I bought a Trek 1500 (now that model is called a 1.5 I think) in 2007 that was in this price range. It has Shimano 105 components. I've been very happy with it.
I have a couple of recommendations:
1) Unless you live in a REALLY hilly area, go with the compact gearing option, not the triple. Derailleur adjustments are a 1000 times easier on a compact than a triple.
2) Spend the extra money and get pedals that you can clip into, and the shoes to go with it. You'll thank me later.
3) If you get the clip-in pedals and shoes, get SPD pedals/shoes. These are "mountain bike" pedals, but if you wear mountain bike shoes you can walk around on them like normal without having to wear the ridiculous shoe protectors like you do with road bike pedals/shoes - a must if you ever do RAGBRAI.
4) Just about all brands are equal in your price range. Focus more on the fit than the brand. Also, get a color that makes you look fast.
5) If you are an REI member, their store brand, "Novara" is made in the same factories as Giant, and the bikes give you a lot more bang for your buck. You might be able to "buy up" a level of components (like getting Ultegra instead of 105s). Don't underestimate Novara bikes just because it's a "store brand". Plus, if you're a member the dividend you get from your bike will more than pay for shoes and pedals for the bike.
Lastly, I think Trek usually does some sort of sale in January-March on all of the incoming bikes. Check with a local dealer and see if Trek still does that sale. My bike was originally $1200. I bought it on this sale for $900 and used the savings to buy pedals, shoes, a floor pump, and some other accessories.
I have a couple of recommendations:
1) Unless you live in a REALLY hilly area, go with the compact gearing option, not the triple. Derailleur adjustments are a 1000 times easier on a compact than a triple.
2) Spend the extra money and get pedals that you can clip into, and the shoes to go with it. You'll thank me later.
3) If you get the clip-in pedals and shoes, get SPD pedals/shoes. These are "mountain bike" pedals, but if you wear mountain bike shoes you can walk around on them like normal without having to wear the ridiculous shoe protectors like you do with road bike pedals/shoes - a must if you ever do RAGBRAI.
4) Just about all brands are equal in your price range. Focus more on the fit than the brand. Also, get a color that makes you look fast.
5) If you are an REI member, their store brand, "Novara" is made in the same factories as Giant, and the bikes give you a lot more bang for your buck. You might be able to "buy up" a level of components (like getting Ultegra instead of 105s). Don't underestimate Novara bikes just because it's a "store brand". Plus, if you're a member the dividend you get from your bike will more than pay for shoes and pedals for the bike.
Lastly, I think Trek usually does some sort of sale in January-March on all of the incoming bikes. Check with a local dealer and see if Trek still does that sale. My bike was originally $1200. I bought it on this sale for $900 and used the savings to buy pedals, shoes, a floor pump, and some other accessories.
