Bianchi, Orbea, Giant, or Trek Road Bike?

[alpinerabbit]

yeah watch out for the proprietary seatpost on the Madone. I don't know if it's on all models but that, plus trek's "package deal" only, is a downside. To me. Other than that it's the components and frame size that matter for me.

[Bluetree]

yeah watch out for the proprietary seatpost on the Madone.

Yeah, proprietary seatposts – and weird sizing – can be a pain. I'm dealing with that hassle right now... and it's something I poo-poo'd at when I bought my bike. Don't get me wrong, I love the bike... but it's still annoying.

[luvmypwds]

I love my Trek! I haven't tried the other brands, but I can say that my WSD bike is an amazing fit. Of course, it helps that the LBS spent a lot of time making sure it is a perfect fit. I have no trouble with my seat, though it may have changed from last year (I have a 2009 Madone 5.2 WSD).

For the budget you stated, you may want to try the Trek 2.3 WSD. My good friend has a 2.3 (not WSD as he is a guy) and he LOVES it.

[Flur]

They are all good brands, but which one you get depends on which one feels right to you. The geometry will be different between the brands, and between different models in the same brand. IMHO getting the right bike size and geometry to fit you and your intended riding style (touring, commuting, road, mountain, etc) is the most important factor in buying a bike.

Since you've stated you want Shimano componentry the number of parts that you'll have to worry about as proprietary or hard to get are limited, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. Just pick the bike that feels the best to you when you ride it.

[MauiRockHopper]

Thanks for the tips, but the problem I'm faced with here in Hawaii is that hardly any LBS have WSD bikes in stock to try. Would trying a men's bike help to get a feel for the female version? Hoping the LBS carries 48-51cm bikes to even consider this comparison method.

How many of you have bought a bike unseen or untested?

I really am leaning towards the Orbea cuz it's so sexy

[luvmypwds]

For me, getting the WSD made a huge difference. My 54cm Trek is WAY more comfortable than my friend's 54cm Trek - mine is a WSD. I wasn't convinced at first, but now, I totally am. But you really have to try. I would not buy a road bike unseen and untried...unless it was something like a Seven where they build a custom bike fit just for you after a lengthy discovery process.

[Tokie]

I just bought a Trek WSD Madone 4.7. I race, and I love the stiff responsive ride it gives me, and it descends very nicely! My mechanic (free lance ) did tell me when I was looking to buy the only thing he would warn me off of was the small Orbeas (I ride a 48 trek) He said for some reason the smaller Orbeas were rather squirrely handling bikes. I must agree they are very nice looking bikes! I loved my Ruby before I crashed her. The ride was more cushy - I'm getting the seat stay repaired, and will use her when I go on long tours and as a backup bike. The Trek is a faster feeling bike. Have fun looking, and a test ride in your size is a must IMO. Tokie (ps I'm 5'1.5" with a 27 inch inseam)