SeanKimStyle said:
Hello, I am looking to buy a road bike since I've been riding my moutain bike over 800 miles in 3 months. I am getting into Triathalon, and doing a long ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles in September. I honestly don't want to spend more than $1200. But if I have to spend over $1200 I will buy Giant TCR Composite series, but I really would like to keep my budget below $1200. Keep in mind I don't know much of road bikes, so u can definetly recommand me other bikes.
Also would i feel the difference in between full carbon(giant composite one) and the Aluminum/carbon?
These are 3 bikes I am looking at this point.
Trek 1500 $1149
http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=1442000&f=4
Giant TCR 2 Sport $1249
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?model=11258
Fezzari Catania $889
http://fezzari.com/catania.htm (I would love to get this one, but never heard of the company before, but Customer Service guys were very helpful, which made me want to buy it)
A few things ... and, these are JUST
my opinions ... but, others will undoubtedly chime in with their opinions, now ...
I'm in the camp that thinks the components (wheels, first; drivetrain, second) are more important than the frame (BUT, the frame's geometry AND "fit" are important!).
Because it's
AFTER the prime selliing time (usually February through May by my reckoning), the shop(s) should be offering you the bikes for a discount of about 20% off the MSRP, or more.
Consequently, I would opt for the Fezzari Catania if they sell it to you for LESS THAN $700, before tax ...
The Giant costs more because it has a
10-speed components vs.
9-speed AND more sizes. A compact crank is a good thing, BUT you will be well served by having a TRIPLE (if it is properly adjusted) on your trip between the Bay area & LA.
The money ($300+) you save by choosing the Fezzari can go toward better wheels OR other upgrades in the future ... OR, a future frame/bike.
Because I am a Campy user, I would recommend that at some point you just get a pair of Campagnolo ERGO shifters and put them on your Fezzari (yes, you can mix-and-match the Campagnolo shifters with 9-speed Shimano deraileurs + cassette). You'll probably be able to sell your 9-speed 105 shifters for more than it will cost to buy the Campagnolo ERGO shifters UNLESS Landis (or, another Campy rider) wins the Tour de France ... then, EVERYONE will probably want Campagnolo on their bikes, too!
I don't know how tall you are, but I think that you will probably want a SMALL frame instead of a MEDIUM, or possibly a MEDIUM instead of a LARGE ...
don't go by the general sizing recommendation.
FWIW. I'm 5'9" and I would
probably get the
SMALL frame because of the top tube length (most of my bikes are 52cm c-c with ~54cm top tubes ... either a 110mm-or-120mm stem depending on the bend of the handlebars) and (personally/probably) install a 120mm (or, 130mm) stem. BASED on the recommended frame sizing, I would be walking out of the LBS with a LARGE! I might personally consider the MEDIUM, but would be sure to get a 90mm (the length I had on my
vintage 57cm frame) or 100mm stem.
