Entry Level Carbon Bike

Looking to get my first carbon frame bike - because "I gotta have a carbon frame..."

Seriously, I have been looking at the Kestrel mail order options and also Giant and Fuji offerings. Does anyone have any insight as to what the best option would be? I am looking to spend around 2500 for a complete bike.

Thanks,

Aaron

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Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on August 4, 2010 at 12:12pm

Damn. Lee sent me a message with a Craigslist post selling a $2500 Litespeed 54cm, but it looks like it's gone.

I'd keep an eye on CL if I were looking for carbon.

What size bike do you ride Aaron?

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Permalink Reply by S on August 4, 2010 at 12:33pm

You could probably get a pretty sweet Focus Cayo for around 2500. Depending on what brand you go with, an entry level carbon frame with sram rival or 105 would probably run 1500-2000.

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Permalink Reply by mike w. on August 4, 2010 at 12:34pm

See here.

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Permalink Reply by Craig S. on August 4, 2010 at 12:39pm

Look into Blue and Leader frames/bikes. Pedaling that steel Surly around Iowa a bit much for you, Aaron?

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Permalink Reply by Aaron Bussey on August 4, 2010 at 12:48pm

The Surly wasnt bad Craig I just want to be able to blaze a trail next RAGBRAI!

and I ride a 56 size frame

Craig S. said:

Look into Blue and Leader frames/bikes. Pedaling that steel Surly around Iowa a bit much for you, Aaron?

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Permalink Reply by Craig S. on August 4, 2010 at 12:54pm

That Long Haul Trucker is a great frame for hauling cocktails and fixings around, like we did on Friday of last week. During one of our road cocktail stops, I think there were about 45 bikers of various teams standing off of highway 20 enjoying Moscow Mules hauled by a Bad Monkey on a Long Haul Trucker.

Check ebay for a Waterford/Steelman/IF steel frame as well. On my Waterford I can still sprint with the dudes on my team that are riding top of the line Specialized and Trek carbon frames.

Aaron Bussey said:

The Surly wasnt bad Craig I just want to be able to blaze a trail next RAGBRAI!
and I ride a 56 size frame Craig S. said:
Look into Blue and Leader frames/bikes. Pedaling that steel Surly around Iowa a bit much for you, Aaron?

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Permalink Reply by Pablo on August 4, 2010 at 12:59pm

Might I interest you in a 54cm Eddy Merck Ti (made by Lightspeed) w/ Campy Record groupo for $2000 Firm?

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Permalink Reply by Aaron Bussey on August 4, 2010 at 1:09pm

the yellow will be mine - oh yes it will be mine....

Michael Brosilow said:

No matter what you're riding you ain't taking my yellow jersey. Giant offers the best value in crabon bikes.

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Permalink Reply by dan brown on August 4, 2010 at 1:11pm

check out www.roadbikereview.com it's a good resource for much more than just bikes.

they also have classified ads (READ : good deals) it's true !

DB

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Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on August 4, 2010 at 1:31pm

Craig, FYI, many of us found it hilarious how your RAGBRAI updates had nothing to do with the actual bike ride.

Craig S. said:

That Long Haul Trucker is a great frame for hauling cocktails and fixings around, like we did on Friday of last week. Aaron Bussey said:
The Surly wasnt bad Craig I just want to be able to blaze a trail next RAGBRAI!
and I ride a 56 size frame Craig S. said:
Look into Blue and Leader frames/bikes. Pedaling that steel Surly around Iowa a bit much for you, Aaron?