HELP bike decision :)

[rn2binca]

Hello.

I've been searching high and low for a used Specialized Dolce Elite. I rode it and loved it. I've ridden several other bikes and they just don't feel as great. Anyhow my patience is wearing thin on finding a used one and decided to finally buy new. I went to the bike shop thinking it closed at 7pm last night and it closed at 6:30.

So this morning I wake up and find a used Specialized Sequioa Expert, my size local for about 700. I looked at the frame size and it's very close. So I decided for 500 savings I am going to get the sequioa, then I found a dolce sport, used also for 900.

Now I can't decide!!! The Sequioa has mainly shimano 105 and I've read problems with the spokes. The Dolce sport has shimano 105 except the front derrailer is tiagra. Then the Dolce Elite has shimano 105 with a rear derrailer that is ultegra.

So which is a better buy, they all fit and are my size.
Sequoia Expert @ $700.
Dolce Sport @ $900.
Dolce Elite @ 1200- or so new.

HELP please . I've been looking for so long for just he right bike now I want it so I can ride it.

Thank you Ladies!
Tracy

[traveller_62]

The fit of the frame is the most important thing. Components can be replaced/upgraded over time.

How much time did you spend on each of the bikes you are thinking of buying? Did the bike shop folks take the time to do even a cursory fit for you? I really do understand the excitement of wanting to buy that new rig but if you really take the time now to ride each of the possible bikes on routes that you normally ride you will be much happier in the long run!

I think to really answer your question you have to think about what kind of riding you do and what your personal "limiters" are. For example, will having components that shave a few ounces off the weight of the bike be important given the kind of rider you are and the kind of riding you do?

So first be sure the frame is really the right fit for you and spend lots of time test riding. If you are newish to road bikes the components on each of the bikes you describe are fine. I'm not sure how much difference you would actually notice in getting more expensive stuff.

The wheels are something else though. A good set of wheels can add $$ to the cost of the bike and also make a lot of difference to weight and performance. What wheels are on these various frames you've tried?

Finally, there was a post on this site not long ago about someone who bought a new bike and then realized that her toe overlapped the front tire when she made tight turns at low speeds. Be sure you check for this on all of the bikes you've tried. It is not uncommon for there to be toe overlap (I have it on my bike) but if you are new to road biking it can be worrisome.

Good luck and whatever you buy have a terrific time on the road!

t62

[rn2binca]

Thanks t62!

I have ridden prob 10 bikes or so and I know the 48 inch dolce is perfect for me. I have had the bike shops do the cursery fit for me. The sequioa is a 47 inch mens frame and the reach is within what I felt comfortable on other bikes.

I rode a fantastic Giant TCR 2 which was all carbon, too big, but nice ride and too expensive.

I also rode a Fuji Provence which was fine but the feel of the dolce was better. Also I rode a Lemond Reno, much better price but the shifting was "clunky" to me.

I didnt think about the wheelset so thanks for that... what is a good wheelset?
Dolce elite - Alex alx295 rims, tires are specialized all condition pro 700
Dolce sport has same as elite.
sequoia - rolf design alx 300 rims with specialized new turbo pro tires.
Does that help?

Also the dolces have carbon fork and seat post and the sequoia has carbon fork and alloy seatpost.

Thank you!
Tracy

[Rakekay]

I know next-to-nothing about different kind of bikes as I've only been riding for about two months. What I do know, however, is that I've already had to replace the wheel (just rear) on my Specialized Sequoia because the spokes kept breaking. If you're a small woman, this probably won't be a problem for you, but at my larger size I found they just weren't sturdy enough for me.

[rn2binca]

does short = small? lol if not i'm not a small woman. I am very glad to hear everything about the sequoia good and bad. I think I am going to go with the Dolce Sport. It is close to what I originally wanted which was the dolce elite. Not much difference between the two.

Thank you!

[JmcG]

rn2binca,
I currently ride a dolce elite (2004) and have loved it. I'm waiting on my pre-ordered Specialized Ruby to come in. I decided that it was time to upgrade. I've put about 4000 miles on the bike and have had it since last May. It's been a great bike. When I first bought it, I had some problems with the chain always falling off - I think since it was a triple crank, with a tiagra front derailleur, that was giving me problems. So my LBS pulled off the triple crank, and installed a double crank for me, and it solved my problems with that issue.

As for the wheels I just recently bought a new front wheel (I crashed into a railing on a bridge when I was crossing the Potomac - I was looking out over the water and not paying attention to where I was going - luckily I didn't fall or hurt myself - I recovered quickly - but it did put a dent in my front wheel that became annoying when using the front brakes). The rear wheel is still original. The specialized all condition pro tires lasted me for about 3000 miles when I decided it was time to get new ones (not that they were too bad but I also wanted the light blue michelin pro race tires) and I use the old ones for the trainer.

So all in all - it's been a wonderful bike - it fits me so well and that's a reason why I'm sticking with specialized for my next bike. Oh, for the wheels being 700 cc - I really like that too about the specialized women's bikes - it makes it a lot easier to find tubes and tires - and to find them on sale. My tri bike has 650 wheels and it's a hassle! And too, if you're riding with guys (like me) - they all have 700 cc wheels on their bikes, so if you get a flat and for some reason don't have an extra tube, you know somebody you're with will have the same size tube that you need.

Good luck in your decision - I haven't decided if I'm going to sell my Dolce or keep her for a winter riding bike. She's a 44cm, so unfortunately not your size......
Let us know what you decide on!
-j

[caligurl]

along with sitting on the bike for fit... look at the actual measurements.. make sure that top tube is the same for the sequois and dolce...

i, too ride a dolce (2004 elite... so i have ultegra as the majority of my components.. i don't know why they stopped making then... dolce's with ultegra.. but i digress)

i would recommend getting... in addition to the bike that fits best.. the one that you LOVE... if you love it you will ride it more! if you are "settling" with the sequoia.. then don't get it... cuz even if you are happy with the bike.. you won't be truly "happy"....

[rn2binca]

Great Advice about buying a bike I LOVE. I have so much stress going on right now, I'm a 3rd semester nursing student, three school age kids all in soccer and a husband that works graveyards. Whew I need something that is just for me.

I am considering "settling" with the dolce sport. A little step down from the elite and I can upgrade a few things later, plus I can buy it used saving a bunch of money.

I just want to RIDE away into the sunset a few days a week. I need freedom from my responsibilities (in a way I wont get in trouble with <gg>).

Thanks for all the help. I will be on the boards much more as soon as I get peddling.

Tracy