Road Bike Sugg. 75 mi/wk - $1,300-$2,000 range?

Question

I am considering the following bikes to upgrade from my 2002 Mongoose Pro - Morzine (Sora) and would like some suggestions. Bikes: 2007 Raleigh Cadent Carbon, 2008 Scattante CFR Elite, Schwinn Le Tour Ultra 2, GT GTR Pro Rival, Fuji Team Pro 2008, Schwinn Peloton Pro 2007. For specs see: http://www.timbrown.net/content/Compare.htm .

The Raleigh is $1,250 at a LBS and the others are $1,700-$2,000 at my local Performance store.

My riding is usually a 22 mile route three times per week with future plans to ride longer rides, but not not more than 35-50 miles at once. I am leaning toward the Raleigh Cadent Carbon and Schwinn Peloton Pro for the more upright riding position. The Raleigh is at LBS and has already had the fork replaced due to the recall. Any advice and other bike suggestions are appreciated.

Answer 1

The only let down on the Raliegh are the 105 shifters and the wheels.  You will really notice the difference between 105 and Ultegra shifters, although given the price difference you could possibly look at retro fitting them yourself.

Answer 2

Bicycling magazine rated the Cannondale Six13 5 the best in the class of bikes you are looking at. Stay away from Fuji; they have a bad reputation. Scattante is a house brand at Performance, so nothing special there. Check out this page for this years review of recreational level road bikes:

http://www.bicycling.com/gear/topic/1,79...