decided on a bike!!

[abvnx]

ok, after a few long test rides (the giant ocr3, the trek 1000 and the specialized dolce) the docle just felt right.
question- is it easier/cheaper to up grade components from the entry level or just get the next one up with the better components?

thanks, everyone for all your input:)

[mimitabby]

it's probably easier and cheaper to just buy up a level. but it's better to buy the cheap bike if you're just going to buy the more expensive one in a few months...
parts and labor always cost more the second time around!
on the other hand, it keeps your LBS alive.

[DebW]

If you decide to buy the cheaper bike but think you want an upgrade of a few components, talk to the LBS about it when you buy. If you ask them to upgrade the parts before you take the bike home, you will pay only for the price difference between the stock and upgraded parts, because they can sell the stock parts as new. If you wait, you'll probably pay full price for the upgraded parts, plus labor.

[Velobambina]

I have a 2005 Dolce Elite and a 2005 Dolce Comp. The latter has more upgraded components. I would go for whichever Dolce has Shimano Ultegra, which is what is on my Elite. I found it more reliable/less temperamental than the Dura Ace in the Comp. Even though the Comp has more carbon in some of its features, the rides are comparable. Not sure what differences are in the '07 Dolces.

My Dolces are my "beater" bikes. They are work horses---I've ridden them in the worst weather, and they can take a licking and keep on going.

Since it's probably still an aluminum frame bike, I would just get reliable components. If you decide that you want to upgrade to a higher end components, you'll probably want to upgrade to a higher end frame. That's just been my experience, and it's good to keep in mind that I prefer a steel frame (and now that I have my Seven, a ti frame! LOL).

[abvnx]

heres the bike im getting: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=21994

thats the one i can afford for now.if i save for a few more weeks i can get the next one up. id like to get it soon, as biking will be my main form of transportation (for now, its the bus). plus i cant wait to get out there and start riding!

[uforgot]

Very nice! Which color did you choose? When do you pick it up and start riding?

[abvnx]

Very nice! Which color did you choose? When do you pick it up and start riding?

thanks! im not sure about a color yet. i was thinking black, or white. ill get her later this week

[michelem]

Velobamina,

Looks like you got a deal with the 2005 model. I just checked out abvnx's link and it looks like the Comp comes with 105 and the Elite comes with Tiagra. No Ultegra or Dura Ace for the Dolce's in 2007. :confused:

[Velobambina]

I got my Dolces the year before they introduced the Ruby. After that, I suppose they considered the Ruby their higher-end WSD model and went "cheap" on the Dolces! Hopefully, the price reflects the downgrade in components. Definitely, go for the Comp w/the 105.

[Jo-n-NY]

I had the 05 Dolce Comp and absolutely loved it as I have mentioned in other posts. This year I upgraded to the Ruby Pro (dh surpised me) mainly for the smoother ride that Carbon gives and the upgrade in all Dure Ace components makes for a real sweet riding bike. I have no issues at all with the gearing.

~ JoAnn