Specialized SWorks vs. Specialized Comp Force Compact

[apolizzi]

Hi ladies. I am new to this website and love it already! Quick question. I am deciding between two Specialized road bikes. The S Works (which is their top of the line for womens) is normally $8,000 but marked 40% down (2012 model) to $4,800. They also have the 2013 Comp Force Compact, normally $3000, priced down to $2700. Both fit great, and they explained the price difference (the SWorks has top of the line component parts and the Compact has SRAM Rival and Force, I think middle of the line). I know the SWorks is a steal but it is still a $2000 price difference. I do triathlons and love to ride recreationally also, but the racing part of a bike is more important to me, but I don't know if there is justification for the $2000 price difference. Any opinions? If you have either bike, I would also appreciate your opinion. Thanks so much!

[apolizzi]

The SWorks has Shimano Dura-Ace for brakes as well as other components. They told me at the bike shop that these are higher end components. I have never used SRAM before?

[ColoG8r]

I would think the S-Works would have much better wheels. That alone may be worth the price difference!

[Owlie]

Force is about the equivalent of Ultegra. (I believe Red is the equivalent of Dura-Ace.) SRAM vs Shimano is sort of a personal preference.

[TigerMom]

The danger of asking TE members for advice....we'll probably always pick the bike that has the better components.

If you have the money, the 2012 S-Works sounds like an AWESOME deal! See if you can get a bike fit included with your bill.
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)

[ehirsch83]

The frames also have different carbon layup- the S-Works will be more responsive, stiffer and a little twitchier in handling.- you will see a greater power output but... on the flip side, if you aren't that strong yet it could be too stiff for you.

Also, where do you live? Do you need a compact? If you are racing Tri's- I'd assume you would be better off with a standard..