Best entry level bike for 2004

jkxw said:

I'm new to road cycling. I'm racking my brain about what is the best bike for a 5' 6" man. I need some input..... Here's what I have so far.
Cannondale R600, Fuji Team or Bordeux, Giant OCR1, or Specialized Allez Elite.

What do you think about these? Is there something I'm not considering?

In that range it is tought to beat the Cannondale without going to a more obscure brand. That this is a flat out rocket for the price. It also sports an american made frame, good components. My lbs stocks both the R600 and the Allez Elite, and the Cannondale feels like it should cost a few hundred more. With the R600 you get good components where they are needed most but you don't waste money on things that make less of a difference. You get 105 where it counts, and in a smart move Cannondale gives you a pair of their own brake calipers, giving you better performance than the 105 brakes (a weakspot in the group) while saving you money. I demoed the R600, the Allez Elite, and the Trek 1500 as possible replacements for my Hawthorne and my Fuji. For me the Cannondale felt the fastest.

Ride all of them, and add the Trek 1500 to your list, it would be second of my choices in that range.