Spring is here, bike sales appear to be rising

[Grog]

Hi Kano! This IS an exciting spring-y moment.

Just a word on the components:

I would speak against getting lower-end components now and upgrading later. In my experience, it's much more expensive to buy individual parts than to get the whole groupo when you get a new bike. And you want your riding experience to be satisfying, not frustrating.

I haven't personally have had to deal with Sora or Tiagra but what I've seen on the bikes of others has made me glad I haven't. They "work" but require a lot of adjustment and you never know if they will stay adjusted or when they will become misadjusted. Perhaps the owners of the bikes I've seen so equipped have just not been lucky. I also know that I'm very fussy about gearing: when I click it has to shift, period. (I ride hills a lot.) But I found even the brakes on Sora to be not-so-reliable in their adjustement.

If you can afford it, do get as much 105 as you can or even Ultegra.

Something you can perhaps more easily upgrade in the future is wheels.

And regarding your pedals: if you're used to clipless, then put them on right away. No doubt about that.

Enjoy!

[mimitabby]

both that Trek and that Dolce are sweet bikes!!
I've test ridden the Dolce and a lot of people here have that Trek.

How wonderful!

[KnottedYet]

I have low-end Shimano (Altus) on my commutermobile and mid-price Campagnolo (Athena) on my road bike. The difference in smooth/quick/accurate shifting is amazing!

That being said, I don't have issues with the cheaper components. They are just slower to shift and sometimes need a little babying. And the price was right.

If you can, ride similar bikes with different levels of components until you find the level that feels good and is within your budget.

I second the pedals: if you are used to them put them right on your new bike! Also if you have a saddle you love, put that right on the new bike, too.

Have fun!

[Aggie_Ama]

I put 4,000+ hilly miles on my old bike with Sora. No problems with it over all. Yes, the shifting is not as smooth as the 105 I have now but it wasn't horrible. Regular tune ups kept me content and on the road. There is nothing wrong with Sora or Tiagra, but maintenance counts!

[dingster1]

Yeppp.... see them everywhere

I just pulled the trigger on a Trek 7.2 today. Got tired of the mixte and my back can't take the road position any more

[Jo-n-NY]

I agree with the others that the difference in levels of components is smoother, sweeter shifting. However, I think it best for you to see for yourself. Try both Trek & Specialized each at their different levels, keeping in mind your budget. You are the best judge at what feels right for you in both brand and components.

IMHO, buy a bike can be a very personal thing

~ JoAnn

[bike4ever]

One thing to keep in mind is the compatibility of components if you want to upgrade. If you purchase an 8 speed, Shimano Sora group today there are really no compatible parts you can use to upgrade the bike (Tiagra rear derailleur only). The 9 speed, Tiagra group will eventually run into the same compatibility issue as the Sora group. We can still find 9 speed 105 components, but they will eventually disappear. The 10 speed groups (105, Ultegra, & Dura Ace) are all compatible with each other so upgrading them is easier.

When I explain these components to a customer, I do point out possible conflicts when the parts wear out. If you only want to purchase one bike to last a very long time, I suggest getting one with at least the Tiagra group (around the $850 to $900 price point). This wheelset is often 9/10 compatible which would make upgrading it to a 10 speed group a little easier (only need to get shifters, derailleurs).

Hope this helps.