I have been racing Ironman for a few years on my Softride, and been pretty pleased overall with its performance and comfort, even though I know it weighs 2 tons.
That said, I am going to get a road bike this winter to use during my training for next year, and maybe also something to race on, depending.
I want to spend close to $2K, and am not set on any one body composition. I would like to get it all together, and not have to build it all on my own.
I would really appreciate your thoughts on where I could get the most for the money, while getting a sweet ride at the same time.
I want to spend close to $2K…I would really appreciate your thoughts on where I could get the most for the money, while getting a sweet ride at the same time.
There was a thread on thisexact question just days ago. My answer was to get a 3,000 dollar Caliente on sale for 2,000 dollars right now at All3sports and/or Trisports.com (it’s the 2005 model) - - - if it fits you!
Geez Scamboy, you might to read a little more carefully. He stated he was looking for a road bike, not a tri bike. While I agree the Caliente is a smoking deal, it might not be what this guy is looking for.
I would highly suggest the Specialized Tarmac with 105 10 speed. My LBS has them for $2200. So you might be able to get your shop to knock a little off that. But if you get a chance to ride one, I think you will agree, it is a buttery smooth and quick bike. I actually have my right kidney up on classifieds right now so I can buy a new Tarmac.
How about a Gunnar Roadie with Ultegra/105/FSA/Ritchey. Your dealer should be able to build it for you for under $2k, I think. Light steel frame, built by waterford.
Search this site for Cervelo Soloist. I think you might get a hit or two (or 25,000!).
I bought a Soloist back in June. Great bike for the money. I got the Soloist Team with DuraAce 10. It’s a very quick bike. Seems to get up to speed quickly and climbs well with the short chainstays. But there are lots of rough roads where I live and it’s definately not a 3+ hour ride bike in these conditions. If I’m riding long, I’m riding my Trek OCLV (carbon) bike.
But the other nice thing about the Soloist is that you could easily turn it into a darned nice tri bike with the reversible seat post and a set of clip-ons.
One last gripe about the Soloist, though. It’s got the worst seat clamp of any bike I’ve owned or worked on.
you can probably get the best of both worlds for $1,000 it just matters how cool you want it to look and how light you want it to feel;) The Felts are nice but probably not an epic ride machine. Check out the clearance bike section on Coloradocyclist.com They have a Litepseed Firenze frame with Ultegra for $1999 in 49cm and 51cm and Douglas Fusion Aluminum frames with full Dura ace for $1999 as well…
Check around for last year’s Soloist - the Centaur version is quite nice, basicallly just like this year, and should be around 1800. This year’s model is fantastic at 2200, and is still a bargain. I love mine.
Cannondale has some nice aluminum at a similar price point, also with full Ultegra 10. It’s similarly snappy, although the Soloist fit me better personally. You’ve got a lot of options at 2 grand… you might try a Giant TCR as well, it’s one of the few full carbon bikes at that price.
Go with the Specialized Tarmac Comp, full Carbon Frame and Fork with full Shimano 105 10-Speed Components. I was looking to spend around $2,500-$3,000 and I think I am going to go with the Tarmac Expert (same bike but with Ultegra components). It’s hard to find anyone with anything negative to about this bikes. They are light, comfortable and fun to ride.
Check out the clearance bike section on Coloradocyclist.com They have a Litepseed Firenze frame with Ultegra for $1999 in 49cm and 51cm and Douglas Fusion Aluminum frames with full Dura ace for $1999 as well…
Does anyone have any scoop on the Litespeed Firenze? or the Douglas bikes? I am much less familiar with the latter.
And thanks for the info on the Tarmak. That baby looks sweet.
