Road Bike advice

Hi I am in between 2007 Scott Contessa Speester($1099) vs. 2008 Giant OCR 1 W ($1100) & 2008 Specialized Dolce Elite ($1214).

After researching and reading countless review, it seems that the scott contessa had better parts. The counterpart Giant OCR1 W is pretty comperable. They all ride equally well for me.

I tried Trek 1.2. It is worse than my Giant FCR 3. Scott is quiet reponsive and it has shimano 105 on it.

Any suggestions? I am tired of looking at bike. I a newbie and doesn't have much experience. I have been riding my bike to work and take spinning classes. THe last several weeks I am avg about 100 miles a week. I am planning to continue cycling. I just need a start up bike that i can use for 1-2 years.

Thanks,

It's a bit bizarre the Specialized has a bunch of Tiagra coponents at the higher price, that rules it out for me. The others have more 105 parts at a lower price.

FSA Gossamer on the Giant may be the better crankset. At any rate it is worth more/costs more as a separate part...

The Scott has an alu seatpost, the Giant carbon (they call it composite - pretty sure that means carbon fiber? check with your LBS...) - better dampening. YMMV.

Tektro vs. Scott OEM Brakes- who knows. how do they feel?

Which one is lighter? I almost think I'd go for the Giant. Except if it is a pound or two heavier.

I'm a big fan of Scott bikes since my DH got one. In my opinion they are more stylish and better made than the Giants, Treks, and Specializeds I've seen. Hard to put my finger on exactly why, but they just inspire more confidence in me somehow. Plus that bike you are looking at is beautiful. My opinion: go for the Scott.

Which fits you best?

The Scott & Giant have the best components, with the Scott upgraded to Ultegra shifters and the Giant having the shorter-reach shifters. The Specialized has carbon seat stays, which are supposed to help with ride quality, but has lesser-quality 9-speed components. I've personally never ridden an alu bike with carbon seat stays, so I have no idea if they work.

If you can't feel a difference, I'd probably go for the Scott because of the substantially better components and it's prettier than the Giant.

This is assuming, of course, they're all equally nice to ride.

I've tried the Giant and the Specialized. They both fit me really well, but I found that I didn't like the way the Specialized shifted. The Giant was much smoother and easier for me. The Specialized was a prettier bike, but that doesn't matter much to me. I haven't tried a Scott. I ended up getting the Giant OCR 1W. I'm happy with it so far even though its not a fast road bike. I am an endurance cyclist. Make sure you try them all out and make your final decision after that.

Tell us all which you pick.

Okay guys after all your post, I ended buying 2008 Jamis ventura Race 48. It maneuver very well. I got all the component I wanted (carbon seat post and 105 shimano) ~1100. Love the color, love the way it rides. I am quite happy. You can get it online for $999. I am going to pick it up tomorrow and see how it goes. Will post. But thanks for all the post.

it might be 'cheaper' online - but MUCH better buying from a LBS - the servicing, tune ups and proper fitting is worth well more than the difference in $, imho

enjoy your bike. post photos.

batsheva

Jamis are great bikes. I hope you like it.

+1 on buying from a local bike shop. You get service, for one, which is definitely worth the difference in price, if the shop is a good one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kirra77

Okay guys after all your post, I ended buying 2008 Jamis ventura Race 48. It maneuver very well. I got all the component I wanted (carbon seat post and 105 shimano) ~1100. Love the color, love the way it rides. I am quite happy. You can get it online for $999. I am going to pick it up tomorrow and see how it goes. Will post. But thanks for all the post.

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I didn't even know you could find a bike spec'd so well for that price. Nice find!

I am so stoked to pick up my new bike today. I took it out for a test drive ~ 10 MILES and it performed so well. i FEEL LIKE I WAS FLYING. If you are a small girl (5'0" to 5'3") with small hand, this bike is for you. My LBS fitted me and even offer for me to come on thursday for a ride.

It is worth it to pay more money to get the services from the bike shop.

ENJOY the beauty. I'll post again how I feel on long rides.

Kirra, she looks like a sleek beauty. Have many sweet miles with her.