Trek or Specialized?

[ChillyWilly]

Sorry if I'm posting in the wrong place. I'm a newbie.

I'm completely overwhelmed with all the specs and bike shop talk about which bike to buy. I'm coming from riding a Trek 8000 MB with slicks on the street to puchasing a road bike so I can extend my current 32 miles to more and to participate in group rides where I won't be dropped.

I am torn between a Trek 2.3 or 2.1 (both 2010 and on sale) and the Specialized Dolce Apex (2011).

Would love to hear from someone who's ridden both or even just one or the other. This is SO hard to figure out. My brain is leaking geometry stats, specifications, prices, and shop talk.

[batsheva]

just test drive the different models and see which feels best and makes you want to get out and ride =) its not about the geometry or that stats, imho.. it's about what feels good to ride...

[Zen]

^yes

[schnitzle]

Riding is believing ;) See which one you like the most!

[pinsonp2]

I have a 2009 2.1 WSD and a 2010 Dolce Sport (not familiar with the Apex). Both are great bikes. The Trek has a bit more agressive geometry than the Specialized Dolce. From my experience, the Dolce was comfortable from day one. That was a surprise since it was my first road bike. It took a while and several adjustments to get the 2.1 just right. Also, I can tolerate the Specialized Lithia saddle, but had to change out the Trek Bontrager one pretty quickly. Definitely try before you buy.

Enjoy,
P2

[TrekTheKaty]

It should be love-on-the-first-ride. My DH stood around discussing stats with the LBS while I rode. At the third bike shop:

The LBS guy knew immediately I was happy--he pointed me towards a path off the parking lot. When I came back, I said, "I want this one!"

DH: What about blah, blah, blah, blah?

ME: "I WANT THIS ONE!"