I am tempted to buy a new road bike!

[KSH]

More thoughts on the new bike:

I have decided that I am seriously going to consider the Specialized Roubaix (? spelling) too. It is a $1600 full carbon bike (2006 model/marked down), with Ultegra/105 mix. I read the reviews here on BT comparing the 105/Ultegra/Durace and it sounded like the only difference between the Ultegra and 105's was the weight.

And as silly as this sounds, I love the color of the Specialized, and for some reason I like the idea of buying that brand. The colors on the Giant, I don't really like so much. In the end, the bike I enjoy riding the most will win out, but if I like the colors too, that would be good.

I also need to reanalyze WHAT I am going to use this road bike for. I have focused on racing models, just so I would be faster. But I might need to focus on a comfort road bike that still goes fast. I won't race on my road bike.... I just want to keep up with the fast boys. Maybe a more comfortable road bike will do that too? I also want this road bike for distance... so comfortable would be good.

Ah.... decisions!

[mimitabby]

I fully support your need to have a bike of the right color.
What color is that?

[KSH]

I fully support your need to have a bike of the right color.
What color is that?

It looks similar to this... although this is not exactly the same bike.

http://www.real-retail.com/via/saish...works01_02.jpg

It's small, but here is the Giant:

http://www.factory-discountcycles.co...r_comp_2_s.JPG

[mimitabby]

ah, Black and red! That looks hot to me!
my husband is spending a small fortune on a custom bike, it will also
be black and red.

[Eden]

Can you ride each of them before you make your decision? I'm not sure about non-wsd Specialized as compared to Giant, but compared to Specialized wsd frames, Giants (even the wsd models) tend to have rather long top tube lengths for the frame size, so the same "size" bikes may feel very very different.

[KSH]

Can you ride each of them before you make your decision? I'm not sure about non-wsd Specialized as compared to Giant, but compared to Specialized wsd frames, Giants (even the wsd models) tend to have rather long top tube lengths for the frame size, so the same "size" bikes may feel very very different.

OH yes. I am going to test ride both of them tomorrow. We will see if either one wins out.

I haven't looked at WSD models, as they tend to be made for women who have long legs and short torso's. I am the opposite. I have short legs and a long torso.

[HappyAnika]

And as silly as this sounds, I love the color of the Specialized, and for some reason I like the idea of buying that brand. The colors on the Giant, I don't really like so much. In the end, the bike I enjoy riding the most will win out, but if I like the colors too, that would be good.

This sounds like exactly what I was saying when I bought my bike last spring. Although it was my first road bike, and you're way beyond that. I loved everything I read and heard and saw about the Specialized Dolce Elite (aluminum alloy), and I loved the color. Meanwhile the bike shop suggested I try the Trek, and I was hesitant because I didn't like the way it looked. I rode the Specialized and was very disappointed. Then I rode the Trek and knew it was the bike for me (and now I love the color and everything about it). I'm not trying to knock Specialized, 4 good friends have them and DH will likely buy one this year, it just wasn't for me. But you'll know it when you ride it.

Either way, it sounds like you're definitely leaning toward a new road bike!

[colby]

Ah.... decisions!

Well, if you're going to commit, you might as well look at all your options!

[KSH]

Well, if you're going to commit, you might as well look at all your options!

Well, I looked at my options...

I test rode the Giant. I wasn't in awe. It was nice, don't get my wrong, but didn't inspire me to spend $1800.

I test rode the Specialized Roubaix. It was nice... nicer than the Giant I thought, but I still wasn't WOW'ed.

Then... I test rode the Specialized Tarmac Elite . All carbon, all Ultegra, beautiful "custom" (Starts with a G?) paint job... and I was WOW'ed. LOVED IT. It rode like a dream and was really peppy and fast.

The price for that one? $2200 marked down from $2500. $400 over what I wanted to spend.

I loved it, but I decided that I need to see what my raise at work will be and IF I get any money back on my taxes, before making the decision to buy it. And if it's gone when I have the money, then so be it. It wasn't meant to be.

[mimitabby]

Well, I looked at my options...

I test rode the Giant. I wasn't in awe. It was nice, don't get my wrong, but didn't inspire me to spend $1800.

I test rode the Specialized Roubaix. It was nice... nicer than the Giant I thought, but I still wasn't WOW'ed.

Then... I test rode the Specialized Tarmac Elite . All carbon, all Ultegra, beautiful "custom" (Starts with a G?) paint job... and I was WOW'ed. LOVED IT. It rode like a dream and was really peppy and fast.

The price for that one? $2200 marked down from $2500. $400 over what I wanted to spend.

I loved it, but I decided that I need to see what my raise at work will be and IF I get any money back on my taxes, before making the decision to buy it. And if it's gone when I have the money, then so be it. It wasn't meant to be.

gee, you sound way too sensible. THe right bike will appear.

[Grog]

Good decision KSH.

And the longer you train on your older, heavier bike, the stronger you get!!

[Bikingmomof3]

KSH,
Very sensible and you are right, if the bike is meant to be, it will be there when the time is right.

[KSH]

Good decision KSH.

And the longer you train on your older, heavier bike, the stronger you get!!

HA! HA! HA!

Maybe that's why I'm so dang fast on Buttercup (tri bike) already?


Now, it's so odd... I can't find a SPECIALIZED TARMAC ELITE anywhere on the internet. I swear the frame said Elite... but I only see COMP on the internet. ODD????

[KSH]

OK... DUH!

It's a Tarmac EXPERT... not Elite. DUH!

I went and test road it again... and drooled on it some, but was able to walk away.

Yea, if I end up getting one in 2007, I risk it matching my Cervelo- with a black and yellow color scheme. People will think I'm some kind of nut who needs to have all matching bikes.

[Offthegrid]

I loved it, but I decided that I need to see what my raise at work will be and IF I get any money back on my taxes, before making the decision to buy it. And if it's gone when I have the money, then so be it. It wasn't meant to be.

Radio host Dave Ramsey would be so proud.