Bianchi Eros Donna/Veloce or Giant TCR 3?

[roguedog]

Regina,

Well.. I've test ridden many bikes in the last month or so. Anyone else find it hard to find bikes in your size? Seems like I've been all over the Bay Area just to find bikes to try...

Anyway.. well, after I test rode both bikes side by side, the LBS said that the (Eros owners cover your eyes) that Eros' frame wasn't really worth upgrading cuz it's a mid-end steel frame. He'd rather I put the money into a nicer frame, the Giant TCR C3, because the frame itself one I can grow into more..

So.. I walked away with more to think about. After some thought, I was leaning towards the Giant. After the test ride I found the 2 bikes pretty close. Just some minute differences.

Today I called a shop for pricing on the TCR C3 and they have a Vigorelli (05) at around the same price in my size. I didn't even ask about a Bianchi.. they brought it up.

Ugh...

Does anyone have any insight or advice? I will probably try to go take a ride on the Vigorelli this weekend and see how it feels next to the Giant.

<begin rant> (Giant owners cover your eyes) I do have to say.. what is UP with the Giant paint jobs.. though the Bianchi paint jobs aren't much better. Except for the Eros Donna the other piant jobs look dated or just gaudy or something. How much is it for a customer paint job?? Somebody get a woman on the design team, please!! And what is up with Trek and their pink wsd? <roll eyes> I know some women like the pink thing.. but I don't really want a Barbie bike (not that I EVER would be mistaken for Barbie) but at least give a choice of other colors if you're offering pink <end rant>