Pondering A New Bike

[pll]

I have no wisdom to share, but please keep us posted on the shopping (a "shopping diary" post?) so we may all shop vicariously through you.

Last night a friend was telling me about the new Shimano Dura Ace gruppo (Dura Ace 7900). If that is placed on a new bike, the price will soar: it is listed at $2600, over $800 above DA 7800 or Campagnolo Record (Competitive Cyclist has a good summary table and Cycling News has a review).

I know this is not true in the Silver household, but I have a certain aversion to Trek (may have to do with excessive TV hype). If you have a chance, look at Scott bikes. I have two friends who ride Scott, one a Scott Addict, the other one a Scott CR1, and love their bikes.

[rij73]

Last night a friend was telling me about the new Shimano Dura Ace gruppo (Dura Ace 7900). If that is placed on a new bike, the price will soar: it is listed at $2600, over $800 above DA 7800 or Campagnolo Record (Competitive Cyclist has a good summary table and Cycling News has a review).

More expensive, yes, but sounds OH SO NICE! I can't wait for a few years from now when it gets cheaper...

My thoughts and opinions:

Mr. Silver... sounds to me like you are ready for a new, lighter bike. Don't forget that bike weight matters even for heavier people because of the easier acceleration of a light bike. The less weight close to the ground, the better. Componentry makes a difference too. The crisper and easier the shifting, the easier the ride.

I would try to look at bikes with similar geometry to your current one. Don't get hung up on a specific brand this early in the game. I second the vote for checking on Scott. My husband absolutely adores his 2006 CR1 SL.