Hello!

I'm shopping for a new bike and feeling a little like Goldilocks, none of the bikes I'm looking at seem to be the perfect fit!

First a little riding background on me. For the last ten years I've been riding a Trek 5200, which is a OCLV road bike. I used to do a lot of charity rides and the training rides that went with them. Now, I mostly ride in the city - from home to the grocery store, around town, etc. I work from home, so I'm not really a commuter. Additionally, I'm considering some multi-day rides this year.

My Trek was stolen, so I've got a decent amount of money for a new bike. I'd like to stay in the $2700 or below range.

Here's my dream:
  • A bike with a sweet fit.
  • Carbon 1st choice, steel second. Maybe someone can convince me that aluminum doesn't ride like aluminum anymore, but I'm really staying away from it?
  • Disc break for the city.
  • Drop bars
  • Thinnish tire.
  • I think that a cyclocross bike might be my best option, but darn if there aren't very many small enough for a 5'3" gal.
  • I don't want crazy colors. Black, gray, white and maybe a hint of color, but nothing crazy. I'm going to have this bike a long time
  • Good components that will last.


The contenders, but none I'm happy enough to pull the trigger on quite yet:
  • Another trek road bike. I know I'll like it, but I want slightly bigger tires for for hike/bike trail type riding and the ability to put a rear rack on it for my groceries.
  • The Fairdale Weekender Drop - people are raving about it, but I keep wondering if I'll be happy with steel over carbon.
  • I've seen the Liv on the website but I don't know if I can get the insurance company to go up to the price of it.


Thoughts? Anything I'm missing or something I need to look at?

Looking forward to hear what you guys have to say,

Lynn