Bianchi, Orbea, Giant, or Trek Road Bike?

[MauiRockHopper]

I'm 5'3 with a 29" inseam. What do you recommend? I want Shimano Ultegra gruppo or at least Shimano 105. Budget between $1000 - $2000.
Seems like all these brands have good women's specific designs, but wanted to hear any feedback out there. Are any of these brands harder for a local bike shop to work on or get parts for? Mahalo!

[drewkari]

I just got my road bike a month ago, so by all means I am not an expert. I test road a Trek, Bianchi and Jamis. I had narrowed it between the Bianchi and Jamis and ended up with the Jamis Xenith Comp Femme. I love it! It is lighter than the Bianchi which I love! I am also 5'3 and I have the 48 frame.

[Becky]

They're all good brands. The real question is, which bike feels best to you when you ride it? That's the one that you should buy.

Without seeing specific parts specs, it's hard to know about the parts availability or ease of repair/maintenance for a shop. Generally speaking, proprietary parts are often more difficult to locate or work on, especially if they require proprietary tools. Otherwise, bike parts are pretty standard as long as you (or your mechanic) pays attention to compatiability.

[alpinerabbit]

yeah watch out for the proprietary seatpost on the Madone. I don't know if it's on all models but that, plus trek's "package deal" only, is a downside. To me. Other than that it's the components and frame size that matter for me.

[Bluetree]

yeah watch out for the proprietary seatpost on the Madone.

Yeah, proprietary seatposts – and weird sizing – can be a pain. I'm dealing with that hassle right now... and it's something I poo-poo'd at when I bought my bike. Don't get me wrong, I love the bike... but it's still annoying.

[luvmypwds]

I love my Trek! I haven't tried the other brands, but I can say that my WSD bike is an amazing fit. Of course, it helps that the LBS spent a lot of time making sure it is a perfect fit. I have no trouble with my seat, though it may have changed from last year (I have a 2009 Madone 5.2 WSD).

For the budget you stated, you may want to try the Trek 2.3 WSD. My good friend has a 2.3 (not WSD as he is a guy) and he LOVES it.