Need opinions on bikes

[TxDoc]

Hi,
I'd suggest that you look at Bianchi too. They have plenty of nice road models within the $3000 mark - and they are great bikes.
As a general suggestion - do not limit the field to wsd bikes. Go and test-ride as many as you can - and that is how you will find the one that is right for you.
Can't really comment too much on the 105/ultegra/dura ace comparison. I've tried all three and they really feel the same to me - did not notice much difference. But, I also normally always ride Campagnolo - so I could not give you a good suggestion in that regard...

[Ana]

You could also look into Terry bikes: http://www.terrybicycles.com/cycling_savvy/isispro

[ilima]

My 2 cents. Get sized and find out if you can fit the smallest men's bikes, so you have more options. I'm 5' 4" and ride a 49cm men's bike.

If you are small (under 5' 3" or so), don't be afraid of bikes with 650c wheels.

I'm a fan of Ti and steel bikes, so my opinions are titled that way.

I agree with Ana that you should consider Terry bikes. I'm partial to the Fast Woman.
http://www.terrybicycles.com/cycling...rchase/id/3072

Backcountry Outlet has Merlin Camenas for under $3K. You might fit the size S. Although the sizing chart says the S comes with 700c wheels, it actually has 650c wheels.
http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/out...ke-Womens.html

Consider a Lynskey. You should be able to get a complete bike for under $3K.
http://www.lynskeyperformance.com/a/...end-cooper.php

[runningteach]

Thanks for advice. My bike shop doesn't deal with Terry and I would like to buy from them. The Terry bikes are nice though. As for men's bikes I really didn't even think that was an option but now it gives me more options. I'm about 5'3 so I could fit a men's small. When I was a kid I had a men's Schwinn and it didn't fit right. Guess that is why I was only looking at WSD. My Dolce fits me great. Again thanks for all the advice. I am not sure if I will be buying anything yet. This weekend I will go look. My birthday is Saturday but we are going to Disney at the end of the month so I may wait to buy after the trip, if I have any money left.

Steel bikes interest me so I will look at them too. I am more concerned about the 105 vs. the Ultegra.

[Norse]

For what it's worth, I have 105 on my hybrid and Ultegra on my road bike. The 105 is ok, but I certainly notice that it is much "clunkier" than the smooth shifting Ultegra. Can't comment on the Dura Ace as I have been happy with Ultegra and never saw the need to fork over the xtra $$$ for DA. Good luck!

On another note, I took a peak at the Treks and Specialized roadies for sale at my LBSs the other day. Trek dealer has a gorgeous 4.7 Madone Compact (I prefer compact to triples) on sale. I was going to wait until next year to get a new bike but I am lusting after that bike. I really, really should wait but oh............. I am so tempted!

[Norse]

That's "peek" not "peak." Goodness, I should finish my morning coffee before I use the keyboard.

[runningteach]

Norsegoddess, the Madone 4.7 is one of the bikes I am looking at. It is sweet. I have only seen it online but saw the 4.5 up close.