Part 3 - Some Bikes to Look At

It may get a bit overwhelming ... there are so many bikes to look at.  The local shops only carry so much, so start there.  At your $2,000 price point, you can get a lot of bike.  Remember, you will need some money for other stuff like pedals, shoes, clothes, a good helmet, bottle racks, bike bag, and a computer. So ... you probably want to spend $1,500 to $1,700 on the bike and set aside the rest for gear.

Some bikes worth looking at ... use the online guides and reviews to find others and talk with the dealers like Tom.  Seth might be a good source as well.  Ask them about bikes they like too. You can get lots of reviews and other information by typing the bike name into Google.

Ok ... some bikes I like are listed below.  There are lots of others, but some just are harder to find (particularly in Maine).  Colnago and Pinarello are sweet bikes if you can find them.

Trek
Madone 4.5 - good quality carbon with 105's.  Look for 2011 models to save some money.

Kestrel
Evoke 2.0 - you can get this full carbon bike with Ultegra on BikesDirect ... great bike for the money! Some other Kestrel's with different component groups on the site as well.


Motobecane
Century Team - another BikesDirect buy ... carbon with Dura Ace.  Look at the other Motobecanes on this site too.

Specialized 
Roubaix Elite SL2 - they defined the "plush" upright carbon bike.  A little pricey for SRAM Apex.  Look for 2011 models.

Tarmac Elite - more of racing position.   A little pricey for SRAM Apex.  Look for 2011 models.

Alez Comp - Alumimum with 105's.

Cannondale
CAAD10 - Aluminum frame with 105's or Rival. They make excellent aluminum frames. Their carbon bike is the Synapse carbon 6.  You drop down to SRAM Apex, but get you carbon.

Jamis
Xenith Endura -  entry level carbon.  Components a little lower than I would like.  Try for at least 105's.


Scott
CR 1 - similar to Jamis Xenith Endura. 105's will cost more then the entry Tiagra's.