A friend of mine is on the verge of retiring at the normal type retirement age and considering buying a road bike. He'll probably buy something inexpensive and then regret it later.

Any suggestions for an entry level road bike? He'll probably go to El Camino Bike Shop in Encinitas.

Personally, I would pick Trek 2.1 or 2.3. At least you get a good entry level on some of the components with the 105 in it.

EDIT: Basing it off the website of El Camino and what they have there.

If you don't mind something used, I would, start hunting E-Bay. Between now and spring, there are good deals on some pretty sweet rigs, with Ultegra, or Force level stuff for right around a grand. I guess when it's -10 degrees outside, and 6' of snow that road bike isn't getting much play, and people sell'em cheep. If you have to have a new one, check around to as many shops as you can. The 2010's are getting blown out this time of year. They will be even cheeper after X-mas, but the the pick'ns will be slimer.

_________________
"Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and
feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to cycle and he will realize
fishing is stupid and boring."
--Desmond Tutu

If your friend wants used but good as new, I have a 58cm Specialized Tarmac Pro, '06 I believe, for sale. Full carbon and Dura Ace and in excellent condition (never been crashed). Paid $3500, will sell for $1600OBO

just saw some ellsworth scants on bonktown in size small and extra small. 16.7lb road bike for $1700. aluminum/carbon frame, rival group, shimano wheels. pretty good value if it fits. this isn't the sort of thing that sells out every time, so i'd watch the bonktown plugin or other deal tracker if this is something of interest to anyone.