Your Thoughts...

What wheelsets on each? Minor components like stem, seatposts, saddles etc can be easily upgraded, but I'd personally want to be comfortable on the groupset and wheelset. Assuming all this is fairly even, based on what I know about these bikes and my own preferences, I'd go for:

1. Cannondale,
   
2. Specialized,
   
3. Scott
   

I really like C'Dale's, and I have friends who've had the Allez and loved it. The Scott is also good, especially that C1 fork!

As for waiting for the 06 models, one thing to consider is that when the 06 models are released, the 05 model prices will plummet, and you might find that you can actually afford the next level up, or an Ultegra setup, or better wheels etc. This is what I did 😄 . Re the 10spd, I rode the 10spd Ultegra group, straight after the 9spd version and the only difference I could feel was the gear change on the front derailleur (which was superb). I personally wouldn't wait for the 10spd, but I would consider buying an 05 model after the 06's come out.

Hope you get the info you need.

Those should all be good bikes. Ride them and find which one just feels the best. I also got into cycling to lose weight and you will but you have to enjoy riding the bike to stick with it. I'm 6'3" and was about 312 when I started back in June, now down to 285 and still dropping. My biggest problem has been with breaking spokes on the rear wheel. I went with a Raleigh SC40 with heavier 26" mountain bike wheels with 36 spokes but running 1.25" tires for the road. I got just over 500 miles out of the original spokes which started breaking almost every ride. They have been replaced with higher quality spokes by my LBS and have lasted longer and longer as my weight drops. Remember that most racing bikes are made for guys that weigh <170pounds, not horses like us. I'd just be concerned that the low spoke count wheels might not hold up well and make riding a chore. I'd be interested in hearing what solutions/problems other heavy riders have had.

Hope you have as much fun as I have getting back into cycling.

playswithtrains said:

Those should all be good bikes. Ride them and find which one just feels the best. I also got into cycling to lose weight and you will but you have to enjoy riding the bike to stick with it. I'm 6'3" and was about 312 when I started back in June, now down to 285 and still dropping. My biggest problem has been with breaking spokes on the rear wheel. I went with a Raleigh SC40 with heavier 26" mountain bike wheels with 36 spokes but running 1.25" tires for the road. I got just over 500 miles out of the original spokes which started breaking almost every ride. They have been replaced with higher quality spokes by my LBS and have lasted longer and longer as my weight drops. Remember that most racing bikes are made for guys that weigh <170pounds, not horses like us. I'd just be concerned that the low spoke count wheels might not hold up well and make riding a chore. I'd be interested in hearing what solutions/problems other heavy riders have had.

Hope you have as much fun as I have getting back into cycling.

Yes waiting for the 10spd 105 groupo its worth the wait. The shop I work at received a demo set to set up on a bike and try. Man oh man the 105 is sooooo much better than the older 9spd. The set as whole is much stronger.

But if you can get a good deal with the 9spd knowing that the 10spd is coming out, go with the older model. You'll save some money and can upgrade later.

Having the upgraded 10spd isnt necessary.

Walrus said:

What wheelsets on each? Minor components like stem, seatposts, saddles etc can be easily upgraded, but I'd personally want to be comfortable on the groupset and wheelset. Assuming all this is fairly even, based on what I know about these bikes and my own preferences, I'd go for:

1. Cannondale,
   
2. Specialized,
   
3. Scott
   

I really like C'Dale's, and I have friends who've had the Allez and loved it. The Scott is also good, especially that C1 fork!

As for waiting for the 06 models, one thing to consider is that when the 06 models are released, the 05 model prices will plummet, and you might find that you can actually afford the next level up, or an Ultegra setup, or better wheels etc. This is what I did 😄 . Re the 10spd, I rode the 10spd Ultegra group, straight after the 9spd version and the only difference I could feel was the gear change on the front derailleur (which was superb). I personally wouldn't wait for the 10spd, but I would consider buying an 05 model after the 06's come out.

Hope you get the info you need.

Thanks for The Scott has shimano R550 wheels, the Cannondale has the Mavic Aksium Race wheels, and the Specialized has the same, I think.

I must say, of the three I like the Cannondale and the Scott the best. I am worried with the traditional set-up that the Cannondale will end up with me leaning forward to much, though.

As for the 06 105's, I really wouldnt be doing it for the 10sp as much as the reported better build quality, especially the beefy bb and better brakes. But if I went with a bike that had ultegra grouping or even campy centaur, are they just lighter or better?

To add on top of these three, I found a new couple of bikes to ride next time I hit the LBS's. I was introduced to a Orbea Vitesse as well as a Bianchi (for got the model). My best friend has an orbea carbon frame but I know nothing of their aluminums. Any comments.

Thanks, again!