What am I looking for in a road bike?

I'm going to buy a road bike pretty soon. I'm used to riding used bikes, but now I want a bike that fits me just right. I mostly just ride on paved roads, and tar bike paths in my area, nothing too sandy other than what the plows put down in the winter. Short trips are usually 5 miles, and the longest I ride is under 50 miles.

So my question is, what am I looking for? I've got about $1,000 to spend (I'd prefer to spend less) and I was aiming for a Bianchi, or possibly Specialized. I'm not completely clueless, but I don't want to buy a bike that's over-geared for my casual riding needs. (if that makes sense).

Thanks!

I have a Bianchi, if you buy one you will not be disappointed.

That said there are many bikes you can get for $1000, and still have cash left over. For 50 mile rides you want a competent, comfortable road machine. Bianchi, Trek, Cannondale, Fuji, Felt, KHS, and on and on. In that price range I shopped for 7005 aluminum and carbon stays frame with carbon fork, at least 105 group components. I wanted Shimano or Mavic wheels, but settled for Alex AL 320's. I found that at the Bianchi store, took a test ride and fell in love. This example of Edoardo's finest is a deep chrome blue -- I don't think I could have lived with an all celeste frame (I bought celeste bottle cages). Emotions buy the bike.

First, do you want to be in an upright position for comfort? Or do you want to go screaming downhill at 50 mph? Do you want to race your buds or enjoy comfort? This is my recommendation: Go to several bike shops and ride numerous bikes. If the money is burning a hole in your pocket ignore this advice. Ride a road bike that is entry level, multi-use bikes as hybrid and comfort bikes. This will enable you to decide between creature comfort and riding pace lines in a club. Also prepare yourself a budget to include hydration, helmet, shoes, cycling clothes, gloves, computer, car rack, etc. You can spend a lot in a hurry. Sinking your whole $1,000.00 in a bike without cycling shorts, etc. will discourage you quickly. I personally have seen people use comfort zone bikes to tackle hills and ride 100 mile rides. You can Also, you can use this type of bike to ride on sanctioned rides, around town and even in parks around the country. Start here and then branch out. When you learn to spin, etc. then invest in a road bike and you will have the best of 2 worlds. Enjoy! Click on specialized.com and look at the Cross Trail Sport for $650 and have enough left to accessorize.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/moto...

if i had a grand, without a doubt. carbon stays, fork, ultegra shifting, 1522gm wheels and carbon crank. this is a good buy. in my case, i just dont have a grand, so i am looking at lower models, but they dont have near the features.

Go to a local bike shop and see what they have to offer. The most important thing is to test ride the bike. Then go to other local shops and test ride their bikes. Ignore brand names, marketing hype, and fancy brochures. You can't ride them. Pay attention to but do not get hung up on component groups. At your price range, they all work well and reliably. Of all the bikes you test ride, one will fit you better than the others. You will be able to tell this very soon after just sitting on the bike and riding it for a few minutes. Buy that bike. It is the one you will enjoy the most and ride the most. I bought a new bike last summer and it turned out to be a brand name I never had considered in the past. I'm glad I bought that bike because it is just a pleasure to ride it, every time.

HTH