Need opinions on bikes

[runningteach]

Hi Ladies,

I am interested in buying a new road bike because I have been riding more and feel it is time for an upgrade. I ride a Specialized Dolce Sport and when I bought it I didn't know much about bikes. It is bottom level components and when riding the shifting is not very smooth. My bike shop carriesGiant, Cannondale, Trek, Bianchi, Scott, Jamis and Specialized. My frame size is 48 so I am looking for a WSD. Currently my goals are riding at least an hour each day and longer rides on the weekends. My usual form of exercise is running but I have been sidelined from it due to lupus and not sure if I will be able to do that again so biking is my main exercise at this time. I ride mostly on flat roads. My mountain bike is a Trek.

It seems a lot of the new bikes out there have white handlebars and saddles and the WSD bikes are very pastelly (however you would say it). My bikeshop had Cannondale come in but they didn't bring WSD bikes. I like the look of the Cannondale Six but not sure if that would be a good road bike for me. I know the best bike to buy is the one that fits best but I want to like the look too. My price range is around $3000 or under and I would love to spend less than $3000. Most bikes I have seen that are around $2000 have 105 components and I am not sure if I should bite the bullet and spend more for the Ultegra components.

Thanks for help!
Jeannie

[MartianDestiny]

A size 48 does not limit you strictly to WSD bikes. I ride a 47-49 as well and have a unisex frame.

You may fit better on a WSD, but if there are unisex bikes available for you to try as well (or order if the geometry is not different, which is still the case with some manufacturers especially in the small sizes) don't write them off.

I also wouldn't write a bike off based on the white handlebars or saddle. You'll probably end up wanting a different saddle anyway, and bar tape is cheap to swap out (even when I let the shop wrap them they only charge ~$25 for everything).

From what I've heard 105 is plenty good. I can't speak from experience because I jumped straight from SORA to Ultegra. I wouldn't let 105 turn you off and I wouldn't stretch your budget to uncomfortable levels just to get Ultegra.

All the companies you listed make great bikes, so it's just time to get out and ride as many as you can. I particularly liked the Scott Addict (equivalent to Contessa Race) and was surprisingly impressed with Specialized's Ruby. You'll be surprised at how different all of the frames/bikes feel though, so you have to decide for yourself what feel you like best. (For instance I'm one of the only people on the face of the planet that HATES the way the Trek Madones ride. Too smooth for me, but most everyone else raves about them).

[Norse]

You should be able to get a Trek with Ultegra components for under $3000. I know that my LBS is offering several right now, many on sale.

[runningteach]

I just received an email from my bike shop saying that Treks are on sale. Maybe I will go looking on Friday. Thanks ladies for the advice. I did look on line at the Scotts. I have a short upper torso so I thought only WSD bikes would be good. Will look at men's too. So many choices out there.

[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.