$1000.00 Budget!

pakicyclist said:

Hey guys,

Been into cycling for years, and now that I am 16 years old. I can legally get a job, I set myself a thousand dollar budget to buy a road bike. I looked at the Trek 1000. Any suggestions?

😕

I bought a Trek 1000 about 6 weeks ago to get back into road cycling after being off the bike for 20 years. It's a wonderful ride - much lighter than my 1980's vintage Bridgestone. Handles fine, and while the drivetrain isn't top-of-the-line, it shifts cleanly and accurately.

Is your $1000 budget just for the bike? Or for the other stuff you'll need?

I put Speedplay X5 pedals on mine, and bought some Sidi shoes. Also added Bontrager RaceLite tires in an attempt to have fewer flats. Overall, the bike/tire upgrade/pedals/shoes came in right around $900.

No, just the Bike itself..not the other parts...

do you think that it is my best option for that price?

thanks

Here's a couple of things to consider.

You're 16. Are you still growing? It would suck to spend what is a lot of money for a 16 year old only to out grow the bike in a year.

What will you be using the bike for? Just riding around, or do you have aspirations of racing? How you answer this question will let folks know what kind of components you should look for.

Do you "need" a bike now or can you wait a few months? If you wait a few months, the 2007 bikes will be out and the 2006 bikes will be on sale. This could make your $$$ go farther.

If you want to up your price a bit, you might be able to find the Felt f75 on sale. The list is $1399, but for this price it's a killer ride.
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For $999 the F80 is also right in your price range.

Another bike who's list is over but you might find a deal on is the Specialize Elite double.
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As for the trek, the 1500 has better components and is still in your price range.

No matter what you get, ride a bunch of bikes. Ride bikes above and below your price range. That way, you'll "know" what you're getting for your money. Good luck.

I don't suspect to grow any taller. I am already 5' 11", and top out at 6' 0" by the time im 17-18. I currently ride my brother in-law's Ciocc from several years ago, so I have till the end of the summer to make this decision. I do have aspirations to race in the future. I ride everyday, between 20-30 miles. I need something that is good enough to ride in meets, races, and long training rides, and still can give me what I am looking for in the 1000.00 margin.

pakicyclist said:

I need something that is good enough to ride in meets, races, and long training rides, and still can give me what I am looking for in the 1000.00 margin.

If you want to race, then look for something with a double crank or compact double. You also want to look for at least "105" level shifters (stay away from tiagra and sora), so that's the 1500 as opposed to the 1000. You are most likely looking at an aluminum bike with 105 components.

Here's an FYI....
wikihow.comBuy a $1000 Road BikeOpen ↗

Okay, so you are saying that the Trek 1500 will meet my needs/standards... So if I do spend that few extra hundred I will be more satified?

I bought an 05 Trek 1500 triple a year ago for $995 and they threw in a helmet, floor pump and two bottles. I love the Trek, it fits me perfectly and it is a joy to ride. Shop around a little and see what you can get one for. I went into the LBS to buy a 1000 and when I tried the 1500, I knew it was the one.