road bicycles

[JHZR2]

Hi,

My GF and I like to bicycle. I have a mountain bike and a road bike (trek 1200, 02 model). My GF only has a mountain bike, but is getting into doing triathalons, and the last one she did on her mountain bike with slicks. She alwo uses her bike indoors on a trainer, for quick workouts.

She wants to get a new road bike, and I want to help her get one. Im just curious if anyonehas any suggestions for a good road bike they like. She will want a 'standard geometry' bike, as the womens' bikes have too little spacing between the seat and the handlebars (she is 5ft 8, and so her torso is relatively long). I think she wants a 56 in frame.

I like my trek 1200. It is a great combination of nice frame and fork, with reasonably good shimano components, which could be upgraded as needed later. The latest 1200 would seem to be a good choice, though I felt like the latest trek 1200 (now made in China) didnt feel quite as nice as my slightly older one. But its still a good value, and at this point, I think its her best bet to buy, and she likes it a lot.

But does anyone have any other suggestions for nice, good value bikes sub $1000 to check out?

Thanks!

JMH

[ December 16, 2004, 12:29 AM: Message edited by: JHZR2 ]

 

[andrews]

Ebay can be a great place to start if used is okay. Also try REI.com and Giant Bicycles. Both of these companies offer a good amount of bike for the money. Sometimes nashbar.com has deals on bikes, but I'm not as sure about the overall quality as I would be the other two makers I mentioned. Trek is very nice, but the prices can be a tad high, not near as bad as Cannondale though. Schwinn is another maker that seems to have good value. This time of year I still think Ebay may be a very good idea to check out.