help me on that…
help me on that…
Why does it have to be carbon?
personal preference
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personal preference
I only ask because that “preference” will eliminate from considerations bikes such as the one I link to below, which is arguably better than some carbon framed bikes priced much higher:
http://www.cervelo.com/bikes.aspx?bike=S12009
Granted, list price is slightly over your stated budget, but I’m sure you should be able to find it for slightly less 
Do you mind if I ask why it’s your preference?
Agreed. In this price range, you’ll find a higher-quality alum/half alum bike than full carbon, MSRP. Some of Giant’s offerings are decent in this category.
If your looking for a reasonably stiff bike that is super comfortable, you can’t go wrong with the Specialized Roubaix. Of course you will never win the sexiest bike award from your buddies with the Roubaix, but you can do that with your tri bike. For day in and day out comfort and durability, with an all carbon frame and fork, its a great bike.
Kestrel Evoke…
http://www.bikesdirect.com/...ts/kestrel/evoke.htm
edit: There are some great deals on 07/08 Kestrel Talons (my preference) out there also!
Kestrel Evoke…
http://www.bikesdirect.com/...ts/kestrel/evoke.htm
edit: There are some great deals on 07/08 Kestrel Talons (my preference) out there also!
There’s a kestrel evoke on ebay for less than that, BIN.
John
one where there isn’t any carbon.
As others have said, you are unduly limiting yourself with carbon as a must have.
If your budget is tight, I’d say better to get a higher end non-carbon, then a cheap carbon. But that’s my opinion. Why the hardon for carbon? Clearly it comes at a price, and unless you go used, you ain’t gonna hit it.
personal preference
A sub $2k carbon bike, almost without exception … unless you can find a sweet deal on a used bike, will be crap. That’s just the way it is. There are lots of really nice 105/Ultegra-ish aluminum bikes for under $2k. Like this one: http://www.ridley-bikes.com/bikes.php?category=1&bike=41
That said … here’s a good deal on a great bike that’s not TOO far afield of your budget … http://www.competitivecyclist.com/road-bikes/frame/2008-ridley-damoclessram-rival-complete-bike-5940.html
Obviously, I’m a fan of Ridley. Their bikes are just really well done and thoughtfully designed.
There are some real crappy carbon bikes below 2K so do some research…here is a good place to start www.efbe.de
It opens in German but click on English version, top right.
Some have mentioned AL instead of carbon…but carbon done ‘right’ has 5 times the fatigue life of an AL frame.
Here is one WINNER:
Scott CR1 Comp…$1700 retail. Super light frame, very stiff, and very durable.
Cheers.
best carbon bike for under a 2 grand?? Kuota K-Factor 2008 model closeouts…
A little bit above $2,000: Look 566 with Sram Rival.
Great bike
Neuvation has a carbon complete bike under 2k. Not sure about the frame…
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1061900963.html
check that one^
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1062144075.html
and that one^
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