Itching to ride, and I think I would be much better off buying another bike rather than waiting for insurance to resolve this.
I bought a 1995 Trek 2300 last October for $500. I then spent another $300 on a new wheelset. Then, another $300 on Campy levers, 10 spd conversion cassette, and other upgrades. Then, another $80 on saddle (worth the money), and $60 for the Thomson seatpost. Well, I rode 2800 miles in 6 months, and I'm addicted. I am now smarter. It would be better to spend $1500 now, rather than $500 now, and another $1000 in upgrades.
I am purely riding for recreational, stress relief, and to have fun. However, I do like to push myself. I am a speed junkie.
What do you guys think of these bikes on Ebay:
Daccordi Fibra 1 w/ Dura Ace 9 spd
Unique and up-to-date. I would get rid of the tubulars, though.
Litespeed Antares w/ Campy 10
Colorado Cyclist has this bike for $1900 on sale. The starting bid is less than dealer cost, they claim. I like the Campy drivetrain. I like the Campy Ergo shifters better than Shimano STI. Dunno about durability of the frame.
Litespeed Arenberg Titanium
Best frame of the bunch. 105 components are so-so, but more than adequate for my needs. At $1499, it is pushing my budget.
Colnago Master Olympic Competition
This bike is just cool. Updated Campy drivetrain with old school character. I don't know whether I'll go with something like this bike, or something 'NEW & IMPROVED.'
I looked at the very small selection of road bikes at two local bike shops, and well, I was very disappointed. $900-1100 road bikes are adorned with cheap Taiwanese seat binders and mediocre components. Judging by the spectrum of bikes in these shops, the owners are trying to appeal to the casual person making an impulse purchase.
Recommendations? Would love Ti, but it'd have to be used. Fuji Team and Giant TCR were recommended, and they are superlight and have great bang for the buck, but I think they might be too hardcore for me. Budget $900-1500. Would prefer Campy drivetrain, but I'd settle for Shimano. Old school is definitely cool by me, but I do not want an old bike with worn out drivetrain (i.e. upcoming money dumps). Size:56-58cm. I'm 6' even, 155 lbs.
Goal: the Porsche 911SC of road bikes. Durable, great performance, and oozes character like no tomorrow.
Jürgen