Best Road Bike similar to Specialized Roubaix Elite but less $?

Question

I test drove a specialized roubaix elite and loved it but the price is simply outside my budget. My local dealer has a 07 in stock in a 58 but won't discount the price. So, I love the geometry and ride of this carbon fiber bike and the components are great. Is there another bike I should be considering that is closer to $1400?

Thank you very much!

Answer 1

If you don't absolutely have to have all carbon and like the recreational style of the Roubaix, the Cannondale Six13 series (specifically the 6) was raved about in Bicycling magazine this year.  It is mostly carbon, but uses aluminum in the rear triangle.  I found one place that sells it cheap, but you have to buy them in person no matter what:  http://mikesbikes.com/itemdetails.cfm?ca...

Answer 2

I bought the Giant OCR C2 and have been very happy with it. You'll get the most bang for your buck if you find a dealer who has some of last year's bikes left over. I bought a 2006 at the end of the 2007 model year and got a really good price. In any case, do check out Giant. They have the reputation of good value for the price.

HTH

Answer 3

Check this one out:

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/moto...

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/moto...

In all honesty, you're going to be hard pressed to find  full carbon bikes with those components for $1400. The ones posted are about all that you'll find for what you want to pay. You can get an aluminum frame with carbon fork and seatstays for that much or less. Try out different models and consider test riding the aluminum frame with carbon seatstays. The ride is more of the builder and wheelset than the actual material the bike frame is made of. Check out these bikes:

http://www.feltracing.com/products/produ...

http://www.feltracing.com/products/produ...

Felt makes great bikes at good price points. There are others but I swear by Felt. Heck, they are the premier U.S. team at the Tour de France right now. Not that it really matters but lots of people like that kind of stuff.

Answer 4

Of course, since you can't by a brand named bike from anywhere else but a local bike shop, you must rely on good fortune to catch a sale.   I bought a Giant because dollar for dollar they offer the best set of components at most price points.  If you want the best equipped bike for the dollar, I'd look there first.  If store brands (frames/names) don't scare you, Performance Bike and Nashbar have private labels that can be shipped.  These are Shimano equipped rides.  

As far as luck, I was at Sun and Ski in the Atlanta area and saw some discounted 2007 Scott bikes ( $400- $600) off.  I saw full Ultegra equipped bikes at $1499 and a couple Ultegra/105 combi bikes at $1299.  They are also in Texas, Miami, Nashville but you will have to visit the store as they can't advertise these on the web.