Bike shopping

[CAL932]

I'm looking at a 2007 Specialized Dolce Comp Compact for 900..is that a good price?

Also, a 2010 Trek 1.5 for 1000 and 2010 Dolce Elite Compact for 1200 and Trek 2.1 Compact for 1250.
As far as these three go, i like the look of the Trek better, but the LBS that sells Specialized better.

I've been test riding them to try to get a feel for them and am about even as far as the 2010 bikes go.

I'm going back to try them again, but...Any thoughts or suggestions?

[Cataboo]

The 2007 dolce comp is spec'd with shimano 105 shifters & components. The 2010 dolce is tiagra components.

Shimano 105 components are higher end than tiagra - definitely get the 2007.

You can see if they'll come down on price since it is a 2007, but that is a pretty good deal for a new shimano 105 level road bike.

[CAL932]

The 2007 isn't new, but from someone on craigslist...she said no wrecks and <500 miles. I'm otherwise leaning towards the Treks.

[Cataboo]

Both the treks are tiagra level shifters - the dolce that is used has much better components for cheaper.

There are lots of people that buy tiagra and like it, and there are lots of people that buy tiagra and absolutely hate it because it can be persnickety shifting and it can take more adjustment. I don't know what type of person you are - if you're the type of person who gets a bike and is likely to want to start upgrading components, I'd say to get a bike with 105 level components minimum. Most people are fine with 105 or so level shifters because once you get shimano components at that level, the next higher up level of shifters (ultegra) don't necessarily actually shift any better, they're just lighter in weight.

That being said, $900 for a used 105 level road bike is possibly on the high end. If it helps, one of those sold on ebay recently for $800:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Specialized-Dolc...item1c10b14b20

Someone selling on ebay probably paid 10-15% of that in ebay fees.

So if you could get her down to $700-800 range for that specialized dolce that would be a much better deal.


Which bike felt better when you rode it? The specialized bikes have the zertz inserts which should dampen vibrations and possibly keep you more comfortable on longer rides - aluminum bikes, even with carbon fiber forks can be very harsh feeling especially if you have chip sealed roads around the area.

[moderncyclista]

I have some Tiagra on my Jamis and it is FINICKY. I desparately want to be rid of it. I can't decide what to do yet. May get something else - may upgrade. I can't decide right now. I'm giving it 6 months or so. Just to be fair to Jamis and for my personal well-being. I can't stand losing money - I thought I was saving money getting this bike - it hasn't worked out that way - componentry is important. Listen to Catriona, I say.

[CAL932]

Someone else got the 2007 Dolce. I've decided to step back...i'm going to see what a LBS a little farther from home (still only a few miles away) has available. They carry Cannondale, Jamis, and Bianchi, whereas the other 2 shops carry Trek or Specialized. And in the meantime just suffice with my old Murray i got when i turned 9.

[CAL932]

OK...went to a different bike shop and now i'm between:

2009 Bianchi Dama Bianca She Alu 105 Triple for 1250
and
2010 Specialized Dolce Comp Compact for 1650

Both have the 105 components.

Your thoughts would be much appreciated!

[Kubla]

FWIW, I have a 2009 Dolce Elite Compact and love it-Tiagra and all. Have had no trouble with the shifters. However, I am strictly a recreational rider; YMMV.

Does either of the candidates feel or fit better than the other? If price is not an issue, I would let that help guide my decision.