Buying a bike is so much more work than buying a car

[kabewyou]

For two years, I have been searching for the perfect bike. Part of the problem is frequently what I am searching for is not available for a test drive. I have made the decision that I am going to buy one in the next month. I have been poring over all of the posts related to others searching and deciding on a bike like myself. I know that fit is the key to finding what I am looking for, but also know I want a carbon frame and ultrega shifters, can't afford anything higher at this time. I have looked at Orbea, Blue, Specialized, Trek and Cannondale, plan to look at Giant this weekend. My other concerns besides fit are handling and repairs. I have been leaning towards a women's specific, yet frequently they are not made to the same level of componentry as a comparable men's bike. I really liked the Blue also. My questions to all: are their other brands I should be looking at, any significant concerns about any of the brands, any raves about one in particular that meets my current specs of carbon and ultrega?

[Pax]

Are you currently riding? If so, what are you on now?

[kabewyou]

I have a 1997 Cannondale R900 for my road bike. I also have a tandem and a mountain bike which are more recent purchases than the road bike and are more of my family vehicles. I am looking for the red sports car now.

[melissam]

I have a carbon frame with Ultegra shifters and love it! It's a 2004 Trek 5200 WSD. The fit and quality are superb, in my opinion.

I'm curious, though, on how you've decided you want a carbon frame. No steel or ti?

What size range of bikes have you been looking at?

Would a custom bike be within your budget?

What kind of riding do you have planned for your "red sports car" bike?

-- Melissa (who finds the car and bike buying experience exhilarating )

[kabewyou]

Melissa, you have the bike I was salivating over two years ago and they were not able to get it in my size - Trek was out also. This year it is the Trek Madone that has been leading the pack for me, they make a WSD version, but it is a slightly lesser carbon than you can get on a men's Madone. My friendly neighborhood Trek dealing bike shop told me that this might be to my advantage since, per them, it means a slightly less stiff ride. I like the Blue Competition also though and the idea of supporting a smaller company is appealing. On the other hand, I don't think Trek is going anywhere nor is the local bike shop anytime soon, so I will have good mechanical support and a dependable warranty with the Trek.

I am having a mid life crisis and decided to do duatholons and maybe triatholons again. The last tri was over 18 years ago, kids came along and other priorities. I did a duatholon last year and recalled how much fun it was.

I also love to ride!!! I like to ride at least 40- 50 miles when I go out for a ride, if at all possible. I did a 62 mile ride this past weekend. My son and I ride the tandem in a cross state ride each year as well as some overnighters.

I am looking at carbon since I now have aluminum and have a rather brutal ride over some of the roads around here. Shake and bake can do a number on me. I keep hearing from folks that carbon is the most forgiving in relationship to weight. I tried a Cannondale Carbon for a ride during a demo day; it was fine, but not perfect.

I really would like to spend less than $3,000.00, ideally closer to $2,500.00 get a good frame and build up, if needed/wanted.

I am looking at a 52cm bike on average as far as size. I have been told over the years that I do not need a WSD because of my height, 5'6", finally had a bike shop owner take a look at the fit problem I thought I was having and he recognized that it wasn't all about height. So, I am leaning towards a WSD

So, what are the pros and cons to the 5200?

[melissam]

Wow, that's a lot of riding! Since you're doing duathalons and tris, maybe you want a tri bike. But then again, that would just mean more shopping.

What didn't you like about the carbon Cannondale?

I'm also a little surprised that they don't have more frames in your size to test ride. I had assumed that you were short like me; I had to put a small deposit down to get the 47cm Trek in to test ride. Definitely worth it!

Anyway...the WSD is mainly about the top tube length. If you're feeling stretched out on the men's frame, then you should try the WSD version.

Have you looked at Bianchis? The Eros Donna looks like a steel frame (Reynolds 631) with mostly Campy Mirage. Retails for around $1300, so you could probably upgrade the components and stay within budget. I'm not sure how you'd like steel vs. carbon, but it might be worth a try.

How about Aegis? (I honestly don't know what the price range is, but they do make carbon frames.)

Another option is the Habanero. You can get a custom titanium frame for around $1200.

OK, since you asked...

Pros & Cons of the 5200:

Pros:

1. Fits me like a glove
2. Love the Ultegra components
3. Carbon does a fine job of soaking up road vibration
4. For me, the bike climbs and accelerates exceptionally well
5. Trek has a lifetime warranty and stands behind their products
6. I like the look of the 5200 vs the Pilot's compact geometry/sloping top tube

Cons:

1. There's a lot of 5200's on the road, so if you want to be unique, you had better look for something else
2. Some people think carbon feels "dead"
3. Carbon doesn't bend, it breaks
4. May be more $$ than some people want to spend
5. You can never blame a bad riding performance on the bike

Happy shopping!

-- Melissa

[kabewyou]

Thanks for all of the info. I plan to look at the Giant bike, spoke with another bike shop who carries it.

I thought about a tri bike, but also like doing centuries and thought a regular road bike would be more relaxing, hear the position on the tri bike requires more attentiveness and can be uncomfortable for longer distances.

I am focused on carbon due to having both aluminum and steel now - the tandem is steel.

The main thing I did not like about the Cannondale was the long stretch to fit, but it was a great, fast ride.

Any other advice is most appreciated, intend to search out information about some of the other brands mentioned.