Newbie road bike comparison

Mmm... tough question. There are people way more knowledgeable about those bikes then me that will likely respond. But someone told me when I was first shopping for my 'entry-level' road bike.
The best bike is the one that works for you.

Kinda stupid advice, I know, but its true. Those are all good choices (though they seem a little expensive for what you get) consider what your race schedule is gonna be and how long you will have that bike. At the minimum the 105's and an aluminum frame will get you the most bang for the buck. Throw in some carbon and you should be able to do almost any triathlon.


Ride as many of those as possible, see which one is the most comfortable for you. If you like the bike, you are happy riding it, you will be motivated to get on it and get out there.

If you havent been properly fit, it wont really matter the kind of bike you get. I highly suggest you get measured, and go from there.

If you already know that info, and are just looking for a bike, this site offers some great reviews on bikes, I also used the site roadbikereview.com

They cover MANY bikes, but not always the same year of bike you might be searching out, it might review a later model.

That being said, is there any reason you are choosing a road bike instead of a tri bike?

Edited by Layneh 2009-07-21 8:02 AM

Absolutely, positively, definately get a carbon frame. Lighter, smoother, just as strong. Not as travel-proof, but no one with a real choice gets Aluminum. Go carbon. Otherwise in two years (... or in seven months...), you'll have a new carbon frame bike and a really nice buddy bike. But if you are OK with the concept of a buddy bike, or you are going to race recreationally, aluminum with carbon stays is a fair compromise.

Scott CR1 is a sweetheart BUT is does NOT have a removable, replaceable derailleur dropout....at least on the 2009 model.... which is nuts for a carbon bike. I've never bent or broken a derailleur hanger, but if I ever do, I sure want to know it's a forty dollar dropout and not a fourteen hundred dollar frame.

105 is good stuff. Great choice for a first bike then upgrade as parts wear out. Blindfolded, I don't think most people could tell 105 from Ultegra. Of course, it would be tough to ride blindfolded very fast...

Fit is incredible important, but it is easy to get help, from a bike shop, a professional fitting (about $100), online (Competitive Cyclist has a great fit calculator) or from your boys. No matter what else you do, get a bike that fits.

New 2010 bikes some out in about September, so there will be come good deals on '09's starting soon, and some really good deals on '08's.  Getting lucky at $1450 for a 2009 Specialized Tarmac Comp is not out of the question....

But on your list, I'd go for the Raleigh Competition, but $1700 is a little high.... $1400 is a fair deal, I think... talk to your LBS about a deal.

SPEEDSTER S30!!! I have the '08 model of that bike. Its sooo stiff. almost as stiff as some carbon bikes i've tested.

don't drink the 'carbon is the only way to go' kool-aid.  A high quality AL frame is often the better choice than a low quality carbon model.  Unless you bought a low quality carbon frame, then of course it's not

Try and find some unbiased reviews online, and then see which bike feels right to you.  Asking on here will usually get people to respond with what they have, which of course they love.  Take your time, do your own research, and reach your own conclusions so that YOU will ultimately enjoy your bike the most. 

Your first Tri coming up and you are going to drop that amount for a new bike?  Might I suggest you scale back and buy a used bike in the $500-800 range?  Then determine if you like Tri's enough to drop a good amount of money on a bkie.  Then  buy a more expensive bike with Ultegra/Dura-ace components that will last way longer (as in you won't be eyeing higher end bikes).  To start off with it is way more important to get the motor in shape than having a fancier bike.

Edited by GaryRM 2009-07-27 7:49 AM