For the last two years all I’ve had is a tri bike and a mountain bike. I used to have a VERY entry level ($700) road bike, but I sold it to help with the cost of race wheels. Now I’m thinking I’d like to have a road bike for large group rides and for bike races. The tri bike isn’t very good for those (drafting reasons). Yea you can sit up in the aero bars, but still. I’d like to save my tri bike for solo rides, rides with a few other triathletes, or triathlons.
I’d like to get a carbon frame and decent components. Scott makes one that is $1600 that seems pretty nice. I would link to it…but their website doesn’t show prices. I saw it at the LBS and can’t remember the model name.
I know you said carbon, but the Cannondale CAAD10 (aluminium) is a pretty good bike for the money. It is worth test riding in comparison and it seems to be a great value. The geometry is very race oriented.
I built up the aluminum frame from this company for less than $600. They have a pretty good selection of carbon bikes as well. The couple of times I’ve had to contact someone there they were very helpful and nice.
I know you said carbon, but the Cannondale CAAD10 (aluminium) is a pretty good bike for the money. It is worth test riding in comparison and it seems to be a great value. The geometry is very race oriented.
This. I can’t think of any carbon bike I’d rather ride in the <$1500 range. My CAAD is my 3rd road bike, the first 2 were carbon, and I can’t really tell any difference in frame materials, and it’s close on weight.
I know you said carbon, but the Cannondale CAAD10 (aluminium) is a pretty good bike for the money. It is worth test riding in comparison and it seems to be a great value. The geometry is very race oriented.
This. I can’t think of any carbon bike I’d rather ride in the <$1500 range. My CAAD is my 3rd road bike, the first 2 were carbon, and I can’t really tell any difference in frame materials, and it’s close on weight.
I agree. My wife has the girly version of that bike and it is very nice. Probably more bang for the buck that my Allez.
At $1600 you were most likely looking at a Scott CR1 not the Scott Foil as your link suggests. The Foil is at the top end of their carbon bikes. I have one and love it. The CR1 is their bottom level carbon bike. Haven’t riden one so can’t say much. I have a fleet of Scotts and have been happy with them all.
take a look at the boardman road team 105 An excellent value, race inspired speed machine that’s best suited to fast paced short to mid distance rides. i think it’s great for you !
the foil 40 and the CR1 are not too far apart in price, once you get into a LBS. Right now, I could get a foil 40 for 1700 and a CR1 for 1600. 105 in both
+100 on the CAAD 10. I have the 10-4 with Rival and love it. Pretty light for the weight. The only thing is I wish I rode it more. During tri season I’m generally on my tri bike at least 90% of the time.
the foil 40 and the CR1 are not too far apart in price, once you get into a LBS. Right now, I could get a foil 40 for 1700 and a CR1 for 1600. 105 in both
Edit. I also have a foil and love it
Based on the above, I’d recommend a Foil 40. Good luck hope you find something that works.
Unless the shop you were at was selling the Scott Foil at cost, that’s not the bike you were looking at. The 105 version of the Scott Foil retails for around $2500. Especially after tax, if you can find a new carbon 105 bike for $1500 or less I’ll be shocked, that said, I hope you are able to. Maybe things are way cheaper in the U.S.?
+1 on the CAAD 10 I’d place a high end aluminum frame above a low grade carbon frame any day.
For the last two years all I’ve had is a tri bike and a mountain bike. I used to have a VERY entry level ($700) road bike, but I sold it to help with the cost of race wheels. Now I’m thinking I’d like to have a road bike for large group rides and for bike races. The tri bike isn’t very good for those (drafting reasons). Yea you can sit up in the aero bars, but still. I’d like to save my tri bike for solo rides, rides with a few other triathletes, or triathlons.
I’d like to get a carbon frame and decent components. Scott makes one that is $1600 that seems pretty nice. I would link to it…but their website doesn’t show prices. I saw it at the LBS and can’t remember the model name.
What components are on your tri bike? You might consider getting a road bike that at least uses the same family/brand of parts. Perhaps one day you’ll need to steal the road bike’s rear derailleur because you wadded up your tri bike mech in a trainer the night before a big race? Or maybe you’ll want to try your first bike race and borrow your tri bike’s race wheels?
Scott makes great bikes as does Cannondale; the CAAD10 in particular. What brands does your LBS carry? Supporting your local shop often is repaid by getting quick service down the road and keeping them in business certainly helps on those days when you need to pick up a quick energy gel or inner tube.
Another hat in the ring for the CAAD10, almost everyone on my team has (at least) one as a primary race bike. If you have to order one, beware that Cannondale’s lead times have been pretty long for this bike lately (we just waited 8 weeks for one).
I think most Cervelo dealers are blowing out last year’s “old” S2 with the older frame for around $2000. If you can make the stretch, that’s the best deal going in my opinion.