Road Bike Help!!!

[caffer]

Hello everyone,

Well I finally decided to get a road bike. This is uncharted territory for me so I thought I would ask the experts here..

I ride the MS150 every year so this bike will be used for that, maybe a sprint tri or three(if I ever get my butt in shape to do one), occasional group rides, and trainer duty during the winter.

I have between $600 and $700 to spend. I do not really have a preference on brand. I have started looking and this is what I have come up with so far...

Giant OCR3 (2008 model) Price $689



Specs


Scott S50 (Leftover 2007) Price $590



2008 Specs (I couldn't find the 2007 specs)



Price is the deciding factor, I want most bang for the buck (of course). I have been getting myself acquainted with the different shimano road component groups so I know that I am at or near the bottom in this price range. Any insight would be helpful, thanks in advance.

[Mark57]

In that price range they're all pretty much the same, frame and component wise. Specialized, Trek, Giant, etc. all have models with roughly the same spec. Find the bike shop you like and pick one that fits. You might luck out and find a year old model with upgraded components in that same price range. Good luck!

[silly]

I agree with Mark. I would like to also add to see if any have financing. We're doing 0% interest for 12 months right now-A shop with a similar deal may allow you to upgrade to the next model a little easier and get more bike. Our shop right now is even blowing out some 2008 bikes before the season because we had to fill gaps when production slowed late last fall, so that may be an option, too.

Bike advice: I really like the OCR 3, but I don't like that it is 8 speed versus 9 speed. I think since you already ride a lot and tri, you'd appreciate the 9 speed stuff, even if it's 9 speed Sora, which is really 2007's Tiagra rebranded. If you even consider stepping up the Scott, I'd shop that price point. It's more, yes, but totally worth it anyway you look at it. Scott is a good brand, and is manufactured by Giant, anyway. In some ways, you're paying Scott to pay Giant to make the bike, but it's the same with 90% of the bike labels out there. Above that, fit, fit, fit.

Don't hold out until September to try to find a deal though. With the economy, shops have already been really conservative with forecasting their inventory, and I read in an industry mag that bike prices are set to rise by 15-20% in 2009. Shops are going to be less likely to blowout 2008 bikes late season.-Compared to the new prices, they'll already be a good deal.

[silly]

Oh snap! I didn't realize the Scott was on sale. Get that one, if you like the shop and it fits well.

[caffer]

Thanks for the responses!!

Yea, I am leaning toward the Scott. The sales guy spent a lot of time with me, asked a lot of questions, and related the road component groups to the MTN component groups so I understood that.. He also mentioned they have the 12 month no interest thing so that is an option to maybe move up to the next level!!!

Me thinks I might have to make a stop by there again tonight after work...

[caffer]

Still haven't purchased yet... Although I threw another one on the pile.. I test rode the Specialized Allez the other day and really liked it... It is at the high end of my budget (800.00) but it was nice!!

So many bikes to choose....

[ODB]

Only took me three years to get cornered into a new one.

[Pman]

Just get one of each Caffer!

That Scott sure is pretty!

[savg99]

Great looking bikes. I'm shopping for one in the same price range, and am stuck with the same kind of decision.

I haven't ridden it yet, but the Felt Z90 has slightly better components for a little less price point than the Giant, at least here. I hadn't considered a Felt before, but now I'm going to give it a ride.

[caffer]

ODB, yea this is my first road bike.. I like to keep things around, my mtn bike is 9 years old.

pman, Yea, I wish!! Yes, the Scott is top on my list. I will probably take a test ride this weekend. It is also the cheapest at $590!!!!

Thanks savg99.... Add another one to the list!!!!

[ODB]

Three years ago is when Silly started trying to sell me a new one. Right after the new mountain bike. I've had my old road bike for over ten years and bought it used. It's a 1989 Cannondale.

[Phaedrus49er]

Here's one for consideration

[caffer]

Here's one for consideration

Nice... To bad I'm in MI and it's in Cali.....

[Pman]

So....have you pulled the plug on that Scott yet?????

[caffer]

Yep, I bought it on Thursday night. I was waiting for this big sale one of the local chain shops has every spring. They hold it in an ice arena, it was really huge.

I bought a Scott but I upgraded a little... I was looking at the S50 but got the S30...



That is a pic from the Scott website, mine is black. I will post pics this weekend. It is a real sweet bike!!!

Thank you all for all of the help and advice!!!!!

[Pman]

Sweeeeet!

[caffer]

Thanks Pman!!!

Here are the pics of the actual bike...







It is storming here today. I will post up a ride report after I get a chance to take it out.

[Pman]

It looks better in black to me! Its been stormy and windy here too. Tomorrow looks much better for riding.