Need Some Bike Advice on a Purchase

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2008-07-06 6:05 PM

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Columbus, Ohio
Subject: Need Some Bike Advice on a Purchase
BT has given me great advice in the past, so where else would I go when I need some more! I have been riding my Trek Hybrid for a year and it got me through my first two tri's in good shape. However, now it is time to step up. I am looking to purchase a road bike. I want to make sure I am making a good purchase as I don't part with money very well.

I think I have narrowed it down to 3 different models to choose from. I understand that in the end it will be which one I am most comfortable with, but what advice (good or bad) do you have about the following:

Fuji Team:
http://www.fujibikes.com/road/bike.asp?category_short_name=road&myA...


Scattante R-660
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=25171&subcatego...

Specialized Allez Elite:
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=21898

They are all pretty close in price with the Fuji being $200.00 more than the other two. I thought about a tri bike, but I think a road bike would be best for me.

Your thoughts and insights are appreciated.

P.S. If there is one I am missing in the $1,200.00 - $1,500.00 range please let me know.

Edited by jacasa 2008-07-06 6:11 PM

2008-07-06 6:46 PM
in reply to: #1510616

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Davenport, IA
Subject: RE: Need Some Bike Advice on a Purchase

Just a thought, but if I were you I'd consider looking around a little bit more. I picked up a Giant OCRC3 for just under $1200 and it's got a carbon fiber frame and 105/Ultegra mix components. For what's listed the Fuji & Scattante look like better component packages, but obviously cost more. Sorry I can't be more helpful on specific ideas on each bike, but just wanted to recommend looking for a bike that someone has had in their store for a year or two.

Edited to add:  There's actually a link in the Classifieds section to a Valdora full Carbon Ultegra equipped bike that's pretty much in that price range you are talking about. 



Edited by Sprint_DA 2008-07-06 7:02 PM
2008-07-06 7:14 PM
in reply to: #1510616

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Need Some Bike Advice on a Purchase
As brand loyal as I am to Specialized (I still ride a 1996 mountain bike), that's my third choice. The Scattante is equipped nicely, but their frames aren't the greatest. TIG welded, unfinished and basically, inexpensive, low-labor cost Asian construction.

I like the Fuji. Mostly Ultegra, pro proven brand (Toyota-United ride them this year), the Ritchey crank and wheels are very nice. If you do go with that, see if you can swap that 12-23 cassette for a more hill friendly 12-25 or 12-27. The shop might charge you a couple $$ for it, but not much. You'll need serious strength to push the 12-23 uphill with a conventional crankset. Same logic could apply if you want a compact crankset.
2008-07-06 7:36 PM
in reply to: #1510616

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Elite
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Bay Area, CA
Subject: RE: Need Some Bike Advice on a Purchase

You might want to wait until the end of this year/beginning of next when the 2008 models will go on sale.

I picked up a 2007 Giant OCR2, full carbon, full Ultegra bike last year for right around $1500.  It was a major steal, plus it's full warranty forever on the frame (from Giant).

Look around some more - although all three of those bikes look very solid. 

2008-07-06 7:36 PM
in reply to: #1510677

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Columbus, Ohio
Subject: RE: Need Some Bike Advice on a Purchase
pitt83 - 2008-07-06 8:14 PM

As brand loyal as I am to Specialized (I still ride a 1996 mountain bike), that's my third choice. The Scattante is equipped nicely, but their frames aren't the greatest. TIG welded, unfinished and basically, inexpensive, low-labor cost Asian construction.

I like the Fuji. Mostly Ultegra, pro proven brand (Toyota-United ride them this year), the Ritchey crank and wheels are very nice. If you do go with that, see if you can swap that 12-23 cassette for a more hill friendly 12-25 or 12-27. The shop might charge you a couple $$ for it, but not much. You'll need serious strength to push the 12-23 uphill with a conventional crankset. Same logic could apply if you want a compact crankset.


Please speak English! No, seriously, I am pretty much bike illiterate, so what are you referring to when you talk about the 12 -23, 12-25 and 12-27. I want to at least act like I know what I am talking about.
2008-07-06 7:42 PM
in reply to: #1510702

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Subject: RE: Need Some Bike Advice on a Purchase
Those are the cassette; the gears in the back. Those numbers represent the tooth count on the smallest and largest cog back there. The "12" means how fast you can go on the flats (12 or 11 are common) and the "23" is the big cog meaning how easy or hard a hill will be to climb. A "27" is easier to climb with than a "23". I'm and experienced cyclist and only ride a 23 with a compact crank, I ride a 25 with a standard one for racing.

Basically, ask if you can swap out the rear cogs for one better on the hills. Or the front chain rings (crankset) for the same benefit. If you have a good bike shop, they'll do it as an even exchange or for a small fee. Anything over $50 is extortion.

And yes, cadreamer is correct. Manufacturers bring out the new model line in August or September, so 2008 bikes will be on sale soon. But selection of size and model will be limited.

Edited by pitt83 2008-07-06 7:44 PM

2008-07-07 5:42 AM
in reply to: #1510616

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Subject: RE: Need Some Bike Advice on a Purchase
Thanks for all to advice. I will continue to look and see what I can get on an end of year deal.
2008-07-07 7:10 AM
in reply to: #1510616

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Expert
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FL
Subject: RE: Need Some Bike Advice on a Purchase

In that price range, I would think that you have the option of just about every brand.  I would keep looking. 

You may even consider used, as you can probably get a very lightly used bike that retailed between $1800-$2500 for the price you are looking to spend.  Before buying used, though, you need to know your size and be sure to know components, accessories enough to have an idea of value.

 

2008-07-07 8:11 AM
in reply to: #1510616

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Subject: RE: Need Some Bike Advice on a Purchase
I would add: look for used. Craigslist, Ebay, Slowtwitch, here on BT classifieds. Just make sure you get fitted for the correct size before you buy any bike new or used. I was able to pick up a great deal on a Specialized Allez Elite used for $800 including bottle cages, aero bars, carbon upgraded fork and seat post, etc. New bikes are like new cars, they depreciate quickly. End of the year closeouts on late model new bikes can be a good deal too.
2008-07-07 3:56 PM
in reply to: #1510616

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Columbus, Ohio
Subject: RE: Need Some Bike Advice on a Purchase
I am not "bike savvy" enough to purchase a used bike at this time. I plan on buying from a local store as almost all provide some type of life time service on bikes they sell. I appreciate all the advice and definitely plan on waiting until the end of model year sales. Thanks!
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