and love it here in CO. I think I would die on a double or compact. I am so glad I went with the triple. I am training with a friend to ride the triple bypass this year.

http://www.teamevergreen.org/HTML_MAIN_PAGES/triplebypass.html

No way I could do this on a double. Too bad its so cold out here I am itching to get back on my bike but too much snow. When is summer gonna be here.

[cheapie]

those C'Dales are aluminum though. that really increases the ouch factor.

where are you in CO? i've thought about the triple bypass before. i also want to ride leadville.

[smeakim]

I live in a subburb of Denver. I like to ride DearCreek Canyon to do hill training. Yeah on the Alum. but when you just start out trying to justify Carbon Fiber and 2 or 3K is hard to do. Myabe my next one I can move up to something like an Orbea or Felt. Too bad I can't ride all year out here. I have not ridden Leadville yet. This will be my first year where I am going to try and ride some events. I don't race, I ride to just enjoy it. I found that I really like it compared to running. I never had the itch like I do to ride as I did when I was running.

Either of you two use a trainer with a climbing block? I was thinking of getting one since I really can't ride outdoors most of the winter or am I just better going to the gym and riding more on an upright bike or spinning bike at the gym?

[VTGreg]

I live in a subburb of Denver. I like to ride DearCreek Canyon to do hill training. Yeah on the Alum. but when you just start out trying to justify Carbon Fiber and 2 or 3K is hard to do. Myabe my next one I can move up to something like an Orbea or Felt. Too bad I can't ride all year out here. I have not ridden Leadville yet. This will be my first year where I am going to try and ride some events. I don't race, I ride to just enjoy it. I found that I really like it compared to running. I never had the itch like I do to ride as I did when I was running.

Either of you two use a trainer with a climbing block? I was thinking of getting one since I really can't ride outdoors most of the winter or am I just better going to the gym and riding more on an upright bike or spinning bike at the gym?

I just got a trainer and it's okay. Never used a climbing block. Definitely not the same. I'm a regular at the spinning classes when I'm travelling and find those enjoyable but nothing like the real thing.

I enjoy getting out on the road and riding but I'm considering trying my hand at racing for another challenge.

I haven't run into anything so far that has forced me to use the small ring, hence the desire to go with a double or a compact.

[cheapie]

i just got asked to join a race team sponsored by the local bike shop. wOOt!

[smeakim]

Thats awsome Cheapie.... VT bet you are excited about the game tonight.... So you have not used the trainer enough to determine the wear on your tires yet. I was thinking with the block at least I can give myself the incline while still being able to determine the resistance. I am trying to figure out the best way to train when I can't ride outside. As from my previous thread I am trying to cut some lets be realistic a lot of weight :) and trying to still stay in riding shape. Thought a trainer might help. Either of you two have any weight training you do to stay in riding shape? What about cardio routines?

[cheapie]

some leg weights. mostly spend hours and hours/week on the elliptical during the winter. not that it's the perfect match for everyone but it seems to work for me.

[Freelance Superhero]

Just thought I'd throw my two cents in, but I know of a pretty big biking forum where you could probably get a lot of helpful advice.

http://www.bikeforums.net

People there are pretty cool, too.