[aigel]

So, I have the bicycle bug. It kills me how fast people are on road bikes. And I have a bunch of guys and gals wave them in front of me on the train every day ... I used to have one and have fond memories. I think I need to save up for one. I'd like something that I could take on my commute sometimes and also up a local mountain that's a really good biking road with traffic being light in the mornings - and cars prepared for cyclists because there are hundreds of them ...

So, with light commute and climbing usage and a budget of say <2k, what would you recommend I buy?

- Al, steel or C?
- Should I consider a touring bike, so I can have a rack, or is that too heavy?
- What type of equipment - is it all Shimano nowadays?
- Used or new?

When I look on CL, it seems people have very high asking prices for bikes with unknown miles. And you never know if they face planted and how good that frame still is (is this a larger concern on C than metal frames?). Also, on the C frames, technology seems to be fast moving, so even a $2k bike that used to be $6k now may be a boat anchor?

I hope you have some input, fellow bikers!

G

Edit: I would like do do a big ride such as the "death ride" some day when I am fit enough. Also a good use for a road bike!