What's the Best Bike Under $1000

I spent weeks researching bikes, haven't test driven any yet, just internet based searches thus far. I had narrowed it down to a great many that I wanted to try out, and then I got my bonus check. I overspent in my mind, and now, I can't afford to just go in and get anything I want. In fact I can likely only afford a bike between $500-$700; ideally under that if my husband had his way. I am still intent on a road bike. Any suggestions for where I can begin?

I'm disappointed but will make the most of it. I have joined a cycling club already and am looking forward to getting out there.

My $25 dollar Mariposa is the best bike under 1K

Kona Dew Drop http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=dewdrop
Kona Honky Tonk: http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=honkytonk
Kona Zing: http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=zing
If you are willing to go $25 over budget, there's the ever-popular Jamis Aurora: http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...10_aurora.html

But really, Zen has hit the nail on the head. Look at used bikes. You can get an amazing bike within your budget used. Call your LBS and see if they sell used or if they know who does. Sometimes the bike shop has good ones someone traded in on a new one.

Fuji has a road bike right around 600.00.
Entry level Felt is 769.00, but you may be able to find it a bit lower, and they are really nice this year.
Anything Giant would be in the flat bar road bikes.

Your goals and choices will become much clearer if you go test ride a dozen road bikes.

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Originally Posted by Zen

My $25 dollar Mariposa is the best bike under 1K

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+1: if you buy used you will get more bike for the money, so to speak. It's like with cars - for the price of a new Honda you can buy a used Jaguar ;)

BUT, please please please - test ride as many bikes as you can, and make sure that whatever you decide to buy really fits you well.
Good luck!

I have a Fuji that cost $600 on sale- it was an impulse buy- I didn't do all the test drives, but it was in my price range, it was available very close to home, it came in the right size for a very short person and also WSD, and I was feeling desperate to get a road bike and didn't want to spend a long time waiting for a bike. I've put over 2000 miles on it since the summer. I seem to recall that it 2nd in a group of 3 bikes in a review in Bicyling magazine for that price range/women's design.

Overall, I'm still pretty happy with it, but it needed a different saddle. It came with pedals with toe clips, so I've also swapped out the pedals. It is aluminum with carbon forks- lately I've noticed it feels rough on the bumpier roads. That has made me think about an eventual upgrade to something with a more forgiving frame, but that won't be for a while....

Sharon

AS everyone else has mentioned, test ride as many bikes as you possibly can. Another brand that hasn't been mentioned is KHS... they offer a couple of models that are in your price range.

Right now is the perfect time to try and buy. Bike shops (at least here in the midwest) are trying to get rid of all of the '09 and older inventory so they have gear on super sale.

If you go to a shop see if maybe you can get a package deal. A lot of shops are willing to throw in some free/cheap gear if you buy everything at once. For example if you buy water bottle cages they will throw in some free bottles for you. Or if you buy a pump/helmet/ect. they may throw in some free tubes, patch kits, etc.

You'd be surprised what you can negotiate, esp. when they are trying to get rid of old inventory to make room for the new.

Good luck on your search and there are many great bikes out there for under $1000. Like everyone has mentioned it really depends on what you are looking for :)

Thanks for all the suggestions, i have done a little bit of what every one has said. I rode a Trek 1.2 in both a 47 and 50 cm. I appreciated the 50 cm more. I am due to try some closeouts of the 2.1 and 2.3 on Monday, and also am scheduled to get professionally fitted at one store that will credit the cost of the fitting to any bike i buy in their store. I am down to two LBS in terms of service and comfort level with their degree of knowledge and expertise. Now its about who can offer me the best deal. I need to try a few more, but i am also getting very antsy. I want to ride. I have purchased a few garments in anticipation of getting my bike and even joined a biking club. I am so ready, just need to find the bike.

Thanks again, and see you out there when i am finally on the road.

Regina

Gretchen, nothing wrong with using your real name. I am "only" 39, haven't quite made it to the over 40 crowd yet, but i will be there too with you soon enough. Thanks for all the encouragement, it sounds like you are doing an awesome job. Keep up the good work.

I just bought a new bike for my beginning cycling...Fuji Absolute 4.0 (pink)! I love it.