Plz, i need suggestions

It would help if you specified what "low to medium cost" meant...

up to 1500

i think i could go up to 2000, i would like ultegra atleast, but would prefer the new 10 speed durace

I have had good luck riding Trek bikes. Look at the Trek 2300. It should be in your cost range.

thank you, my dad also rides on a trek and is very happy with his experience

I went to a bunch of Bike shops last week looking for the TREK 2300 because I thought it was what I wanted, and every store said they do not cary it because they cannot sell it because everyone opps for the TREK 5000 because of its better frame. It is a Carbon frame with 105/Ultegra mix. I'm basically looking in the same price range as you, and I was really considering the '04 Cannondale R2000 which is Allum Frame and Full ultegra, with a Set of Mavic $800.00 Rims for right around 2K. (This bike comes stock with those Rims) I'm really torn between the Cannondale R2000 and the TREK 5000, but everyone seems to recomend the Trek over the Cannondale, and I'm not quite sure why other than everyone says the Cannondale is a rough ride. Anyway, I would look at the 5000 over the 2300 as a lot of people have said it's a better deal/bike.

Go to Felt's website and check out their road bikes. The F55 is a 17.5 pound aluminum frame with Dura Ace shifters & derailers. It also has carbon seat stays, post, and fork. And most importantly, it looks cool. It is just under $2,000. A great deal IMO.

Since your background is triathlons, you're probably familiar with Felt. They sponsor some of the best pro Triathletes and Colavita road bike team.

grampy bone said:

Go to Felt's website and check out their road bikes. The F55 is a 17.5 pound aluminum frame with Dura Ace shifters & derailers. It also has carbon seat stays, post, and fork. And most importantly, it looks cool. It is just under $2,000. A great deal IMO.

Since your background is triathlons, you're probably familiar with Felt. They sponsor some of the best pro Triathletes and Colavita road bike team.

How is the ride on this bike? To me it just seems like something has to be sacraficed in order for them to offer a full Dura Ace bike for 2K.

vanillawafer said:

How is the ride on this bike? To me it just seems like something has to be sacraficed in order for them to offer a full Dura Ace bike for 2K.

I've not ridden the F55. I did ride the F35 and it was an incredible ride. As far as the price goes, I wouldn't assume that lower price means lower quality. Jim Felt is a well known & respected bike designer. He may be trying to gain popularity and brand name recognition (and once he does, watch the prices of his bikes soar). As I mentioned before, several top triathletes ride Felt and also the Colavita racing team, who is probably the 3rd best (my opinion) in America behind USPS and Healthnet racing.

I own a Felt B2, and am sposord by a Locomotion (www.locomotionbikes.com), and am very happy with the felt. i was looking at the other road bikes by them. thanks all for your imputs, and keep them coming. what do yall think about Leader bikes. i had a person recomend them to me, and i view their website, but i would like some more opinions. thanks again.

Is the F55 a compact frame design? I can't tell from the picture, it almost looks like a compact fram. Also, is this bike Full Dura Ace? If not, what kind of brakes and such does it have, I couldn't find anything about the brakes on line. Anyone have any experience with the Velo Max wheels on this bike?

vanillawafer said:

Is the F55 a compact frame design? I can't tell from the picture...

Felt's are designed with a semi-compact frame -- the top tubes are horizontal rather than sloping on typical compacts, but Felt shortens the seat/head tubes/chainstays a bit. Or so they say...I don't think it makes a big deal. They do seem to be good bang-for-the buck bikes though in my experience.

what do yall think about Leader bikes. i had a person recomend them to me, and i view their website, but i would like some more opinions. thanks again.[/QUOTE]

I ride one, and it is great. The Gruppo you can get is for the money is huge value, and a solid ride. I was concerned, but went for it, and am happy...