Specialized Dolce/Ruby or Felt ZW6?

I'm currently riding an old 2004/05 Giant OCR1 and it's too small (plus I want a pretty new bike.) I'm on a budget so I'm going to have to buy used. I know it all comes down to fit but I'd love to hear your opinion.
They all fit pretty well so at this point, so I'm stalking craigslist.

If I do a Dolce, it will be the top model with either 105 or Sram apex. If I do the Ruby, it will be the bottom model with Tiagra. The ZW6 also has tiagra.

I can't find any reviews about the Felt ZW6 so if you have any thoughts, please let me know!

Should I do the dolce (aluminum frame) with better components, or a carbon frame (ruby or ZW6 with crappy components?

I'm new to riding and doing about 20 miles a day. I have yet to do more than 30 but I am getting pretty serious about it.

THANKS!

I would go for the best frame material possible as components can be upgraded.

Also BTW the latest model of Tiagra is supposed to be very good (but I suspect the 2nd hand bike doesn't have that).

If I remember correctly the bottom end Ruby would have a 105/Tiagra mix on it, so in the future you could just upgrade those Tiagra parts...

Test out both frames. If you like the feel of the Ruby (it's less aggressive than the Dolce) or the Felt, get it and upgrade the components later. It's cheaper than buying a new bike.

I'd go with the better frame with Apex. I have Apex on my CX bike and love it...it's just as reliable-functioning as my bike with Rival--just heavier. And that bike gets used in less-than-ideal conditions...lots of sand and mud and clumsy shifting during CX races. You can always upgrade down the road, but will have a good set of components in the meantime.

So now I'm even more confused. I have gone to 3 bike stores. I'm between sizes and don't know who to trust.

The first shop measured my current bike which is a mens 48 (Giant small) and then put me on the trainer on a Specialized dolce womens 54. He said I was a specialized WSD 54.

The second shop I went to measured ME, and on the Felt, said I was a size TALL.

The third shop seemed the most knowledgeable, and he also put me on the trainer. He said I was a Felt Medium, not Tall like the second shop said. He said that I was a specialized wsd 51, not 54 like the first shop. He seemed to know the most but I'm just really confused.

According to the specialized and felt sizes, I'm right in between. I'm about 5'5'' or 5'6'' and that puts me in the in between range. Whats better, to be a little too big or a little too small?

I am similarly between sizes. I am a little taller than you 5'7", but have very short legs for a woman (but had a hard time with men's bikes which fit fine because my hands are child sizes and breaking was difficult). Shops had a similar problem fitting me. I rode a LOT of bikes in several sizes and had the seat adjusted a bunch of different ways until I settled on the right size. It was a giant pain and no one seemed to know what was exactly right. I did end up on a 54 bike.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Muirenn

Frame quality first, group quality second, wheel quality third. :) (Some people put wheels second, but they are easier to upgrade than a group, IMO).

Felt makes great bikes. Just make sure whatever bike you get fits.

And the sooner you upgrade the tires, the happier you will be. (Tires, not to be confused with the wheels. Easy to do when reading about it. At least for me). I suggest Continental Grand Prix 4000s. Wish I'd discovered those years ago. Handling is supurb. Makes riding so much better, and turning!

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I agree with Muirenn's priority assignment. And I second the recommendation for upgrading the stock tires as soon as possible! The stock tires that most manufacturers put on their bikes are usually low end (somewhat heavy, not all that resilient). I also endorse the Conti GP 4000S tires - they are quite puncture resistant, and very smooth riding.

Here is a suggestion- do your research and see if there is an independent fitter in the area or a fitter with a size cycle (it is a "bike" that is used for fitting, and it is adjusted to create the right fit for you).

You would be really well off to go pay for a fit on a size cycle first and then once you have your measurements, you can look for a frame that fits you.

I have read as a rule of thumb if you are truly between sizes to go with the smaller frame if possible. Reason being is that it is easier to change the stem to a longer one and retain good handling than the opposite, and a bike that is a little too large for you will be a bit harder to handle and heavier than the smaller frame size.

From what you say about your height, it sure sounds like the Felt Medium would fit you better than the Tall.

Good luck in your decision!

Hey All,

It looks like I might have to keep my bike for right now due to finances. However, after reading Muirenn's post about the saddle position, I'm a little worried mine isn't correct. The bike shop adjusted it with me on a trainer (not a fit, just a quick help) but is this bad?