[Zef]

Originally Posted by dd74

When buying a new bike, a person should remember that usually in two years' time, the current low-end component group, say in this example, Shimano 105, surpasses what was then the top of the line group, which in Shimano's case is Dura Ace.

Frame-wise, if you're injured chronically, I'd stick with steel. The new carbon is really for racers. Sure, some say it's comfortable, and others say it isn't. But more people agree overall that steel is comfortable.

Plus, carbon does break and shatter. That's why some carbon frames are rendered DOA after a deep scratch. Steel can, in many cases, be repaired.

Just a price idea:

1) Steel Gunnar or Torelli - $800. - very good, light and strong frames - hand made - the Gunnar in Wisconsin by a division of Waterford, the Torelli in Italy.

2) Shimano 105 - $750.

3) Another $600 for wheels/tires, saddle, handlebars, pedals.

All steel, and maybe a pound or two more than the newest carbon bike, but it can still be ridden hard if needed.

A carbon frame bike can not be hard over ridden at our level....At Lance's one may be...but not at ours.