Price: $3,000.
- Make and model: I'm totally open, but probably a "big" name, not a custom builder.
- I am looking at something to race for 5 seasons or more (I can't afford a pricey new bike every year or 2). I feel like I have plenty of time but definitely want to use a it a little in 2006 and race on it in 2007.
- I'm not hung up on frame material and believe that fit, wheels and tires are more important than the frame. Aren't all $1,000 - $2,000 frames plenty good these days anyway?
- I'm very "normal" in terms of body dimensions so most any brand would suit me well. Not terribly flexible so I doubt I'll do "80 degrees with the 10-inch drop" or anything ...
- Would I do better to just get a $2,000-ish bike and race wheels? To me there still remains the school of thought that I'll be psyched with the bike for a season or 2, then buy race wheels and fall in love all over again.
- Is now a good time to buy? Should I wait until August or Sept. and try to get a leftover 2006 model? I'll probably get sort-of fitted on a couple bikes next week and order exactly what I want from a shop in June. Is that stupid?
- I hopped on my buddy's 55 cm 2005 Litespeed Blade today for 20 miles and it was a blast. Excellent ride and not nearly as aggressive a position as I expected. We are nearly the same size, so that would be my size too.
My current bike is a 56 cm Fuji Roubaix with aerobars. I'm used to it and sick of it.
I will be bike shopping in person and in earnest over Memorial Day Weekend.
Please share your experiences & advice.
- Make and model: I'm totally open, but probably a "big" name, not a custom builder.
- I am looking at something to race for 5 seasons or more (I can't afford a pricey new bike every year or 2). I feel like I have plenty of time but definitely want to use a it a little in 2006 and race on it in 2007.
- I'm not hung up on frame material and believe that fit, wheels and tires are more important than the frame. Aren't all $1,000 - $2,000 frames plenty good these days anyway?
- I'm very "normal" in terms of body dimensions so most any brand would suit me well. Not terribly flexible so I doubt I'll do "80 degrees with the 10-inch drop" or anything ...
- Would I do better to just get a $2,000-ish bike and race wheels? To me there still remains the school of thought that I'll be psyched with the bike for a season or 2, then buy race wheels and fall in love all over again.
- Is now a good time to buy? Should I wait until August or Sept. and try to get a leftover 2006 model? I'll probably get sort-of fitted on a couple bikes next week and order exactly what I want from a shop in June. Is that stupid?
- I hopped on my buddy's 55 cm 2005 Litespeed Blade today for 20 miles and it was a blast. Excellent ride and not nearly as aggressive a position as I expected. We are nearly the same size, so that would be my size too.
My current bike is a 56 cm Fuji Roubaix with aerobars. I'm used to it and sick of it.
I will be bike shopping in person and in earnest over Memorial Day Weekend.
Please share your experiences & advice.