Bianchi Eros Donna/Veloce or Giant TCR 3?

[xeney]

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..

Ugh, Roguedog, you got bad advice from that bike shop owner. At least, Bianchi doesn't agree with him. From this page:

The Eros has the same great Reynolds frame as the Veloce, Vigorelli and Imola, but with the more affordable 27-speed Campagnolo Mirage groupset.

So Bianchi certainly thinks it is a frame worthy of better components. The Vigorelli is the exact same frame. (And I am pretty sure that Sky Yaeger -- a woman! -- is still design director for Bianchi USA.)

I still say you should choose whichever one you like best, or keep looking. Maybe neither of these bikes is for you. But steel versus carbon fiber is just a preference thing; the idea that CF is a "better" material is kind of silly. It's better for some things, some people like it better. Lots of people prefer steel. Here's a counterpoint to bike shop guy's opinion.