Road bike for my wife?

[crack monkey]

My wife is looking for a new road bike to replace her old Jamis Nova (cyclocross).

We mostly do recreational rides on the W&OD, and she might try a few biathlons/tris this year (but not seriously enough to warrant a dedicated bike).

So, any recommendations for a good bike in the $1500 range? Perferably available in women-specific sizes. Also, are there any steel bikes available in that price range (or, "plusher" alum frames)? I have a feeling she won't like the stiffness of most of the alum/carbon-stay frames.

[Jackson]

My wife is looking for a new road bike to replace her old Jamis Nova (cyclocross).

We mostly do recreational rides on the W&OD, and she might try a few biathlons/tris this year (but not seriously enough to warrant a dedicated bike).

So, any recommendations for a good bike in the $1500 range? Perferably available in women-specific sizes. Also, are there any steel bikes available in that price range (or, "plusher" alum frames)? I have a feeling she won't like the stiffness of most of the alum/carbon-stay frames.

If you're in NoVa swing by the Bike Lane. They can show a good amount of WSD options for your wife.

[random-adam]

For comfort, check out the Specialized Sequoia line ($700-1100) - they've got little touches like Zertz inserts everywhere, top-mount inline brake levers, thicker bar tape, and a little more upright position.

If she's after something a little racier, the Bianchi Eros Donna (Campy & steel, $1300ish) or maybe a Specialized Dolce (alu/carbon, WSD, $770-1600) might be worth a look.

these are just lines with which I'm familiar - I've no doubt that Trek & Marin & such make good stuff too.

[eloach]

Jamis (City Bikes) and Lemond (Bike Lane?) still make steel and throw in a carbon fiber fork and perhaps seat stays. I know a guy that just got one in the price range you mentioned. Check out their WWW sites.

[crack monkey]

Hmmm, the Bianchi has Campy Mirage components - are these equivalent to Shimano 105, or Tiagra, or ??? On paper, that's about what she wants - something a bit racy (vs touring/commuting), but not bone-jarring stiff.

[escape]

I agree that the Jamis Quest (http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/07_bikes/questw.html) or Bianchi Eros Donna (http://www.bianchiusa.com/07_eros_donna.html) are great options. It is great to see companies dedicated to affordable steel bikes. I would hate to see this thread turn into a Campy vs. Shimano flame war so I will choose my words carefully. Campy Mirage in one step up from their base model (on Bianchi). Shimano 105 10 speed is 3 steps up from their base model (on Jamis).

[CRAIG2]

I agree that the Jamis Quest (http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/07_bikes/questw.html) or Bianchi Eros Donna (http://www.bianchiusa.com/07_eros_donna.html) are great options. It is great to see companies dedicated to affordable steel bikes. I would hate to see this thread turn into a Campy vs. Shimano flame war so I will choose my words carefully. Campy Mirage in one step up from their base model (on Bianchi). Shimano 105 10 speed is 3 steps up from their base model (on Jamis).

Forget component talk - the Bianchi green is classic, but the Jamis is sexier. :D

[crack monkey]

But is the Campy base model roughly equivalent to the Shimano base model? I really have no clue - never had any Campy bits. Basically, is my wife going to want to start upgrading as soon as she rides it 100 miles?

[BikerMiker]

I don't think the Mirage stuff is 'keeper-level' from Campy. Lotsa plastic. Whatever, right?

Campy vs. Shimano is an ergonomic choice, if you ask me. The Campy hoods are so much different from the Shimano hoods. They fit hands very differently. Also, hood setup relative to bar are very important when trying to get this right so you don't bother your wrists.

If you like steel (which I do) you'll also like an aluminum bike with carbon fork AND carbon seat stays. As I have mentioned numerous times, I have a collection of steel bikes but the Alu/Carbon connection is just as comfy but stiffer in the BB. Jamis and Spec'd have great bikes below and above $1k that are 10spd 105 stuff with alu/carbon setups...

The women-specific thing REALLY makes a big difference below 5'5" or so. Have the lovely lady ride every bike she can.

Good luck.

mike

[random-adam]

disclaimer: I *adore* Campy, especially what the new '07 lineup has become...

but Mirage is just one step above the cheapest that sexy Italian bits can be. There is now an even more entry-level group called "Xenon," which seems to have inherited the plasticky bits; new Mirage uses more alloy in the construction (reference here (http://www.campagnolo.com/groupsets.php?gid=5&cid=3) ).

Last year, I don't think I would've recommended Mirage to someone who's actually going to ride it more than once a week. This year.... it's worth a look.

just my $0.02.

[crack monkey]

Thanks for the input guys.

We found an '06 Dolce Elite in her size. So far, so good. Much lighter than the Jamis Nova that's being replaced (which my son is very happy to inherit). It also fits her much better - the Jamis was a touch long.