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Recommend me a new road bike (online)

post #1 of 22
1/28/08 at 3:18am
Thread Starter 
Right now I am riding an older Trek 1000 aluminum road bike. Have had it for a while, don't mind it, but would appreciate something a little nicer/more current. I want to purchase a new bike soon because I feel I can get a better deal in winter, and could get an especially good deal on a lightly used bike since the current model year has recently changed. I prefer lightly used because I think I can get a much nicer bike for my money that way. Budget $1000, but closer to $700 would be preferable. 56-57cm frame size. Last summer I was riding about 60-75 miles a week, mostly on flat ground with slight inclines, but sporadic steep hills and declines. I don't really know what else to look for. Maybe want STI shifters (I have old-school Shimano down tube shifters now). Color not that important, no pink though. Any suggestions, maybe on Ebay or another website? I thought about making an offer on this: http://cgi.ebay.com/2007-Marin-Veron...QQcmdZViewItem Also saw this: http://cgi.ebay.com/GREAT-DEAL-01-CA...QQcmdZViewItem
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post #2 of 22
1/28/08 at 3:44am
You may want to try http://forums.roadbikereview.com/ for suggestions. From the Ebay links you posted, I would go with the Marin. Better specs overall, the CF seat stays may make for a smoother ride, and you probably don't need a triple if your rides are mostly flat.
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post #3 of 22
1/28/08 at 4:35am
ebay's definitely a start. roadbikereview will have tons of good but varied info. this is a classic place for close-out bikes: http://bikesdirect.com/products/road_bikes.htm

you should look for either an aluminum or carbon frame with shimano 9speed sti shifting. You shouldn't really find anything other than sti at this point. Mostly 9speed is being heavily discounted to force everyone to 10, so you should fine great deals on those bikes and there really won't be much of a difference. Look more for Ultegra rather than Dura-Ace. In your price range you'd be throwing your money away on the super premium gear.

also, check bike clubs in your area... they may have message boards and people there will likely be selling honest bikes that are in well maintained condition.

best of luck and happy riding.
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post #4 of 22
1/28/08 at 4:45am
Thread Starter 
http://bikesdirect.com/products/moto...rage_pro07.htm

What do you think of this one?
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post #5 of 22
1/28/08 at 5:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by VMan View Post
It's got 8-speed which is pretty old. You'd have a tough time getting replacement cassettes or shifters. Like etl above posted, go for bikes 9-speed 105 or Ultegra components. Or 10-speed, since you seem to hold on to bikes for a long time.
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post #6 of 22
1/28/08 at 2:24pm
Have you gone to your local bike shop and looked at what they have to offer? Sometimes you can pick up a good deal on some 07 closeout models. When I was in mine last week I saw some specialized, lemond, and treks in the 800 dollar range.
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post #7 of 22
1/28/08 at 3:37pm
In this price range, you should be looking at an aluminum frame and Shimano 105 components. Unless you really know what you're doing, I'd avoid buying online. Go to a store that will let you try various bikes and will fit you after you buy. Also, like Merckx says, you shouldn't have any trouble finding 07 closeouts steeply discounted. Usually, the only difference between years is the color scheme.

I personally ride a Cannondale, which I heartily recommend. Other brands that are not as ubiquitous and represent solid values are Felt and Giant.
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post #8 of 22
1/28/08 at 3:51pm
I have Shimano 105 and it is plenty good. I wouldn't buy online because it's hard to see if a bike is going to really fit you based on reading a bunch of frame geometry angles and tube measurements. I'd get a closeout 06 or 07 or used bike from the shop and also check craigslist.
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post #9 of 22
1/28/08 at 3:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Renault78law View Post

I personally ride a Cannondale, which I heartily recommend. Other brands that are not as ubiquitous and represent solid values are Felt and Giant.

Which C-Dale?

Jon.
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post #10 of 22
1/28/08 at 3:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by HomerJ View Post
I have Shimano 105 and it is plenty good.

+1.

My rear derailleur (well, and pedals) is Ultegra, but everything else on my bike is 105, and everything works very, very well.

Jon.
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post #11 of 22
1/28/08 at 4:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Renault78law View Post
I personally ride a Cannondale, which I heartily recommend. Other brands that are not as ubiquitous and represent solid values are Felt and Giant.

+1
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post #12 of 22
1/28/08 at 4:48pm
Thread Starter 
Luckily road cycling is huge in my city, so there are tons of bike shops, I'll take a look and see what they have. One of the other models I am considering is the Cannondale R700.
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post #13 of 22
1/28/08 at 5:09pm
If you go longer distances, maybe it's time to come over to the dark side and get a recumbent.

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post #14 of 22
1/28/08 at 5:27pm
Years ago, the owner of the local bike shop where I grew up started dabblin' in Recumbents. I thought, "no way, just a fad". Fast forward almost 20 years later and he's now one of the biggest sellers of recumbents in the country.

http://www.hostelshoppe.com/
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post #15 of 22
1/28/08 at 5:34pm
No numbbutt and a 50% mechanical advantage over a regular bike is hard to beat. I've had mine ( A Ryan Vanguard- very much like the one pictured) since 1990 and I've been very happy with it
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