Help me decide!

[KikyoMerc]

Hello, my name is Nate and I am new to these forums, and to the world of road cycling. I am looking into getting my first multi gear road bike (I built a fixxy last year) and have narrowed it down to 2 bikes, for the most part. I will be mostly using it for training and hopefully criterium races. The 2 I have it narrowed down to are Jamis Ventura Comp ( http://jamisbikes.com/bikes/05_venturacomp.html ) and the Raleigh Supercourse ( http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp...itemid=234&va=0 ). I am looking for some more experienced (than myself) cyclists opinions.
Thanks,
Kikyo

 

[JTE83]

How much do these two bikes cost? If I was a beginner road biker and was getting my first road bike I'd get a Giant TCR Composite 2 or OCR Composite 2.

 

[friedmikey]

I don't know much about the new crop of Raleighs, but I think the Jamis bikes are a good value. My friend just bought an '04 Comet and she loves it. I do know that many of the '05 Jamis models are backordered, so I'd check with your LBS first to see if they have it before you set your heart on it. Have you taken the two bikes you're considering out for a test ride? Which feels better?

 

[KikyoMerc]

Both are about 1100, I know I can get a Jamis, so that is not in the equation.