Don't let DH see this Post!
I think this is the place....
When I start looking seriously at road bikes, there are probably things to look for besides pretty paint. There's that lovely Dolce (specialized) down at the LBS yesterday, with the carbon fork/aluminum frame, and that makes sense, I think. It's got a "triple" which sounds like a very good thing for me, since I have enough trouble on hills without taking away that tiny gear up front! The brake lever system on the $800 version looked like a good thing for me, though the shifter system on the $1200 version looked like a better way to go. Bike guy said that the extra brake levers could be added to the nicer bike if I wanted them. Pedals -- gotta have my clipless pedals when I get around to doing this. Bike guy says that the frames are all mostly the same, that I wouldn't "gain" much by going up to the Ruby, really, so a Dolce would be cool. I AM just getting started after all. Don't need real fancy stuff yet. But I got thinking about wheels. Tires, spokes, that sort of thing.
Something about people having problems with things breaking, cuz maybe they're too heavy for the components struck home: I want to be sure I'm buying stuff that can handle me when I get to it, cuz at least for now, I'm a "clydesdale" (at least those monsters are beautiful horses!)
SO, the question is, I guess, are things I should take into consideration as a larger rider?
Karen in Boise, who's more and more tempted....
the extra brake levers are great
You can always add the extra brake levers (on flat part of handlebar) to any road bike you get, and it's about $35 installed. I've done it to both road bikes I've owned, and I love them.