I am tempted to buy a new road bike!

[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.

[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.

[Bluetree]

People will think I'm some kind of nut who needs to have all matching bikes.

No, K, we would NEVER think you're some kind of nut


Step away! Step away from the bike!!

[bcipam]

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.



Ah.... decisions!

I know there's has been lots of discussion about this but there is a big difference between 105's and Ultegra. Now if you were debating between Dura Ace and Ultegra I would say get the Ultegra it's a very good groupo and will save you money but if you have the opportunity to get Ultegra over 105 I would do that. 105's are not as smooth shifting as Ultegra. They don't "trim" as well. $1600 for a bike with 105's sounds expensive to me even though there's a carbon frame. The other bike sounds like the better deal.

Bottom line just makes sure it fits no matter what.

[mimitabby]

No, K, we would NEVER think you're some kind of nut


Step away! Step away from the bike!!

except for the same kind of nut that most of us are...

[KSH]

I know there's has been lots of discussion about this but there is a big difference between 105's and Ultegra. Now if you were debating between Dura Ace and Ultegra I would say get the Ultegra it's a very good groupo and will save you money but if you have the opportunity to get Ultegra over 105 I would do that. 105's are not as smooth shifting as Ultegra. They don't "trim" as well. $1600 for a bike with 105's sounds expensive to me even though there's a carbon frame. The other bike sounds like the better deal.

Bottom line just makes sure it fits no matter what.

Well the bike I *heart*... the Specialized Tarmac Expert... has all Ultegra compoments, and that is with a carbon frame. It runs $2200 on sale. OUCH.

[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.

[KSH]

Radio host Dave Ramsey would be so proud.

Well, I get my review on 12-28-06! Then I found out how much my raise is!

On the upside... it will get back dated to 11-28-06... so I will get a "bonus" of sorts on my paycheck where the raise shows up.

Now, I can only hope to get enough of a raise so I can pay $200 a month to pay off the bike in one year. Doubtful... as raises are NEVER that big... but a gal can dream.