USA-made road bike for under $2K?

[LanterneRouge]

I have a flat-bar road bike and am looking to buy a "real" road bike. :)

I'd like to support the US economy by buying from a company that still employs US laborers. So far, I've looked into semi-custom Terrys, Gunnar/Waterford, Crumpton, some Trek, and Calfee. All have lovely bikes made in the USA, but they seem to be significantly over my budget. Is it possible to buy a USA-made road bike and spend less than $2,000?

I'm flexible when it comes to frame materials. Initially, I swooned over the idea of carbon, but in reality, do I really need it? Probably not. I ride 2-3x per week for fun and I do about 6-8 organized fun rides for charity each year. In other words, I'm not planning on entering the Tour de France anytime soon. Aluminum or other metals will probably suit my needs.

If it's not possible to purchase a new bike under $2,000, I'm also open to used bikes, but my first preference is to buy new.

Has anyone bought a USA-made bike and how do you like it?

[OakLeaf]

Bradley (http://home.windstream.net/franklinframe/frame.html) frames from Franklin start at $1020. You ought to be able to build one up for $1000 with inexpensive components, if that's what you really want to do. Of course, if you want as many as possible of your components USA-made as well, you'll be spending quite a bit more. You could do wheels, hubs and seatpost from American Classic (http://www.amclassic.com/2013/en/) - I don't know about anything else.

I honestly don't know anyone who rides a Franklin frame, but they've been in business quite a long time and have a good reputation. American Classic is good stuff, though the only components of theirs I have are from the 1980s.


ETA: Here's a list someone made up: https://joecruz.wordpress.com/usa-made-cycling-gear/

[goldfinch]

Rodriguez bikes are made in the US and they have a model that is about $2000. http://www.rodbikes.com/

[LanterneRouge]

Any thoughts on steel vs. aluminum vs. carbon?

[Owlie]

For your budget, I'd go steel. You're more likely to be able to get that than carbon, and the ride on steel is more comfy.

[Catrin]

Steel, hands down :)

[Trek420]

Rodriguez bikes are made in the US and they have a model that is about $2000. http://www.rodbikes.com/

Rodriguez are great, Davidson too. Here's another far from exhaustive list i blugged on my blog: http://madeinusareviews.blogspot.com/2012/11/made-in-usa-bicycles.html

Thank you TE for helping me keep it semi current. :cool:

[LanterneRouge]

Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions.

Thanks for the list Trek420--that will be a good starting point for me.

So, what's the deal with steel? Does it absorb shock better? I have been riding for over 3 years now, but I'm not a bike expert. I just get on my bike and ride. :) Steel is heavier than aluminum, so, does that affect performance at all? There seems to be so much emphasis on bikes being lightweight.

Muirenn- I'm on the Left Coast, in So Cal. But if you know anyone in my area that is looking to sell a used or past-model USA-made bike, I'm interested. I'm 5'7. I haven't measured my leg length in a while, so I forgot what it is. My hybrid is a 17" and the last time I tried to get fitted for a Trek road bike I *think* I was a 50 or 51 cm.

[Owlie]

My steel CX bike (stock) is about 22.75 pounds without water bottle cages or pedals (but with wheels, disc brakes, etc). That's pretty light for a stock steel frame. Custom gets lighter. I think Catrin's custom steel bike is about the same as my aluminum road bike. Yes, my cross bike is a little slower than my road bike, but I think that's down to the bigger, lower-pressure tires and the gearing (it's geared quite low), not the frame material.

Aluminum is light, inexpensive and stiff. It doesn't flex, so if you go over a bump or a rough road surface (chip seal, for example), it transfers all those vibrations to you. Steel flexes a little, and that flex helps absorb vibration.

If you want used, you might have some luck finding an old Cannondale. I think up until 2009 they were making their aluminum bikes in the United States. More aggressive aluminum frames don't seem to have the vibration issues that the relaxed ones do. The boyfriend has an R2000 from 2004 (it says "Handmade in the USA" in HUGE letters on the chainstay), and doesn't have any problems with road buzz.

[indysteel]

To the OP, is your $2k budget for the frameset (frame plus fork) or for a complete bike?

[Owlie]

Steel is much smoother than aluminum or carbon. Or can be at its best. Not all steel is equal.



Nor is all carbon. An endurance-oriented carbon bike is probably going to be a smoother ride than a speed-oriented one. Add to that the fact there are differences in carbon lay-up between different grades of frame within the same line...

[LanterneRouge]

To the OP, is your $2k budget for the frameset (frame plus fork) or for a complete bike?

Well, I was hoping to stick to under $2,000 for the entire bike. But, I can talk myself into spending more if I feel like I have to. I rationalize it like this: if my husband can buy a TV for $3,000 because he loves watching sports on a giant screen, then I think I think there is a dollar-for-dollar justification on my bike, out of which I'll get similar use and enjoyment. Now, if you add in the cost of the speakers and subwoofer, then I'm looking at an amazing bike. :) This seems like a rational argument to me. Am I wrong? :)

[emily_in_nc]

And obviously if you're willing to go with a used bike, you can buy a lotta bike for $2K. I recently got a Trek Pilot 5.0 full carbon w/Ultegra for $700 on ebay, but it is a 2006 model. I agree, steel is preferable to aluminum unless you're looking to race. It's much more comfy for endurance/fitness type riding.

Good luck!

[indysteel]

Well, I was hoping to stick to under $2,000 for the entire bike. But, I can talk myself into spending more if I feel like I have to. I rationalize it like this: if my husband can buy a TV for $3,000 because he loves watching sports on a giant screen, then I think I think there is a dollar-for-dollar justification on my bike, out of which I'll get similar use and enjoyment. Now, if you add in the cost of the speakers and subwoofer, then I'm looking at an amazing bike. :) This seems like a rational argument to me. Am I wrong? :)

My husband and I each have five or me bikes. So, no, I don't think you're wrong. But don't spend $3k or more unless it really buys you want you want. I, personally, would go with custom steel from any number of builders, but I'd want to build it up with decent components and good wheels--and that really adds up.

Somebody mentioned Davidson. A woman on another forum just had one made and really enjoyed the process. It's a gorgeous bike.

[eofelis]

Steel, hands down :)

I did a road ride today on my custom (someone else's custom, I got it second hand) steel Gunnar Sport and omg it's a dreamy smooth riding bike. (I hadn't been on that bike since last fall.)

[eofelis]

but I'd want to build it up with decent components and good wheels--and that really adds up.



My bf bike mechanic/wheel builder has Mavic Open Pro wheels (Ultegra or DA hubs) on all 5 of the road bikes in our house. He likes those wheels a lot. They are not fancy looking boutique low spoke count wheels. But inexpensive, easy to maintain, ride great.

[indysteel]

My bf bike mechanic/wheel builder has Mavic Open Pro wheels (Ultegra or DA hubs) on all 5 of the road bikes in our house. He likes those wheels a lot. They are not fancy looking boutique low spoke count wheels. But inexpensive, easy to maintain, ride great.

I don't doubt that, but a lot of men can get by riding beefier factory wheels. Women--depending on their weight--often benefit from wheels built for lighter riders. I am a big fan of my low spoke count handbuildts. They're a pretty basic build, but have a really nice ride. Regardless, decent wheels can make a huge difference in ride quality, be they factory or handbuilt. And it's an expense a lot of people don't factor when considering the cost of buying a custom bike. That was the main thrust of my comment.

[java]

Rodriguez bikes are made in the US and they have a model that is about $2000. http://www.rodbikes.com/

I love my Rodriguez Rainier. I use it for commuting and organized rides. The steel and a custom fit made all the difference for me.

[LanterneRouge]

Does anyone have (or know someone who has) a Seven bike? I ordered their catalog and I am really liking this company's outlook on biking, business, and life in general. Their emphases on building a quality bike AND taking care of their employees were refreshing to read about.

Has anyone heard any friends' testimonials on whether they're happy with their Seven? Their bikes are all out of my budget, but I might be open to expanding my budget or possibly buying one used. All of their bikes are custom, so I'd still have the issue of ordering a bike without ever having test-ridden it.

[OakLeaf]

I have two friends with Sevens ... a woman pretty close to my size (roughly 48-49 cm frame) and an average sized man (I'm not sure but probably in the neighborhood of a 56 cm frame). Both of them were super happy with their fit, and they were measured by different shops. What I don't know is how well Seven trains their affiliate shops ... I'm going to have to say that quality of the fit is going to be pretty well dependent on quality of the measurements. But given that these two people were measured by different shops in different states, that speaks well for the program.

That's going to be WAY out of your specified budget, though...

[tulip]

Does anyone have (or know someone who has) a Seven bike? I ordered their catalog and I am really liking this company's outlook on biking, business, and life in general. Their emphases on building a quality bike AND taking care of their employees were refreshing to read about.

Has anyone heard any friends' testimonials on whether they're happy with their Seven? Their bikes are all out of my budget, but I might be open to expanding my budget or possibly buying one used. All of their bikes are custom, so I'd still have the issue of ordering a bike without ever having test-ridden it.

You are in a whole different league now. Sevens are amazing bikes.

[emily_in_nc]

Used to ride with a gal who had a custom ti Seven. She absolutely loved it. I know there are some on this forum who have Sevens. You should probably start a new thread with an appropriate title so they'll see it.

[indysteel]

Everyone I know who owns a Seven loves it. You might PM TE members 7rider and nscrbug. They both have a Seven.

[LanterneRouge]

There are two models of steel Sevens that are $3,695 and $3,795 new, so if I am lucky enough to find a used one of those in my frame size, a Seven might fit into my budget. But yes, a new model by that company is in "a whole different league" as far as price is concerned. :)

I was also looking at Devinci bikes, made by our neighbors to the north, in Canada. There are a few bikes under $3,000 (the hubs got on board with a budget of 3G). I figure if I can't buy an American bike in my budget, then I would expand my search for "ethically produced" bicycles, so I can sleep more soundly about folks getting paid fair wages and working in safe conditions to make my bike. That would then include Canada, the UK, Italy, or Japan. (Those are the major countries I'm aware of that make road bikes.)

[tulip]

There are two models of steel Sevens that are $3,695 and $3,795 new, so if I am lucky enough to find a used one of those in my frame size, a Seven might fit into my budget. But yes, a new model by that company is in "a whole different league" as far as price is concerned. :)

I was also looking at Devinci bikes, made by our neighbors to the north, in Canada. There are a few bikes under $3,000 (the hubs got on board with a budget of 3G). I figure if I can't buy an American bike in my budget, then I would expand my search for "ethically produced" bicycles, so I can sleep more soundly about folks getting paid fair wages and working in safe conditions to make my bike. That would then include Canada, the UK, Italy, or Japan. (Those are the major countries I'm aware of that make road bikes.)

Many bikes are made in Taiwan. Pretty sure those would meet your criteria.

[Crankin]

I am very happy with my custom titanium Guru, made in Canada. The fitting is amazing and the bikes were made and delivered in 6 weeks. You can get as expensive or cost saving as you want with components. Check out their website.

[eofelis]

I don't doubt that, but a lot of men can get by riding beefier factory wheels. Women--depending on their weight--often benefit from wheels built for lighter riders. I am a big fan of my low spoke count handbuildts. They're a pretty basic build, but have a really nice ride. Regardless, decent wheels can make a huge difference in ride quality, be they factory or handbuilt. And it's an expense a lot of people don't factor when considering the cost of buying a custom bike. That was the main thrust of my comment.

My 2007 Specialized Ruby came with Ultegra 6600 wheels. Low spoke count, bladed spokes. Nice wheels. When we switched my bike to a 11-36 cassette that was the one hub that the cassette wouldn't go on, so we went to the Open Pros on 6700 Ultegra hubs. I did notice a big improvement in the ride quality of the bike with the Open Pros, compared to the 6600s. Sold the 6600s to a friend that likes to ride fast and wanted stiff wheels.

[eofelis]

Does anyone have (or know someone who has) a Seven bike? I ordered their catalog and I am really liking this company's outlook on biking, business, and life in general. Their emphases on building a quality bike AND taking care of their employees were refreshing to read about.

Has anyone heard any friends' testimonials on whether they're happy with their Seven? Their bikes are all out of my budget, but I might be open to expanding my budget or possibly buying one used. All of their bikes are custom, so I'd still have the issue of ordering a bike without ever having test-ridden it.

I have friends (a couple) who have 2 Seven bicycles each. One set is steel road bikes with couplers. The other set is ti cross-type bikes with couplers. They are all sort of radical looking road bikes with almost step through frames (these are older riders). They have travel cases for these bikes and they pack them up and take them all over the world. Yes I am envious of their travels. As an aside: they were in Christchurch NZ the day the earthquake hit a couple of years ago. Their bikes, packed in their cases, were left in a hotel that they had to vacate in a hurry. They were refugees for a couple of days until they were evacuated out of the country. They didn't get their bikes back until a few months later when people could go back into that building. Quite the story.
Anyways, they are very happy with their bikes.