Some background...
Used to do alot of mountain biking, but stopped about 7 years ago due to time considerations (most good places to ride are at least an hour away from me by car), and switched to road riding using a circa 1980 Fuji Royale that was too large, too heavy, and too uncomfortable to ride. I stuck it out with that bike for the past five years riding about 100 miles a week during the spring/summer/fall months.
Finally broke down and decided to buy a new bike, with an intended budget of $1000.00. I did a little bit of research, just enough to get a feel for what is currently out there and what bikes were getting what reviews...
Visited a couple of different shops, and settled on one that seemed to have a friendly, knowledgable staff...
End result, after riding 5-6 different models over two days I walked away with a Specialized Roubaix Sport Compact.
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/road/roubaix/roubaixsportcompact#specs
It was more than I had intended on spending, but the ride was so superior to the bikes in my price range I said **** it, plus I was able to negotiate a little bit (Got it for $1899.00 out the door).
Im happy with the purchase, and I am sure there are a gazillion other bikes to choose from at that price. Interested in hearing opinions from the cyclists on this forum about this bike though...
Used to do alot of mountain biking, but stopped about 7 years ago due to time considerations (most good places to ride are at least an hour away from me by car), and switched to road riding using a circa 1980 Fuji Royale that was too large, too heavy, and too uncomfortable to ride. I stuck it out with that bike for the past five years riding about 100 miles a week during the spring/summer/fall months.
Finally broke down and decided to buy a new bike, with an intended budget of $1000.00. I did a little bit of research, just enough to get a feel for what is currently out there and what bikes were getting what reviews...
Visited a couple of different shops, and settled on one that seemed to have a friendly, knowledgable staff...
End result, after riding 5-6 different models over two days I walked away with a Specialized Roubaix Sport Compact.
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/road/roubaix/roubaixsportcompact#specs
It was more than I had intended on spending, but the ride was so superior to the bikes in my price range I said **** it, plus I was able to negotiate a little bit (Got it for $1899.00 out the door).
Im happy with the purchase, and I am sure there are a gazillion other bikes to choose from at that price. Interested in hearing opinions from the cyclists on this forum about this bike though...