Best Road Bike Under $3,000?

Question

I have been a road cyclist for over 4 years and recently decided to purchase my second road bike. I am willing to spend between $2,000 up to $3,000. My current bike is the 2003 Specialized Allez Elite Triple. It cost me $1,199 after discount and taxes including Shimano clipless pedals. I am in my early 30s. I am 5'7" and almost 140lbs. My average mph is 16.8mph and have over 3,700 miles on my bike.

Usually my ride is roughly 20 miles. I go to the beach on my bike and ride back home after I sit on the bench while staring at women in bikinis for a bit. I am a relaxed rider and I never raced or do I ever want to race. I have been on saturday morning group rides that are organized by local bike shops. But I prefer riding by myself. I dont like climbing hills and I usually stay on flat bike paths.

I want a bike that will definitely be a significant improvement to my current bike. I also want a bike that will make my hobby more enjoyable.

Answer 1

Keep your current bike.  Upgrade your wheels.  If you put in $2,000 for wheels such as the Aeolus 6.5 Clincher (which costs around $2,800, here is the website http://www.bontrager.com/model/06321/en ) you will have a bike that performs better than a bike that comes fully equipped at $3,000.  Get Dura-Ace components if you want your bike to feel more expensive.  Frame helps you ride faster because of the stiffness that transfers energy more efficiently, BUT most riders cant take advantage of that unless you have the power.

Otherwise take a look at the Cervelo Soloist Team which is going for $2,000 right now.  This is probably the best road bike you can get for this price range at this moment.  Stiff frame and engineering unmatched by any other company in the market.

Answer 2

$3k, leaves you with a lot of options. you'll probably be looking at all carbon, with shimano ultegra or sram force set up. if you enjoy your current ride, check out the new specialized roubaix sl2. not sure of the pricing on the '09s yet, but the "big red s" is currently doing some major marketing of the new roubaix. the '08 expert with rival or ultegra msrp was $3300. I'd hold out for your LBS to get the '09 though..

Answer 3

Go to a thrift store and find a good old Japanese bike and put the rest of your money in a CD (bank not music)

$3000 for a bike?

You can find a good Sekai, Fuji or Centurion for $25.  Clean it up and use that.