I know this may seem like a silly question but stick with me
I'm on the proverbial fence betwixt high-end Al and entry CF. Namely Specialized Allez Comp vs. Tarmac SL2 Elite, as well as Giant TCR Comp vs. Defy 1. And yes I know the Giants are also comfort vs. racing geometries, but we'll ignore that for now. Anyway the price jump from the Al to the CF is $300-$400 in each case. Both brands offer the same components between the two, SRAM Apex for Specialized and new 105 for Giant. Naturally the CF frame will be lighter but LBS guys have said that all four will be 19-21 lbs as finished bikes. 2 lbs of weight savings just isn't enough on its own for me to be completely comfortable with the price jump. I don't know enough about the other components to intelligently compare. I also need a complete new rider equipment package (shoes, pedals, road kit, bottles etc), which could all be easily purchased with that same $300-$400. So what else would I be getting with the CF? Again, ignore geometry for now. I'm leaning more towars a race geometry but the Defy is still in the picture
I'm on the proverbial fence betwixt high-end Al and entry CF. Namely Specialized Allez Comp vs. Tarmac SL2 Elite, as well as Giant TCR Comp vs. Defy 1. And yes I know the Giants are also comfort vs. racing geometries, but we'll ignore that for now. Anyway the price jump from the Al to the CF is $300-$400 in each case. Both brands offer the same components between the two, SRAM Apex for Specialized and new 105 for Giant. Naturally the CF frame will be lighter but LBS guys have said that all four will be 19-21 lbs as finished bikes. 2 lbs of weight savings just isn't enough on its own for me to be completely comfortable with the price jump. I don't know enough about the other components to intelligently compare. I also need a complete new rider equipment package (shoes, pedals, road kit, bottles etc), which could all be easily purchased with that same $300-$400. So what else would I be getting with the CF? Again, ignore geometry for now. I'm leaning more towars a race geometry but the Defy is still in the picture