It seem like the low end of the market has improved a lot. I saw a Giant OCR 2 compact with Tiagra for $899 ( a high price ) and a Giant Trinity Alliance 1 triathlon - half carbon half aluminum bike for $1699 today and I was impressed with what I saw. Last year's Scott Speedster S20 was nice too! Why, If I was a beginning roadie, the low end is so nice nowadays, while high end ultra zoot stuff is too expensive! Notice how many bikes skip the 105 brakes for cheaper alternatives (THAT STILL WORK OK). Modern Tiagra looks nice!
