road bike for rider (Roubaix, Allez, Bianchi, and LeMond) - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

09-29-2004, 02:03 AM

Hi -- I want to buy my first road bike. I'm interested in the
$1000-1600 price range and want at least 105 components. I intent to
use the bike for long solo rides and possibly training with a few
friends for a race. I'm not a competitive biker and don't think that
I'll become one.

I'm down to 6 bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Allez, and LeMond Big Sky.
I'm also considering the Allez and binanchi vigorelli, veloce, and
giro.

I care a lot about comfort. I'm a little confused.

Any thoughts on the whole 105/ultegra debate would be appreciated. Is
ultegra worth an extra $400?

thanks a lot

09-29-2004, 06:23 AM

> Hi -- I want to buy my first road bike. I'm interested in the
> $1000-1600 price range and want at least 105 components. I intent to
> use the bike for long solo rides and possibly training with a few
> friends for a race. I'm not a competitive biker and don't think that
> I'll become one.
>
> I'm down to 6 bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Allez, and LeMond Big Sky.
> I'm also considering the Allez and binanchi vigorelli, veloce, and
> giro.
>
> I care a lot about comfort. I'm a little confused.
>
> Any thoughts on the whole 105/ultegra debate would be appreciated. Is
> ultegra worth an extra $400?
>
> thanks a lot

I have had the Bianchi Veloce since 2001 and I really like it. I ride club
rides and various centuries. Next week, in Waco, I will ride my 6th 100 mile
ride on this bike. No complaints at all. The geometry fits me like a glove,
and the bike is quick handling without being twitchy. I have never had any
problems with the Campy components, either. Nothing has ever gone out of
alignment or needed to be worked on. I have changed the saddle. The one
that came with the bike is attractive, but it didn't suit my needs for long
distance riding.

Pat in TX

09-29-2004, 06:23 AM

> Hi -- I want to buy my first road bike. I'm interested in the
> $1000-1600 price range and want at least 105 components. I intent to
> use the bike for long solo rides and possibly training with a few
> friends for a race. I'm not a competitive biker and don't think that
> I'll become one.
>
> I'm down to 6 bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Allez, and LeMond Big Sky.
> I'm also considering the Allez and binanchi vigorelli, veloce, and
> giro.
>
> I care a lot about comfort. I'm a little confused.
>
> Any thoughts on the whole 105/ultegra debate would be appreciated. Is
> ultegra worth an extra $400?
>
> thanks a lot

I have had the Bianchi Veloce since 2001 and I really like it. I ride club
rides and various centuries. Next week, in Waco, I will ride my 6th 100 mile
ride on this bike. No complaints at all. The geometry fits me like a glove,
and the bike is quick handling without being twitchy. I have never had any
problems with the Campy components, either. Nothing has ever gone out of
alignment or needed to be worked on. I have changed the saddle. The one
that came with the bike is attractive, but it didn't suit my needs for long
distance riding.

Pat in TX

09-29-2004, 06:23 AM

> Hi -- I want to buy my first road bike. I'm interested in the
> $1000-1600 price range and want at least 105 components. I intent to
> use the bike for long solo rides and possibly training with a few
> friends for a race. I'm not a competitive biker and don't think that
> I'll become one.
>
> I'm down to 6 bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Allez, and LeMond Big Sky.
> I'm also considering the Allez and binanchi vigorelli, veloce, and
> giro.
>
> I care a lot about comfort. I'm a little confused.
>
> Any thoughts on the whole 105/ultegra debate would be appreciated. Is
> ultegra worth an extra $400?
>
> thanks a lot

I have had the Bianchi Veloce since 2001 and I really like it. I ride club
rides and various centuries. Next week, in Waco, I will ride my 6th 100 mile
ride on this bike. No complaints at all. The geometry fits me like a glove,
and the bike is quick handling without being twitchy. I have never had any
problems with the Campy components, either. Nothing has ever gone out of
alignment or needed to be worked on. I have changed the saddle. The one
that came with the bike is attractive, but it didn't suit my needs for long
distance riding.

Pat in TX

09-29-2004, 06:23 AM

> Hi -- I want to buy my first road bike. I'm interested in the
> $1000-1600 price range and want at least 105 components. I intent to
> use the bike for long solo rides and possibly training with a few
> friends for a race. I'm not a competitive biker and don't think that
> I'll become one.
>
> I'm down to 6 bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Allez, and LeMond Big Sky.
> I'm also considering the Allez and binanchi vigorelli, veloce, and
> giro.
>
> I care a lot about comfort. I'm a little confused.
>
> Any thoughts on the whole 105/ultegra debate would be appreciated. Is
> ultegra worth an extra $400?
>
> thanks a lot

I have had the Bianchi Veloce since 2001 and I really like it. I ride club
rides and various centuries. Next week, in Waco, I will ride my 6th 100 mile
ride on this bike. No complaints at all. The geometry fits me like a glove,
and the bike is quick handling without being twitchy. I have never had any
problems with the Campy components, either. Nothing has ever gone out of
alignment or needed to be worked on. I have changed the saddle. The one
that came with the bike is attractive, but it didn't suit my needs for long
distance riding.

Pat in TX

09-29-2004, 08:54 AM

Reza wrote:
> Hi -- I want to buy my first road bike. I'm interested in the
> $1000-1600 price range and want at least 105 components. I intent to
> use the bike for long solo rides and possibly training with a few
> friends for a race. I'm not a competitive biker and don't think that
> I'll become one.
>
> I'm down to 6 bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Allez, and LeMond Big Sky.
> I'm also considering the Allez and binanchi vigorelli, veloce, and
> giro.
>
> I care a lot about comfort. I'm a little confused.
>
> Any thoughts on the whole 105/ultegra debate would be appreciated. Is
> ultegra worth an extra $400?

I was exactly where you are early last summer ('03). Started out thinking
around $1,000-1200, and ended up /considering/ a titanium LeMond that went
for $1999 on special.

I bought a Klein Q-carbon Team -- full Ultegra (triple) with Bontrager
RaceLite wheels -- for $1600 due to a paint chip in top tube (sale price was
~1839 or something like that).

In your price range I think you should go all or mostly Ultegra; however,
also opt for quality wheels! You'll be much happier in the long run with
the nicest stuff you can afford. (For example, I've splurged for a lot of
DuraAce components already, and a pair of Velomax "race wheels"; would have
saved quite a lot by buying the higher level goodies from start.)

My advice: buy the bike that "speaks to you" -- that makes you want to jump
on it and ride every time you look at it.

Bill "neglectful owner of two mountain bikes" S.

09-29-2004, 08:54 AM

Reza wrote:
> Hi -- I want to buy my first road bike. I'm interested in the
> $1000-1600 price range and want at least 105 components. I intent to
> use the bike for long solo rides and possibly training with a few
> friends for a race. I'm not a competitive biker and don't think that
> I'll become one.
>
> I'm down to 6 bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Allez, and LeMond Big Sky.
> I'm also considering the Allez and binanchi vigorelli, veloce, and
> giro.
>
> I care a lot about comfort. I'm a little confused.
>
> Any thoughts on the whole 105/ultegra debate would be appreciated. Is
> ultegra worth an extra $400?

I was exactly where you are early last summer ('03). Started out thinking
around $1,000-1200, and ended up /considering/ a titanium LeMond that went
for $1999 on special.

I bought a Klein Q-carbon Team -- full Ultegra (triple) with Bontrager
RaceLite wheels -- for $1600 due to a paint chip in top tube (sale price was
~1839 or something like that).

In your price range I think you should go all or mostly Ultegra; however,
also opt for quality wheels! You'll be much happier in the long run with
the nicest stuff you can afford. (For example, I've splurged for a lot of
DuraAce components already, and a pair of Velomax "race wheels"; would have
saved quite a lot by buying the higher level goodies from start.)

My advice: buy the bike that "speaks to you" -- that makes you want to jump
on it and ride every time you look at it.

Bill "neglectful owner of two mountain bikes" S.

09-29-2004, 08:54 AM

Reza wrote:
> Hi -- I want to buy my first road bike. I'm interested in the
> $1000-1600 price range and want at least 105 components. I intent to
> use the bike for long solo rides and possibly training with a few
> friends for a race. I'm not a competitive biker and don't think that
> I'll become one.
>
> I'm down to 6 bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Allez, and LeMond Big Sky.
> I'm also considering the Allez and binanchi vigorelli, veloce, and
> giro.
>
> I care a lot about comfort. I'm a little confused.
>
> Any thoughts on the whole 105/ultegra debate would be appreciated. Is
> ultegra worth an extra $400?

I was exactly where you are early last summer ('03). Started out thinking
around $1,000-1200, and ended up /considering/ a titanium LeMond that went
for $1999 on special.

I bought a Klein Q-carbon Team -- full Ultegra (triple) with Bontrager
RaceLite wheels -- for $1600 due to a paint chip in top tube (sale price was
~1839 or something like that).

In your price range I think you should go all or mostly Ultegra; however,
also opt for quality wheels! You'll be much happier in the long run with
the nicest stuff you can afford. (For example, I've splurged for a lot of
DuraAce components already, and a pair of Velomax "race wheels"; would have
saved quite a lot by buying the higher level goodies from start.)

My advice: buy the bike that "speaks to you" -- that makes you want to jump
on it and ride every time you look at it.

Bill "neglectful owner of two mountain bikes" S.

09-29-2004, 08:54 AM

Reza wrote:
> Hi -- I want to buy my first road bike. I'm interested in the
> $1000-1600 price range and want at least 105 components. I intent to
> use the bike for long solo rides and possibly training with a few
> friends for a race. I'm not a competitive biker and don't think that
> I'll become one.
>
> I'm down to 6 bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Allez, and LeMond Big Sky.
> I'm also considering the Allez and binanchi vigorelli, veloce, and
> giro.
>
> I care a lot about comfort. I'm a little confused.
>
> Any thoughts on the whole 105/ultegra debate would be appreciated. Is
> ultegra worth an extra $400?

I was exactly where you are early last summer ('03). Started out thinking
around $1,000-1200, and ended up /considering/ a titanium LeMond that went
for $1999 on special.

I bought a Klein Q-carbon Team -- full Ultegra (triple) with Bontrager
RaceLite wheels -- for $1600 due to a paint chip in top tube (sale price was
~1839 or something like that).

In your price range I think you should go all or mostly Ultegra; however,
also opt for quality wheels! You'll be much happier in the long run with
the nicest stuff you can afford. (For example, I've splurged for a lot of
DuraAce components already, and a pair of Velomax "race wheels"; would have
saved quite a lot by buying the higher level goodies from start.)

My advice: buy the bike that "speaks to you" -- that makes you want to jump
on it and ride every time you look at it.

Bill "neglectful owner of two mountain bikes" S.

09-29-2004, 11:03 AM

Reza <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote:
> Hi -- I want to buy my first road bike. I'm interested in the
> $1000-1600 price range and want at least 105 components. I intent to
> use the bike for long solo rides and possibly training with a few
> friends for a race. I'm not a competitive biker and don't think that
> I'll become one.

> I'm down to 6 bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Allez, and LeMond Big Sky.
> I'm also considering the Allez and binanchi vigorelli, veloce, and
> giro.

> I care a lot about comfort. I'm a little confused.

You need a bike that fits your needs. If you will be climbing a lot of
hills, look for a triple. Since comfort is a priority to you, make sure
the bike has clearance for at least 700x28 tires. Choose a shop that you
trust, test ride some bikes, and make sure you get fitted correctly.

> Any thoughts on the whole 105/ultegra debate would be appreciated. Is
> ultegra worth an extra $400?

Is the price difference really that much? Definitely not worth it. Go with
105.

Art Harris