My eyes are bigger than my wallet!

[CorsairMac]

have fun with the "tryouts". And let me know if your money tree ever starts producing - I"ll want a shoot for My backyard! LOL

[yellow]

Hey, you can always upgrade over time and as budget allows if you end up going with something a little less expensive. That's what I've done. I don't think I'd give up my frame for anything, but little else is "original"!

[bcipam]

Uncertain what price range you are looking but you can get a great entry level road bike for around $1000 and some with full Ultegra for around $1200 - 1500. You mentioned carbon components - are you speaking of frame material or components such as cranks and handlebars. I really wouldn't waste my money on the cranks and handlebars, frame material OK. I personally like steel bikes but I understand to many, that's so old school. Steel is really a great material. It wears well, it absorbs alot of shock but still gives the rider alot of road feel. I much prefer steel over carbon. If you want to spend money, like at Ti, which is just like steel but lighter. Don't forget all the "add ons" when considering a bike such as pedals, saddle etc. All that stuff ups the price.

[ladyfish]

I'm looking at the carbon fork and seat post. That's what the Trek Pilot 2.1 and I believe the Specialized Dolce Elite have in them. I think I'm at the top of my price range with them!

The Pilot felt sweet! I only got to try it on the trainer because it's raining cats and dogs today. But it sure felt nice. Good size fit as far as I could tell. Tomorrow we're supposed to have sunny, warm weather so I'll take it out for a test ride tomorrow.

I also plan to go to the shop with Specialized. They have Trek and several other brands (larger shop) so I can do some comparison shopping. If I go with the Trek, I'll buy at the shop close to home--they have been great so far, and have a good tune-up policy on new bikes.

As for money, I've been buying in stages--pants and shorts before Christmas, helmet and shoes after Christmas. So by the time I get to the bike, it won't "feel" so painful as it would buying all at once!!!

I'll keep you posted!!!

Cathy

[Geonz]

The carbon frame blues...


"I'm holdin' out for a carbon fiber frame
Nothin' gets me strokin' like a carbon fiber frame can
My legs can't wait to straddle
That carbon fiber saddle
And ride that baby all day long!"

I've put a lot of miles on aluminum toys
They're light and they're fast like a bony little boy
All that bumpin' and a grindin'
Is to hard on my behind and
so I'm looking for a Carbon Fiber Frame....

<chorus>

I've gotten close and comfy with a frame of steel
It's strong, and it's supple, and I llluuuvv the way it feels
But it takes so long to get it up .... to speed
A carbon fiber frame is what I need.

<Chorus>
<finale, while stroking my finger down the length of the fork...>
"But if I can't have teh whole frame, I'd settle for a good fork!"


But.... I think I'll stick with my Nutra... we'll see how it is with the Free Radical on it :-)

[mary9761]

I test rode a Pilot 5.2 earlier this fall, talk about SWEET!!!! Let me know if that money tree sprouts too, because I'll want a start as well..

[Trekhawk]

The carbon frame blues...


"I'm holdin' out for a carbon fiber frame
Nothin' gets me strokin' like a carbon fiber frame can
My legs can't wait to straddle
That carbon fiber saddle
And ride that baby all day long!"

I've put a lot of miles on aluminum toys
They're light and they're fast like a bony little boy
All that bumpin' and a grindin'
Is to hard on my behind and
so I'm looking for a Carbon Fiber Frame....

<chorus>

I've gotten close and comfy with a frame of steel
It's strong, and it's supple, and I llluuuvv the way it feels
But it takes so long to get it up .... to speed
A carbon fiber frame is what I need.

<Chorus>
<finale, while stroking my finger down the length of the fork...>
"But if I can't have teh whole frame, I'd settle for a good fork!"


But.... I think I'll stick with my Nutra... we'll see how it is with the Free Radical on it :-)

Ooohh a poet/songwriter in our midst. LOVE IT. Read it to my carbon bike and it gave you the thumbs up.

[KSH]

I also plan to go to the shop with Specialized.

My boyfriend started with a Trek 1200 (road bike)... then he demolished it in a wreck after owning it a month.

He went back to possibly get a less expensive Trek... but rode the Specialized and was SOLD! He says the ride is so much smoother.