Can't decide between two bikes I love!

[AZchick]

Making the move to road bikes from hardtail... I've done a lot of research and have seen a lot of bikes. I'm down to two... Giant Avail1 and Specialized Dolce Sport... both in my $1000 or so price range. Both bike shops offer good service and fit plans, although the Specialized dealer throws in a bit more. The main difference is Sora groupset on the Dolce or 105-5700 on the Giant.
Should the components be enough to make my mind up??? I'm not sure what else to look for to help me decide!!!!!

[Cataboo]

Get the 105 level bike, assuming it fits just as well as the specialized. That is way better than sora.

[nscrbug]

I agree on going with the bike outfitted with the 105 components...if it fits. It's a solid and durable group for the price range. And...I believe Giant offers a lifetime warranty, too.

[AZchick]

Sweet! Thanks to you both!

[Owlie]

Assuming the fit's close, get the Giant.

[Roadtrip]

+1 on the 105. Silky smooth. I rode the Dolce Sport and love it, but didn't fall in love with the Sora, I'm looking at 2010 or even 2009 models so I can get the Ruby.

In order to get the 105 components on the Dolce you have to go all the way up to the Comp at nearly double the price.

Shannon

[Cataboo]

If you get the sora, most likely you will be upgrading the components in a year or so.

[AZchick]

I was really kind of disappointed in the choices in the Dolce line... I really wanted to go Specialized. The BD is less than 2 miles from my house... I'm there a lot (clinics, accessories, advice, etc) but seeing the Sora on the Dolce Sport... then the next step up is the funky SRAM on the Elite. Love Specialized and that shop, but I'm going back to ride the Avail 1 again.... just seems to have the edge. Plus the guy didn't patronize me as a woman buyer. He recognized I had done my homework.

[pinsonp2]

Don't forget to buy the one that 'speaks to you' and makes you smile!!!

P2

[AZchick]

don't forget to buy the one that 'speaks to you' and makes you smile!!!

P2

oh yeah!!!

[oz rider]

Which one feels right? If it's the Sora and you really want 105 (or SRAM), will they swap it out? Sometimes they will, especially if it helps get rid of a colour or size that's not moving. And I like the guy who doesn't patronise, which helps when it comes to your warranty servicing. Maybe worth checking the warranties too; Spec has a pretty good warranty here. But feel beats it all.

[AZchick]

Which one feels right? If it's the Sora and you really want 105 (or SRAM), will they swap it out? Sometimes they will, especially if it helps get rid of a colour or size that's not moving. And I like the guy who doesn't patronise, which helps when it comes to your warranty servicing. Maybe worth checking the warranties too; Spec has a pretty good warranty here. But feel beats it all.

More to think about...Didn't think about comparing warranties..... thanks oz rider

[Jo-n-NY]

The Sram Apex is equivilant to the 105 (from what I have been told). I have the Dolce Elite with the Sram and a Ruby Pro with DureAce & Ultegra. After using the Sram (got after the Ruby) I did't find the change to be a big deal at all. You are dealing with one lever instead of 2 on each side.

As others said, I would go with feel more than anything as components can be changed, not much you can change with the frame. For me I also tried the Giant Avail and I felt on top of the bike where on both my Specialized I felt as part of the bike if that makes any sense.

[AZchick]

Thanks Jo..... it's a dilemma, but a nice one to be in!!!! I am going to try both on back to back same day visits to the shops this next week... instead of on different days, to get a better idea. Thanks for your advice!

[AZchick]

The Sram Apex is equivilant to the 105 (from what I have been told). I have the Dolce Elite with the Sram and a Ruby Pro with DureAce & Ultegra. After using the Sram (got after the Ruby) I did't find the change to be a big deal at all. You are dealing with one lever instead of 2 on each side.

As others said, I would go with feel more than anything as components can be changed, not much you can change with the frame. For me I also tried the Giant Avail and I felt on top of the bike where on both my Specialized I felt as part of the bike if that makes any sense.

I decided to upgrade my choices and go with the Dolce Elite Apex. It gets delivered to my LBS tomorrow!! I'm pumped!!