Specalized Dolce or Trek 1000???

[ukchick67]

I am getting back into riding after having a baby 3 1/2 months ago, and after also having a couple of painful wipeouts(!) I am looking into buying a new road bike (Dolce was recently stolen) and am looking at the Dolce again or the Trek 1000 WSD. My budget is around $700-$1000. What would you ladies recommend? I am 5' 8" tall but most of it is in the leg.

Thank you..

[KnottedYet]

Were you crazy-in-love with your Dolce? Are you crazy-in-love with the Trek?

I'm a big believer that the bike you fall in love with is the one you should have.

Get the bike that makes you giddy just to look at it, that rides like it was made for you, that you would cheefully put in your bedroom so you can gaze on it, that you would clean with a toothbrush and love every minute of it.

Yes, I sleep with my bike... :D :rolleyes:
(that's her in my avatar)

[spazzdog]

Hey... is bikerz gonna sell her Dolce when her SEVEN is "born"?

Could there be a TE adoption in the works?

Will Brittany shave her head again... whoops! Wrong headline.

spazz

[KnottedYet]

TE adoptions are a beautiful thing!:D
Knot-proud-adopter-of-Limewave's-Waterford

[MINIskirt]

I don't have any advice, but I just bought a 2007 Dolce last night! It's good to know that after owning a Dolce, you're considering buying another one. :)

[xmucane]

It is also a question of what you are going to do with it
Are you looking for a race bike or comfort.
Personally, I am looking for a nice bike that I can eventually race on. I have test ridden the following and here is my feedback on each:
Unfortunately I haven't been on either the trek 1000 or 1600 which are top on my list but retailers don't seem to be carrying them in the WSD models!
OK
Trek Pilot WSD 1.2 and 2.1
GORGEOUS bike, especially the 2.1 but it is a bit more expensive than what you were going for the 1.2 handled really well and was super comfy-
you should seriously test ride this bike before making your decision
Dolce and Dolce Comp
I found this bike to be a bit too upright comfort for my needs and it didn't handle as well as the trek. But most women rave about their Dolce
Canondale Synapse Feminine
Another great bike, very great handling but Pricey compared to the others bikes with comparable parts
Alright, that is my two cents, if anyone has ridden the 1000 or 1600 chime in

[ukchick67]

I did love my 2005 Dolce as she was a gorgeous purple color (my fav), but didn't really get chance to get to know her too well before I had my nasty wipe-outs....and then I got pregnant...and then it got stolen. For right now, I want to go riding along the Lakefront path in Chicago, and get some mileage under my belt. Long term I would like to start doing Tri's and races but maybe at that point I'll be looking to upgrade anyway.... My hubby has just bought a Trek 1500, after owning a Trek 1000 and I know how much he loves his :)

[lesliejo]

Boy, what a decision. I have both a Trek 1600 and a Specialized Ruby. I don't have a Dolce, but I do have a lower end Specialized for a winter bike. I love both my Trek and my Ruby.....but I tend to ride the Ruby more, so I would go for the Dolce WSD. Both great bikes. What about color??? Sometimes that can be a factor.
Good Luck!

[RolliePollie]

I just bought my Trek 1000 WSD in February and so far I am very happy with it. Of course, I don't really have anything to compare it with as this is my first road bike! But I give it a big thumbs up! I really have no complaints and I feel like it's performing quite well. I only have about 250 miles on it but so far, so good. I'm 5'6" and got the 51 frame...the fit seems to be good based on the fact that I'm not having any specific aches or pains.

The only change I've made is switching out the saddle. I didn't hate the stock seat but I wanted to try something else (I've ended up trying two different something elses!). Interestingly, my new Terry Butterfly saddle is very similar in dimensions to the stock Bontrager seat. (My new Terry Liberator X saddle is NOT similar in dimensions and I'll be selling that soon on ebay if anyone is interested!)

I test-rode a couple of Specialized bikes and I liked them a lot too. For me it came down to price (my Trek was on sale cuz it's a 2006) and the feel of the Trek. It just felt better and more comfortable to me. Plus I couldn't resist the pretty blue color of the Trek!

My friend rides a Trek Pilot 5.2 - full carbon with Ultegra components. He looked over my 1000 and even rode it around a little bit and said he was impressed with it for an entry level bike. I think Trek gives you a lot for your money even on the lower end bikes.

Good luck with your decision! :)

[spazzdog]

I still have my 1989 Trek 1000... she's made it through many a tuneup and no upgrades. However, she was my "east coast" bike. I don't think, as equipped in 1989 she's viable for much here on the west coast. She is destined to become a fixie someday. But, the frame has held up over the years despite my neglecting her for a long time.

In 2004 I bought a Specialized Allez Comp. I LOVE this bike! Until I win the LOTTO (or get big bucks for my "art"), this is the bike I'll ride.

Now, neither is WSD... I'm built like a boy and ride 53cm mens frames. Not sure if the "ride" changes on the WSD geometry.

spazz (whose dream bike was the Bianchi L'UNA white carbon, but will have to re-assess what's out there when I have the bucks to blow)

[East Hill]

I love my Dolce Elite. That's a bit over your price range, but I love the Dolce. The Trek WSD just didn't fit me as well.

Did I mention I LOVE the saddle that came with this bike? I have tried to get caligurl to part with hers, but it's a no go-she loves her saddle too much too!

East Hill

[KSH]

Were you crazy-in-love with your Dolce? Are you crazy-in-love with the Trek?

I'm a big believer that the bike you fall in love with is the one you should have.

Get the bike that makes you giddy just to look at it, that rides like it was made for you, that you would cheefully put in your bedroom so you can gaze on it, that you would clean with a toothbrush and love every minute of it.

Yes, I sleep with my bike... :D :rolleyes:
(that's her in my avatar)

DITTO what she said!

When I decided it was time to upgrade my road bike... I test rode around 3- 5 bikes. When I got on my Specialized Tarmac... I fell in love. I KNEW it was THE BIKE!

And my bike is in my bedroom, next to my bed (OK, so I have a small apartment and the tri bike is in the living room... but whatever!).

[bikerz]

Hey... is bikerz gonna sell her Dolce when her SEVEN is "born"?spazz

I might be selling it, but it's just a Sequoia Eleite - not a Dolce...