What is the best road bike for around $2000 USD?

Question

Preferably Made in America. Should it be carbon or aluminium? People say Carbon Fibre is better but can i get a decent one for my budget?

Answer 1

I like carbon's ride over aluminum, but that is a personal thing. Except for the very high end models, almost all carbon fiber bike frames are made in Asia and then assembled elsewhere. For information, see http://allanti.com/page.cfm?PageID=328

I had the same search criteria last year as you: A good road bike for under $2K. I ended up with a Giant OCR C2, but that's just me. You should road test as many bikes as possible and get the one that fits and feels the best regardless of the name on it.

HTH

Answer 2

Check out Schwinn.com

I can't believe how good this machine is from Schwinn.

Bicycling magazine raves about it's comfort and stability.  

You can buy the lowest version for around $1700 and for $2000 you can buy it with Ultegra.

Schwinn Peloton

http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/bike...

I have seen them at Performance Bikes

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/sub_...

Answer 3

There are lots of great bikes in the $2000 range.  Some, but not too many, are made in the US.  

Carbon is a good material.  However, not everyone loves the feel of a carbon bike.  So, you need to ride some to make your own decision.  By the way, there are no US made carbon frame bikes in the price range that I know about.  (Schwinn is a great American brand, but all their bike frames are made in Asia.)

I strongly recommend you go to your local bike store and discuss your budget and riding goals with them.  Most local shops will carry some subset of Trek, Specialized, Giant, and Cannondale machines.  You will quickly see that at any price point, nearly all the bikes are outfitted with pretty comparable components.  So, ride a bunch of bikes in your price range and pick the one that feels best to you.

When you take a test ride, have the shop fit you for the bike.  Plan on taking a hour, or so, test ride on each machine.  A short spin around the parking lot is not sufficient to turn up issues with fit or comfort.  Ride an hour, though, and you'll know what the bike is going to feel like and how it is going to perform for you.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

wow man carbon fibre is much better but to get a decent one were talkin bout 7 grand not good they wear out quite quickly trust me there for pros go with aluminium

look into the brand trek, there reliable

Answer 5

Go to Specialized.com and look at the 2008 Tarmac Elite.  It is $1950 and is a very good bike.  You would be very happy with this and don't need to spend $7,000.

Carbon fiber is the way to go if at all possible.  It is light and stiff, yet comfortable.