I have a 1947 Monark silver King hex aluminum framed bike I got it from the 76 year old man who bought it new as a kid to do his paper route. I had to take it all apart and buff the aluminum frame and stainless steel fenders, the chrome parts are still pitted, but I put new fat tires and wheels on it with a new handle bar. I love the bike it rides great, I also have a very nice mountain bike I rode everywhere, now I think I will ride the Silver King
I recently bought a LOOK 555 Ultegra, had a few brands in mind but a real good deal came up on this one, under $1800. it's my first real road bike although I did borrow a Trek 1500 for a while, not even close. I have been an avid runner, and cycling is something I've been wanting to get into. I love it so far.
I'm fond of my old Fondriest Luxtor. It's unfortunate they went under in the US, but not due to lack of the sales, rather they couldn't meet demand. I've had two the Status Carb back 2003 and now the Luxtor. If you can get you hands on any of older ones at good price, go for it. You wont be disappointed.
In meantime, they're on there way back under a new parent company; however, I don't yet know how they'll match-up to older ones. One of things to keep in mind when looking at Fondriest, is that due to their prior deal with US distributor, it may be some time before we see on the floor of an LBS.
The old distributors own the Fondriest brand name in the US, so this makes it very interesting.
Other bikes I had are: -Look 565: Felt it was too flexy for the CO mtns. -Specialized S-Works full alum - Great great great frame. -Trek 5200 - Something felt dead -Fondriest Luxtor - This is one of 1 of 2 of this particular model in the US :-) -Fondriest Status Carb - First Gen with the rubbery finish...Incredible bike. I raced it in many crits to top 5 finishes.
What's next? I don't know..I want to go lighter and that was the Look. The Look came in at 1lb lighter...Although, it cam at a sacrifice for me.
I would have to say Raleigh, It is what I started my road raging on (I mean racing on)!!? But, I like the feel of my Cannondale on distances greater than 50 mi. I road a Bianchi and was not impressed however my wife loves hers. Remember a family that rides, glides and slides together always have fun!!
I have a custom built, full carbon, Terry Dolan,Colnago CLX and a Colnago B-Stay Active built into a time trial bike,I chop and change wheels depending on what im doing,American classic 350,Mavic R-Sys,Corima Aeros,Mavic Kysrium race,and Dura Ace.All Dura-Ace components.I have previously owned a BH,Trek 5200,Litespeed Sirrius,Litespeed Pavia.My favourite of all time being my Trek 5200 as its the only bike i won a race on.Looking at a new BMC SLC01,except that they cost half the price in the USA in comparison to Ireland,so anybody out there that knows anybody selling a 47cm BMC SLC01 willing to post to Ireland,I will be very interested in buying.
I currently have a Ridley Damcoles with full Record group, a Masi 3VC Dura-Ace and a Colnago Titanio Oval Master with 10sp Dura-Ace. All different bikes but love the way each of them ride.
Trek....Handmade in the USA...Keep it local.....I know the MTB are made in China and Taiwan and most of the road bikes are from overseas plants but the true Trek (Madone) is still handmade here....Great bike,great quality and made in the USA....
Must use Buy It Now and PayPal.
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