Don't let DH see this Post!

[Mimosa]

If you are worried about strength then I would suggest to take the Dolce instead of the Dolce Elite. The extra carbon back would only make it weaker. There is allways great discussion if a carbon rear really adds something to a bike. Sure it looks better (tmho) but it doesn't bring any extra. Some bike manufactures even stopped making those combined frames since they experienced problems with them. I wouldn't worry to much the strength of the frame if you take a classic frame (without to much carbon added). The gear components are more likely to give in first, the can be very fragile when exposed to more weight or strnegth then they were designed for.

About the wheels, if you want strong wheels then you should get some hand build, classic woven, 36 spoke wheels. If you got a good LBS then he can make them for you. Brands like Mavic have some good quality rims (CPX33 are really strong). Often factory build wheels have weight limits on them (even the expensive once), the rule is often that should think about getting normal spoked wheels starting at a weight of about 200 pounds.

Personally I prefer the lever for shifting, especially when you get cold fingers or wear thick gloves. I have read stories that the tiagra group is significantly better then the sora group, but I can't tell if that is true from personal experience.

[JmcG]

I have both a 2004 Dolce Elite and a 2006 Ruby Expert. I love both bikes, although I have to say I do love Ruby better. Dolce has now become my commuter bike. Dolce was my first road bike, and she was a really great first. None of the Dolces had carbon seat stays when I bought her, but I don't think you'll lose anything by getting a bike with the carbon seatstays. If anything, it'll be a smoother ride. In looking at Specialized's website, it looks as though both Dolce and Dolce Elite have the carbon seat stays. As for the Zertz inserts - they are only for vibration damping - and they have been engineered as to not make the fork or seat stays weaker. I have the Zertz inserts on both my carbon fork for Dolce and on my frame for Ruby. So don't worry!

If you're worried about being heavier on these frames, then I would advise you to look at both steel and titanium frames also, just as a frame of reference and for more understanding and knowledge. I know carbon frames aren't recommended for larger people, although I really haven't heard any real horror stories. But I would definitely look into the matter more if you're concerned. And for components - definitely don't settle for the cheapest (i.e. Sora) if you have the $$ to upgrade to a higher componentry set such as 105s or Ultegra. It will make a difference with wear and fatigue of the components along with your ride quality.

Good luck! Hope this helps. Let us know what you decide and if you have any other questions!

[Cari]

I have seen frames with weight restrictions... and actually one of them was an aluminum frame, which surprised me because I always associated weight restrictions with carbon fiber and with titanium.

Being over the weight limit will void the manufacturer's warranty in some cases. And more importantly, you want to be sure that you don't suffer a mishap with your equipment and possibly get hurt! So if you're not sure, check first with the manufacturer's website and call them if you're still in doubt. I've called Specialized's toll free number and they were pretty helpful.

Congrats for getting and staying on the bike, regardless of whether it's for fun, fitness, weight loss, or all of the above.

~Cari

[Triskeliongirl]

Most stock guys frames are built for a 170 lb rider. Often WSD frames are built for even lighter riders. I was talking to a rather heavy guy at our club Xmass party last night (maybe 250-300 lb), and he said he broke several frames before going custom. With custom steel, your framebuiler selects tubes to support your weight and give you the performance characteristics and geometry you want. Same for components, wheels, etc. I know a guy who I do not consider heavy at ~200 lb that broke several frames. You didn't say how heavy you are. If you are 170 or less you can probably ride any guys bikes, but I'm not sure the weight recommendations on the womens models. If you are heavier than that, you may be best off with steel, and the heavier you are the beefier the steel. If you are actively slimming down, then maybe DHs suggestion to wait a bit before buying your dream bike isn't a terrible one if you are having fun on what you have. You can make it a kind of reward, and use it to help you reach your goals (I've dealt with weight issues all my life, so while I understand you must have something that works for now, maybe what you now have is also best for now).

[Grog]

A friend of mine broke his Cannondale aluminum frame in the early season last year from just riding on it (no crash). He's about 190 lbs, usually more like 210 at the beginning of the season. Had always been careful in choosing wheels etc. but the frame was not thought to be an issue. The bike shop guys were amazed.

The 'autopsy' revealed that too little of his seat post remained into the frame, leading to a lot of stress on a short surface when he was riding. (You should see him riding too... it's like he's fighting a wild beast. But he's an amazingly strong rider.) He got a longer seat post (and a new frame, which was covered by the guarantee).