Same old question: Road Bike and what to buy?

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Originally Posted by Sky King

Most carbon fiber bikes have a race geometry, an aggressive position that makes the ride harsh and the handling "touchy" What do you want to do with the new bike? Also consider that a carbon fiber fork will limit the tire size options. Narrow tires require a higher psi to avoid pinch flats and don't absorb shock or bumps so that transmit to your hands, shoulders, and behind.

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My carbon bike is a Madone WSD, and the geometry is not aggressive. My tires are 700x23. I like them at 110 psi but I could easily drop that to 100, and probably could go to 90 or lower without pinch flats. And I really don't have problems with pain anywhere since I got a bike that fits me.

Also I looked at a Madone WSD 3-series a few weeks ago that was a 2011 model, and the frame had various holes in it for adding packs and racks for touring. Whereas my 4-series did not have those things. So I wouldn't be surprised if the fork on the 3-series allowed for wider tires, too. It was on sale for < $1500.

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Originally Posted by Sky King

The most important factors are tires and the geometry of the bike.
Most carbon fiber bikes have a race geometry, an aggressive position that makes the ride harsh and the handling "touchy" What do you want to do with the new bike? Also consider that a carbon fiber fork will limit the tire size options. Narrow tires require a higher psi to avoid pinch flats and don't absorb shock or bumps so that transmit to your hands, shoulders, and behind.
So again, spend some time deciding what type of riding you expect to do on a regular basis. I can ride day in, day out on my bike for extended miles very comfortably but I would never compete in a race.
I can't speak to a WSD, never owned one. I am 5'5" with longer legs than torso. My bike isn't a floor model, I bought a frame and added the components to work for me. With the budget you have and a good LBS you should be able to build a nice bike for you. Happy planning!

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Some carbon bikes don't. The carbon Synapse is a less-aggressive geometry, as is the Avail Advance. The H3 Madone isn't terribly aggressive.

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Originally Posted by ny biker

Yeah but she's doing a metric with a fair bit of climbing on May 20, so she wants a road bike sooner rather than later.

I do know at some shops that still have 2011 bikes in stock, and they're on sale.

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You are right, I need it rather sooner than later. In the meantime, I'm using the trainer at home with my mountain bike with the training wheel (not in the pic).

My Specialize Amira is also not too aggressive. I don't race but find the bike very comfortable to ride along with being a sweet climbing bike. Maye, my husband has been in the bicycle business for 30+ yrs. PM me if you would like to try the shop he works at since we are also on Long Island. If not, no worries on my end :)

So far, I'm liking the following three: Specialized Amira Apez (been recommended by various ppl),Trek Madone (hopefully will find a 2010-11 still available) and the Jamis Zenith looks very good. I'm tempted by Pinarello but I think that's way too much for me at this point in my bike life. Future gift, maybe :)

I don't race and not planning to. I'll do the March 20 event since I have to be focused on something and the commitment that requires. Then after that, I will find another event to focus while enjoying being out doors on my new set of wheels!!

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Originally Posted by Jo-n-NY

My Specialize Amira is also not too aggressive. I don't race but find the bike very comfortable to ride along with being a sweet climbing bike. Maye, my husband has been in the bicycle business for 30+ yrs. PM me if you would like to try the shop he works at since we are also on Long Island. If not, no worries on my end :)

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So far, I'm liking the following three: Specialized Amira Apez (been recommended by various ppl),Trek Madone 3 series (not sure which one) and the Jamis Zenith looks very good. I may have to spend extra but this is for the long haul so might as well get something that I really like and fits me well. I'm tempted by a Pinarello FP Due :D Too much? Sure. Future gift, maybe :)

I don't race since I don't have the fitness preparation required for that,well so far. Who knows if I'll get tempted by the race bug in the future. I'll do the March 20 event since I have to be focused on something and the commitment that requires. Then after that, I will find another event to focus while enjoying being out doors on my new set of wheels!!

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Originally Posted by Muirenn

Have you test-ridden any of these? Careful not to choose or make judgments until you test-ride.

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Trust me, I will not select one until I get the "this is the right one" feel. Just initial picks in a vast paradise of choices ;-). The test will start next week and I'll post my thoughts here, to share opinions.

The Felt ZW series is the women specific series they make. The Z series is the men/unisex and the F series is a men/unisex series. There is no women specific version of the F series. Each of the series have aluminum and carbon versions.

http://www.bianchiusa.com/bikes/road/steel/vigorelli/

Plush and fast :)

http://www.cannondale.com/2012/bikes...oy-5-105-21423

Another nice riding bike. Pretty and plush for aluminum.

Windingroad: These two are very nice. The Cannonade Synapse in black looks really cool and the price is very reasonable. Thx

Still in the process of deciding which bike to buy but today I bought my first pair of bike shoes, yay!! The brand is Bontrager Race Road WSD with e-soles, color black with blue details. They fit comfortably and have a high insole since I have a very high arches. Can't wait to test them in my go-old mountain bike then on the road bike that is coming soon.

Ladies,
Thanks for your enormous help. Today I bought my first road bike and is a Trek Lexa SXL 2012 54cm (I'm a tall gal). Yay!! I'll pick it up at the shop next Wednesday which is the same day that I'll do the fitting. I'm sooo happy!!
I rode the Canondale Synapse, another Trek and decided on the Lexa. It's widely recommended here and a good entry level bike for me and my beginner experience with road bikes. I'll post pics once I pick it up.

Congratulations! Enjoy your new bike! I am anxiously awaiting my Specialized Ruby to come in so I can test it (I need a small size which they don't stock).

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Originally Posted by Maye

Ladies,
Thanks for your enormous help. Today I bought my first road bike and is a Trek Lexa SXL 2012 54cm (I'm a tall gal). Yay!! I'll pick it up at the shop next Wednesday which is the same day that I'll do the fitting. I'm sooo happy!!
I rode the Canondale Synapse, another Trek and decided on the Lexa. It's widely recommended here and a good entry level bike for me and my beginner experience with road bikes. I'll post pics once I pick it up.

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Nice!