New Bike with 2,500 to spend.....opinions

[Mykadog1]

I am 6'2" and 200 and am stuck on few chariots. My Ridley Fenix CR1 was just crashed into my garage and cracked everything but the components. I am looking to spend $2,500 maybe a tad more and would love to have some advice on endurance bikes. I massivley enjoyed the Ridley brand but do not have any experience with many other brands. Most of my rides in central Virginia average about 75 ft of elevation oer mile so I am looking for something that can climb a bit also.

Happy New Year and thank you for the help!!!

 

[avanti]

If your Ridley fits you well why not buy another (I ride a Ridley track bike).
I was just in a Performance Bike shop and noticed they have Ridley and Fuji bikes on sale. Check out their web site.

 

[dhungerf]

I'm your same size, I ride a Specialized Allez, SRAM Rival, been on it for over 3 years and I love it. Aluminum frame, higher end components, just upgraded the wheels. I hang with all the top end riders (Madone, Tarmac, CAAD12, Roubaix). No troubles at all. Pricing will be just over $2K. I'm glad I didn't spend more

 

[Bustedknuckle]

I am 6'2" and 200 and am stuck on few chariots. My Ridley Fenix CR1 was just crashed into my garage and cracked everything but the components. I am looking to spend $2,500 maybe a tad more and would love to have some advice on endurance bikes. I massivley enjoyed the Ridley brand but do not have any experience with many other brands. Most of my rides in central Virginia average about 75 ft of elevation oer mile so I am looking for something that can climb a bit also.

Happy New Year and thank you for the help!!!

New frame or new bike? If your components are OK, look at a new frame. Three most important things are...fit, fit...and of course fit. make sure it fits ya.

 

[@NL_LeMondFans]

Endurance ?

If it's just for the frame I'd go back to steel with the LeMond Washoe. I've had one since april. Did rides in the city, rides on the cobblestones near Roubaix, rides in the Pyrénées... She can take anything. Very responsive bike because of the BB30 and general geometry.

And no, I'm not saying that because I'm a LeMond fan ;-)
I'm a fan of the bike too.

http://www.greglemondfan.com/other/Washoe/washoereview.html

 

[King Boonen]

Re:

Endurance ?

If it's just for the frame I'd go back to steel with the LeMond Washoe. I've had one since april. Did rides in the city, rides on the cobblestones near Roubaix, rides in the Pyrénées... She can take anything. Very responsive bike because of the BB30 and general geometry.

And no, I'm not saying that because I'm a LeMond fan ;-)
I'm a fan of the bike too.

http://www.greglemondfan.com/other/Washoe/washoereview.html

Agree with this guy, I'd be looking at steel and the new LeMonds look very good.

At that weight I'd also be looking for some 36 spoke, strong rimmed, handbuilt wheels. That may mean looking at something a bit cheaper than the LeMond unless you have some suitable wheels. I don't ride a LeMond, but I do ride an 853 steel, carbon-forked road bike and it's absolutely fantastic, I'm about 50lbs lighter than you.

 

[ray j willings]

Nothing wrong with carbon,will do you just fine. Some real bargains to out there if you have time to shop around and don't care about the latest model.
You could easily pick up a frame for under a $1000 You could pick up a tasty groupset for under a $1000 and
get some handbuilt wheels for under $500 .
easily the best way to get value.

 

[Lynton]

If the components are ok I would go the frame only option as well. That way you can spend a bit more on the frame and get something that fits very well rather than going for off the shelf.