Road Bikes around $10K

[reflex101]

So in no special order I want a bike that;
looks good
is technically good
Uses the best or close to materials
Dura ace equipped
Will last 5 or 6 years

At the risk of sounding unhelpful, the OP did ask for all those things in no special order - hence all the recommendations for custom Ti frames which really are the best answer to all of the questions EXCEPT "looks good" (although personally I'd disagree with that).

What the OP actually meant to ask was "What is the sweetest piece of bike porn I can lean against the curb outside my local espresso bar that isn't a complete pig to ride?"

Don't get me wrong, that's cool, my bike's probably spent more time outside cafe's than in a peloton too, but if that's what you're going for, you probably don't want the Tarmac. Odds are some cheapskate will eventually lean their Tarmac Sport against the rail next to your S-Works Tarmac Dura-Ace and there goes your street cred.

What you want is something like this bad boy:

http://www.pinarello.com/en/bike-2015/road/dogma-f8

Sure the frame might be stiffer than the landing gear of an A380 and it's totally unsuited to the OP's riding style, but it looks the business and odds are you won't be bike-shamed when some cheap punk shows up riding the budget version of the same thing.

OK, that gave me a little chuckle but it honestly is not what I am going for. I really just want a bike that I will be happy with For me worse than that is when a guy on a less expensive bike comes along and whoops your arse in a sprint or up a hill. Happens too often sadly.

...And yes that Dogma is a nice bike.

[Ross]

OK, that gave me a little chuckle but it honestly is not what I am going for. I really just want a bike that I will be happy with For me worse than that is when a guy on a less expensive bike comes along and whoops your arse in a sprint or up a hill. Happens too often sadly.

...And yes that Dogma is a nice bike.

Riding a $10K bike will not stop people on less expensive bikes kicking your arse. Training is what fixes that...

But if you just want a nice bike and don't care too much about KOMs on Strava or someone on a less expensive bike being faster than you then I can highly reccommend a SL4 S-Works Tarmac. I have recently upgraded to one from a SL3 Tarmac and can't say enough good things about the SL4. Light and stiff yet compliant in the ride. SL3 feels like an alloy bike in comparison. Good for short rides and long rides. I did Amy Grand Fondo on the weekend (110km) and did a 230km ride the weekend before on it.

If you look on Bike Exchange you will find some deals - either complete bikes or just frames. RRP for current model frame (SL4 "update") is around $4200 and I've seen last year's SL4s going for low $3K, sometimes even less for odball frame sizes.

[lobstermash]

Training is what fixes that...

Haha, that or a Specialized Turbo...

[reflex101]

OK, that gave me a little chuckle but it honestly is not what I am going for. I really just want a bike that I will be happy with For me worse than that is when a guy on a less expensive bike comes along and whoops your arse in a sprint or up a hill. Happens too often sadly.

...And yes that Dogma is a nice bike.

Riding a $10K bike will not stop people on less expensive bikes kicking your arse.

Never said it would.

...Thanks for the feedback on the SL4, that's much more constructive and inline my original post

[reflex101]

Haha, that or a Specialized Turbo...

Is that what you ride?

[lobstermash]

No, but I have enjoyed the odd push from one of my buddies who rides a Stealth Fighter. 6kW of direct drive goodness.

[mmc22]

...snip...

Odds are some cheapskate will eventually lean their Tarmac Sport against the rail next to your S-Works Tarmac Dura-Ace and there goes your street cred.

What you want is something like this bad boy:

http://www.pinarello.com/en/bike-2015/road/dogma-f8

.

Dogma
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2014-3k- ... 24426.html

Same thing can happen with a Dogma... or anything made in China/Taiwan with an open mold process or knock off versions made in other factories down the road from the official manufacturer. That's why there is such a thing as a Chinarello. Pinnies are one of the most knocked off versions around. Whilst the enthusiast may tell the difference, just as can be seen between the SWorks and the Spech versions, they're 90% the same bike.

If I had the spare centimes I would go a Colnago Master http://colnago.com/master-2/?lang=en" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ... that would put a smile on my face.

That Colnago Master looks sweeeeet.

[reflex101]

...snip...

Odds are some cheapskate will eventually lean their Tarmac Sport against the rail next to your S-Works Tarmac Dura-Ace and there goes your street cred.

What you want is something like this bad boy:

http://www.pinarello.com/en/bike-2015/road/dogma-f8

.

Dogma
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2014-3k- ... 24426.html

Same thing can happen with a Dogma... or anything made in China/Taiwan with an open mold process or knock off versions made in other factories down the road from the official manufacturer. That's why there is such a thing as a Chinarello. Pinnies are one of the most knocked off versions around. Whilst the enthusiast may tell the difference, just as can be seen between the SWorks and the Spech versions, they're 90% the same bike.

If I had the spare centimes I would go a Colnago Master http://colnago.com/master-2/?lang=en" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ... that would put a smile on my face.

That Colnago Master looks sweeeeet.

Yep, I agree on both points. Would never buy from Aliexpress and that Steel Colnago is beautiful.

[reflex101]

No, but I have enjoyed the odd push from one of my buddies who rides a Stealth Fighter. 6kW of direct drive goodness.

What's a stealth fighter? Sounds like I want / need one

[lobstermash]

He's got an older one that's been modified (current ones are a wimpy 3.5-4.5kW), but here's the webpage: http://www.stealthelectricbikes.com.au/bikes.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. We always know we're in for a hard day in the (unpowered) saddle when he plans mtb rides...

[reflex101]

He's got an older one that's been modified (current ones are a wimpy 3.5-4.5kW), but here's the webpage: http://www.stealthelectricbikes.com.au/bikes.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. We always know we're in for a hard day in the (unpowered) saddle when he plans mtb rides...

They look like fun.

[rodneycc]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Aliexpress become as big as Ebay/Paypal in a few years time. Alibaba is a massive company in the East and with China's growth story its becoming a massive force moving in on the west. Also with the Alibaba Share IPO coming to Wall Street and being listed there its just the start I feel. Interesting times ahead.

Ps: they need to sort out their international Alipay system though. I can't seem to work that bit out but when they sort it out and you can simply pay from your bank account in $AUD similar to Paypal. Look out - its going to be massive!

Edit: BTW its actually fairly easy to spot the replicas if you know what you are looking at and you know the original really well..

[lobstermash]

He's got an older one that's been modified (current ones are a wimpy 3.5-4.5kW), but here's the webpage: http://www.stealthelectricbikes.com.au/bikes.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. We always know we're in for a hard day in the (unpowered) saddle when he plans mtb rides...

They look like fun.

Fun's one word for it. You gotta be real careful with the throttle with the amount of torque they put out. They're essentially trail bikes without the annoying noises spoiling the serenity. My mate mainly uses his to commute through a bushland corridor, but also explore some of the amazing bushland surrounding Canberra. We tease him about riding a motorbike, but his bike handling skills are amazing...

Re Aliexpress/Alibaba, they're a template for a modern, globalised economy in a way that ebay will never be. They're paving the way for more businesses to take up the direct supply business model, which is bound to be the business model of the future for most consumer products. Personally, I'm looking forward to taking delivery of my custom painted Dengfu FM011 in the next couple of weeks.

[rodneycc]

And me, delivery of my Light Bicycle 45mm U clincher wheel I learnt a lot about wheels from them that I didn't know and they were great to deal with. So polite. (Light Bicycle even apologized for the $AUD going down the gurgler!)

[singlespeedscott]

Fun's one word for it. You gotta be real careful with the throttle with the amount of torque they put out. They're essentially trail bikes without the annoying noises spoiling the serenity. My mate mainly uses his to commute through a bushland corridor, but also explore some of the amazing bushland surrounding Canberra. We tease him about riding a motorbike, but his bike handling skills are amazing...

E-bikes have no place on mtb or multiuse trails. They are essentially electric motorbikes and as such should be only ridden in places that motorbikes are permitted.

[DTdotcom]

What about one of those custom made Legend Queen's. A bit like the Baum's.

http://cyclingtips.com.au/2012/10/bikes ... ch-legend/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Easily the best bike I've ridden, their full carbon range is also unbelievable.

[rodneycc]

What about one of those custom made Legend Queen's. A bit like the Baum's.

http://cyclingtips.com.au/2012/10/bikes ... ch-legend/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Easily the best bike I've ridden, their full carbon range is also unbelievable.

Any idea how much they are Dimma?

[DTdotcom]

Depends on the build, there won't be much change out of 10K for frame only.
If anyone wants any further info on the bike or brand let me know.

[singlespeedscott]

Depends on the build, there won't be much change out of 10K for frame only.
If anyone wants any further info on the bike or brand let me know.

10k for the frame alone

What drugs are they on? Nice frames but I do not see $10000 worth of materials or construction.

[Dai]

Depends on the build, there won't be much change out of 10K for frame only.
If anyone wants any further info on the bike or brand let me know.

10k for that frame? It better be hand-drawn by naked goddesses from the Isle of Lesbos for that kind of coin.

Those winged bidon-cages on the other hand are the best thing I've ever seen on a bike. How can I get some???

[DTdotcom]

Depends on the build, there won't be much change out of 10K for frame only.
If anyone wants any further info on the bike or brand let me know.

10k for the frame alone

What drugs are they on? Nice frames but I do not see $10000 worth of materials or construction.

SSS not for everyone that's for sure, this is their flagship model. The hand smoothed welds must cost heaps but.
I'm sure you've seen the quality in the other pics on my Strava feed, the lightweights are engraved etc.

This is a HT 5.7 handmade full custom carbon, which is under the 10k total build.

[DTdotcom]

Depends on the build, there won't be much change out of 10K for frame only.
If anyone wants any further info on the bike or brand let me know.

10k for that frame? It better be hand-drawn by naked goddesses from the Isle of Lesbos for that kind of coin.

Those winged bidon-cages on the other hand are the best thing I've ever seen on a bike. How can I get some???

They come free with a frame.

[reflex101]

Depends on the build, there won't be much change out of 10K for frame only.
If anyone wants any further info on the bike or brand let me know.

Not my cup of tea but a nice bike none the less...

[Dai]

Those winged bidon-cages on the other hand are the best thing I've ever seen on a bike. How can I get some???

They come free with a frame.

Great idea!

You're so busy thinking "Wow, I just got me some sweet cages!" you don't realise you have accidentally dropped 10k on a frame.

[reflex101]

Hi all,

After all the input and advice that you guys kindly offered I thought I should come back and give this thread some closure.

I just pulled the trigger on a Pinarello F8 with Dura ace mechanical and a set of Fulcrum Zero racing wheels.

I tried every which way to get a Specialized Tarmac in my size and preferred colour scheme and it was not to be. I did look at the Cervelo R5 and considered going back to Orbea but once I laid eyes on the F8 it was the one.

Should get it next week sometime so I will do a mugs review once I have put a few 100 kilometers on it.