I’ve been considering getting a road bike for a while now. I went in to the local shop and asked about getting a Trek 5.1 since I’ve ridden a 4.5 and liked it. He was able to get me a really good price on the bike BUT he doesn’t think he will be able to get one until July and it may end up being a 2011. I have 3 options, move up to the 5.2 and still wait 40 days because it would be a project 1 bike, get the 4.5 that I had ridden before or try to find a different bike for the same amount of money with similar components. What do you think I should try to do
I rode a Madone and didn’t like it. Try a bunch of other bikes. YMMV.
Are you set on a trek? What kind of riding do you plan on doing?
No I don’t have my heart set on getting a Trek but its just one of the brands that my LBS carries that I know I can get a deal on. As far as the type of riding I will be doing all just depends on my mood; some groups rides, some centuries, some long training ride maybe even commute every once in a while.
my advice on a road bike is to set a budget and then try to ride everything under the sun. Also I highly recommend buying a used bike if you have any mechanical skills at all (or build one up yourself - just remember to stick to the budget).
I have two buddies that just spent $2500 on their first road bikes. One went to the shop without much help picked up a nice Gary Fisher (lemond) full carbon frame ultegra mix bike. He is very happy and doesn’t have any complaints. My other friend had me build him a bike. He got a Litespeed Ghisallo with SRAM Red/Force and a bunch of trick stuff. He couldn’t be happier either. So why do I tell you this? Well if my buddy with the Ghisallo wanted to trade in and trade up hed likely get close to what he paid for his bike back, my buddy with the Fisher will be out at least a $1000 if he wants to trade it in. Used bikes can be a super great way to go highend because the first user has already taken the hit on depreciation.
My friend ordered a project one and its been a lot longer than 40 days and he still has no ship date.