Narrowing down Road Bike choice. I have a few questions....

[warneral]

Hi and welcome (from WI). I bought a used trek 1000 wsd which is an aluminum road bike with carbon fork that was discontinued in 2007 or so.

I liked it but the shimano/sora components annoyed me. I test rode the Ruby and Madone but just around the parking lot. Truthfully it simply wasn't long enough to get a feel for them. I preferred teh feel of the Madone but there are so many aspects which can affect initial test rides IMO! Saddle, fit of bike (saddle height, setback, etc).

I didn't buy the ruby or the madone b/c they honestly didn't feel that much better than the bike I already had. It was here that I had read how much people loved steel.

Then one day I was walking through a bike shop and saw an independent fabrication steel bike/carbon fiber fork. It was my favorite shade of green with pink accents. Campy chorus components. I fell in love. I test rode her and she sung on the bikepath and eventually she was mine

My advice is to just keep testing until you know FOR SURE. I actually tested about 3 different ruby's and 2 madones. I did like them! I may have even preferred them on some of these bumpy roads. But in the end I am so satisfied with the bike I have now and won't look back

[DrumlinDancer]

Hi and welcome (from WI). I bought a used trek 1000 wsd which is an aluminum road bike with carbon fork that was discontinued in 2007 or so.

I liked it but the shimano/sora components annoyed me. I test rode the Ruby and Madone but just around the parking lot. Truthfully it simply wasn't long enough to get a feel for them. I preferred teh feel of the Madone but there are so many aspects which can affect initial test rides IMO! Saddle, fit of bike (saddle height, setback, etc).

I didn't buy the ruby or the madone b/c they honestly didn't feel that much better than the bike I already had. It was here that I had read how much people loved steel.

Then one day I was walking through a bike shop and saw an independent fabrication steel bike/carbon fiber fork. It was my favorite shade of green with pink accents. Campy chorus components. I fell in love. I test rode her and she sung on the bikepath and eventually she was mine

My advice is to just keep testing until you know FOR SURE. I actually tested about 3 different ruby's and 2 madones. I did like them! I may have even preferred them on some of these bumpy roads. But in the end I am so satisfied with the bike I have now and won't look back

Good point. Being sure. I think that was my concern. I want different things in this bike than the Trek 7.5. Trek is fine for what she does, and she stays.
OK. I will consider other bikes. In truth, the Ruby was the first road bike I ever tried! And she was great! BUT... I am over road bike concern (piece of cake) and I can now fine tune my choice. Glad I posted!

[hulagirl]

I had my heart set on a Cervelo last year as well. I was smitten! I went into my local triathlete store, got measured and they put me on a Cervelo and I hated it. HATED it. Tried another and another. Waa.

Tried Felt, Cervelo, Specialized, Cannondale, Trek, Fuji. Yuck, yuck and yuck. Then, out of the blue, someone had ordered an Orbea Dama. Not the components I wanted, but in my size. The tri-shop had it, the owner decided they didn't want it and they had me hop on it.

It fit like a glove! Cervelo who?

So we did some research, got me on a few other Orbea bikes, found that Orbea was trying to get rid of 2009 Orbea Diva's with full Dura-Ace component group. Heart! That's what I ride and I love it. The bike is an extension of me. It soars up hills (only weighs 7lbs so it better be easier!), is responsive and yet smooth and comfortable. (once I find a saddle I don't hate!).

It took me 2 months to find her. So visit many shops and try every bike you can. When you find your "glove" you will know. Good luck!

[DrumlinDancer]

I had my heart set on a Cervelo last year as well. I was smitten! I went into my local triathlete store, got measured and they put me on a Cervelo and I hated it. HATED it. Tried another and another. Waa.

Tried Felt, Cervelo, Specialized, Cannondale, Trek, Fuji. Yuck, yuck and yuck. Then, out of the blue, someone had ordered an Orbea Dama. Not the components I wanted, but in my size. The tri-shop had it, the owner decided they didn't want it and they had me hop on it.

It fit like a glove! Cervelo who?

So we did some research, got me on a few other Orbea bikes, found that Orbea was trying to get rid of 2009 Orbea Diva's with full Dura-Ace component group. Heart! That's what I ride and I love it. The bike is an extension of me. It soars up hills (only weighs 7lbs so it better be easier!), is responsive and yet smooth and comfortable. (once I find a saddle I don't hate!).

It took me 2 months to find her. So visit many shops and try every bike you can. When you find your "glove" you will know. Good luck!

I am quickly learning where all the bike shops are in a 75 mile radius! I have found an Orbea dealer to check out, too.