Advice on bike upgrade

It looks like I'm moving towards upgrading from my entry-level 09 fuji finest 2.0 and would love some advice on my LBS options for women's road bikes.

I'm looking to spend around $1000, so I know I'm still looking at a relatively entry-level bike (but definitely an upgrade from what I have now). I'd hope for something lighter than the fuji, but know my budget won't allow for a full carbon bike either. I'm 5'2", so I'm looking for a x-small, small or 44 - which makes my options limited for trying out in the stores.

What I've seen so far in the area:
12 giant women's avail 2 (sale price $900)
12 specialized dolce sport triple (sale price ($1000)
12 cannondale women's synapse 7 triple (sale price $750)
2012 GT GTR Series 3.0 women's (sale price $800)
Scattante w-579 (sales price $900)

I know the best thing to do is to take all the bikes out for test rides, but since they're located at stores across Chicago-land, I'd love some advice to narrow down the list before I go track them down for test rides.

I ride 2-4 times a week on bike paths, 6-20 miles at a time usually, and am training for a sprint tri.

Granted, I've only compared a handful of the bikes you listed with your Fuji, but I have to admit that I'm not clear how any of them are "definitely an upgrade" from your current bike. Bit and pieces might be, but overall, they're a similar mix of Shimano Sora and Tiagra components and are all squarely within the entry level category. The only thing I'm not entirely sure of is whether Shimano has improved the quality of those component groups over the last couple of years. Short of that, I'll be honest that I think you would be better off continuing to save until you can better afford a bike that is not entry-level. Otherwise, I think you just won't see the return on your investment that you're looking for. Or keep your eye out for a good used bike, but I know that might be hard given the size you need.

If memory serves, you were frustrated with the fact that your bike wasn't staying well tuned. Have you tried a different mechanic? As some suggested in your other thread, it might be worth it to get a second opinion so to speak. Even if a new mechanic doesn't solve your issues, he or she might suggest that you change out a component or two for better performance. That might be a better interim solution than buying another entry level bike.

Certainly, others may disagree with my take on this. I'm largely going off spec lists and have no idea how any of these bikes actually ride or weigh. Maybe I'm undevaluing Shimano's current lower end groups.

I agree with Indy.

If anything I would attempt to sell your Fuji for $500 and save another $300 if possible and then upgrade to a low end carbon bike for $1800.

Or(this is what I would do)- I would take that 1k and upgrade to a carbon frameset and then have all of your components transferred over. Then with time I would upgrade your groupset and wheels.

Agreed with the above. I don't think that any of those are that different from what you have. Either save some money and then sell your Fuji and go for low-end carbon, save some more and get a nicer carbon bike, or you could do as Emily suggested and go for carbon frame and upgrade once parts wear out. However, I'd be more inclined to go for a complete bike, because you can't get nearly as good a deal on components as the manufacturer can.

It is true that the current iteration of Shimano Tiagra is surprisingly nice, though. But my guess is that most of those bike are Tiagra rear derailleur and maybe shifters and Sora everything else.

I add my voice to those who have suggested holding off and saving your money to get a non-entry level bike. It might take longer that way, but you wouldn't regret being able to get more bike for your money. It is possible you might be able to find something nicer from Craig's list - it does happen. I like Emily's alternate suggestion of using that money to get a new frame and moving your parts over, you would want to get an estimate from whatever LBS you choose on what they would charge to do the work.

The parts on her current bike aren't worth putting on a new frame IMO. They're low end and she 's already having a hard time keeping it in tune. Plus, a complete bike is almost always a better deal, especially when you consider the labor costs in stripping town the parts on one bike to build up another.

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Originally Posted by indysteel

The parts on her current bike aren't worth putting on a new frame IMO. They're low end and she 's already having a hard time keeping it in tune. Plus, a complete bike is almost always a better deal, especially when you consider the labor costs in stripping town the parts on one bike to build up another.

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True, I had forgotten that she was already having problems with her existing components. Since she wouldn't be purchasing the parts from the LBS there wouldn't be any discounted labor costs. Good point.

Your local dealers should be able to order a 2012 bike at a reduced cost once you decide on what you want. My favorite LBS publishes the leftovers available for Trek, Specialized and Giant with the discount price (sizes in red are local only). Here's the link http://www.jacksbikes.com/contents/e..._Bicycles.html. This will at least give you an idea of what you can get for the money with year end sales.

As for your list, my first road bike was a 2010 Dolce Sport Compact. It was a great start, but it was only a couple of months before I found a great deal on a 2009 Trek 2.1 WSD. Although only $50 more, it was so much nicer and it soon became my main road bike. The Dolce is a bit more temperamental with shifting, so it is idle most of the time. This is a way of saying, get what you really want, even if you have to wait.

Good Luck,
P2