[TiCoyote]

My budget for a new bike is $3k. Frame is more important to me than components, but 105 is the minimum quality level I'm interested in. I'm a Shimano rider, and I don't want to switch to SRAM. What's the best bike (stiffest, fastest, lightest, strongest) bike that comes with 105.

Also, I like the idea of the new press-fit BB. If only the TCR Advanced came with 105 kit.

 

[scottma]

IDK about "best". There are so many bikes out there and people have different likes and requirements. You can get a Tarmac Elite (mostly 105) for $2500
Specialized Bicycle Components

Madone 4.5 Ultegra/105 for $2600
Trek Bicycle

Cannnondale Supersix 105 for $2300
SUPERSIX 5 105 - SUPERSIX - Elite Road - Road - Bikes - 2013

 

[charlox5]

I would try to avoid press fit BB's specifically, but that's just me. Too many stories of failing/noisy BB30's

 

[scottma]

I would try to avoid press fit BB's specifically, but that's just me. Too many stories of failing/noisy BB30's

I agree. I prefer a normal threaded BB.

 

[jswilson64]

Ti frame, mostly Ultegra, $2099:
Shimano Ultegra 6700 Road Bikes | Titanium Road Bikes | Roadbikes - 2013 Motobecane Le Champion SL Ti

 

[Tspeters]

Bianchi Infinito 105 - $2800
View attachment 272005

 

[Lelandjt]

If $3k is your limit you can find carbon Ultegra equiped bikes. Specialized isn't known for low prices but the Roubaix Comps at our shop have full Ultegra, full carbon forks, and retail for $3200.

 

[bwbishop]

Get Ultegra for that much. Look at the Felt Z3 or F3

 

[aclinjury]

If you want something unique that you will not find many on the road, check out the Cinelli Best Of from Wrenchscience, it's on clearance. Ultegra equipped will be $3600, which I realize over your budget, but you will get that exclusivity feeling (which I realize has nothing to do with performance but if it makes you feel good...)

This frame also has all the latest "trendy" bits, like BB86 press fit bb, tapered head tube 1-1/8 to 1-1/2, internal cable routing, if you're looking for those sort of things.

The frame has an integrated seatpost too, which some like, but some will not because you can't use any regular 3rd party seatpost unless you saw off the integrated seatpost and put a clamp on it (which is allowable on this frame).

Weight-wise, it's a little bit heavy (at 17.28 lbs for Ultegra equipped) for this price, probably a pound heavier compared to other highend bikes in this price range, but honestly the difference between a 16-lb and 17-lb bike is pretty much zero; your body weight alone can fluctuate more than 1 lb on any given ride

 

[Bluffplace]

Take a look at Giant bicycles. They have a TCR 1 or Defy 1. Full carbon with ultegra. $2650

 

[bikewriter]

I was looking for a 105 or Ultegra bike for training toward my 2013 mtb endurance race goals. Past bikes owned include Calfees, Litespeeds, Orbeas, etc., but for this particular need it was a lightweight carbon comfortable bike that didn't break the bank. I'm a Shimano guy and understand SRAM is lighter and works great, but my bike tests pointed me back toward Shimano. This is what I purchased....

2012 Scott CR1 Team weighed 17.4 pounds and cost $1200 (brand new leftover from dealer). Sold the heavy oem wheels and tires for $300, went tubeless with Bike Hub Store 23mm wide rims and lost about a pound of rotating weight but put me at +200 dollars. So now I'm in it $1400 and weighs 16.4 pounds. Tossed the heavy saddle and put on my crusty worn out Fizik Antares braided carbon which got rid of about 100 grams, a Williams Maxim ACS bar (100 grams came off, cost me $75), an Ultegra cassette cost $45 new from ebay and saved, gosh, a lot from the Tiagra 12-30, a Performance OS stem for $20 and saved about 50 grams. I'm in it about $1495 and my 105 equipped tubeless 16 pound road bike fits my needs and came in way under budget.

I'm done spending money on Dura Ace and full Ultegra bikes. Money goes toward great fitting frame and nice light stiff comfortable wheels and tires.

 

[bikewriter]

PS: New in box 2012 Scott Foil 15 sold on eBay for $2750 delivered few weeks ago. And that's with Ultegra di2!!! Thought about it, but at almost twice the price of what I ended up with (but di2 sure would be great....one day).

 

[Bklyn718]

With a budget of approx. $3k, and the end of the year upon us, I think your options are wide open. When I was looking a couple of weeks ago at my LBS, they had most if not all of their 2012 Trek stock on close out. For under $3k, I was looking at the Madone 5.2, which had full Ultegra group. If you want to go with the re-designed 2013 Madone, it will run you about $3,400 give or take. Cannondale Supersix and Felt are also very good options. I decided on the Tarmac Pro SL4... broke my budget a bit, but like some laws, they are meant to be broken! Good luck, let us know what comes of your decision.

 

[Cannot]

Take a look at Giant bicycles. They have a TCR 1 or Defy 1. Full carbon with ultegra. $2650

It's a little bit confusing. For $2650, they are TCR Composite 1 or Defy Composite 1.
TCR 1 and Defy 1 are aluminum.

 

[Pattonn]

Cervelo R3

My budget for a new bike is $3k. Frame is more important to me than components, but 105 is the minimum quality level I'm interested in. I'm a Shimano rider, and I don't want to switch to SRAM. What's the best bike (stiffest, fastest, lightest, strongest) bike that comes with 105.

Also, I like the idea of the new press-fit BB. If only the TCR Advanced came with 105 kit.

I bet you could get a 2012 Team Ultegra for pretty close to that... otherwise the 2013 R3 is available in 105 trim. World class bike with affordable components.

 

[88 rex]

CAAD10 with plenty of lefty over cash.

 

[skinewmexico]

Lots of nice ultegra bikes on closeout at Competitive Cyclist right now.

 

[danl1]

I'm in the avoid camp to avoid pressfits - especially since Shimano doesn't really sell them native, so it's adapters, and no advantage.

3K should be an ultegra-level bike. Check out Neuvation, too.

The 'best' bike is one that fits you and your style of riding well. There's not a Felt/Giant/Cannondale/Trek/whatever answer to that question that's universal to everyone.

 

[Herkwo]

Lots of nice ultegra bikes on closeout at Competitive Cyclist right now.

Like this:
BMC ROAD RACER SL01/SHIMANO ULTEGRA DI2 for $3099 (just over your cap).
2012 BMC Road Racer SL01/Shimano Ultegra Di2 Complete Bike - 2012 - Competitive Cyclist

 

[Firestone]

The Cannondale Supersix 5 can be found just over $2k and has 105 and the BB 30. I recently bought a Supersix and have been very happy with it.