In short: Considering carbon fiber framed bike. Would like a new road bike for both training and triathlons. Budget $2,200-$2,500 absolute max. (Though bear in mind sale prices so anything under $3,000).
I’ve been riding an old Trek 1100 and have paid my dues! The thing weighs a ton, and I’m eager to upgrade in style. I ride a fair amount of miles and have been a little hesitant to make that big change until after gathering the intel. Am learning more but still don’t know near enough about bikes.
Last couple days, have tried a couple of bikes, 2005 Specialized Roubaix, 2005 Fuji Professional, 2005 Kestrel Talon. So far the Fuji felt the nicest, but those are small test rides.
I’m finally ready to slide my chips over, and want to make the absolute best choice.
Thanks!
PS: I commute via bike, so comfort is an issue, and prefer bar-end shifters, and handle bars that are the classic thick type between thumb & index finger. Sorry don’t know name of that part. Current bike: Trek 1100, 58cm, 28/12 Shimano RSX cassette, 53/39 Shimano SG chain ring. Weight: substantial. Year of manufacture: unknown… (pre-'99)
Sounds like you’re falling into the “carbon is cool” trap. In reality carbon isn’t any lighter than aluminium. It’s the components on the bike that usually add weight. Higher end bikes use lighter components. But going to a carbon frame is not a bad idea for the ride quality, although this is also highly debateable.
IMO, the Fuji is the most underestimated but the Specialized and Kestrel are also very nice. It’s your choice.
Bar end shifters are a thing of the past. STI is what road bikes use nowadays.
Thanks for the tips. I was going to put a disclaimer about the carbon vs titanium vs aluminium, but hey I’m open to all the feedback I can get. Do you have any other suggestions in terms of lightness, quality. Also, in terms of gear shifters, I like the ones at the ends of the aero bars for tri set-up. Or are you suggesting keeping it at road set-up with STI’s for the majority of the time, and switch to tri set-up as needed (or have an aero bar by itself, with STI’s on the handlebars)?
How about high-quality alumium-framed bikes? Also, what about Cervelo models, you didn’t chime in, and any other suggestions. I’m looking for the biggest possible increase in qualify and speed/lightness for the most reasonable price, and that gets me up hills a little faster! Ideallly $1500-$2000, but I accept that I might need to go a little higher, especially if it’s a long-terms investment.
IT’s an aluminum ride and I love it. My roadie is carbon, so I am famaliar with both. I am a bigger rider, so the aluminum is plenty comfy for me. I also loved the peppy-ness of the Cannondale which is more important in the short course races.
Generally the Kestrels come with nice build kits although some places “dumb” them down to hit price points. The Kestrels also have the highest street cred among the brands you mention
I would suggest that you keep the STI/ Ergo levers if you use it to commute on as it is a safer ride to have the controls in one spot.
