How much does the bike really matter?

[zatar]

I think she wants a new bike.

I think you're right. There's a part of me that really wants a new bike, but I also am a little intimidated. I don't want people to think, "Wow, she's on a really nice bike and still going slow??" Of course, there's also the money issue too. I just graduated from university last March and have a relatively well-paying job (for my age), but not huge amounts of money to spend without a good reason.

[marni]

I'm sorry but I don't think of 20.5 miles as slow. I struggle to get myself up to 16-18 mph on most rides, even though I train well and work hard. There's only so much an aging body can do and at least you have youth as a relatrive advantage. As to the new bike, you need to listen to others for fit, components etc. Good luck with it all.

marni

[Cataboo]

I don't know what's on the portofino... I'm not sure I agree with your bike fit... If you're having soft tissue issues with your saddle, you probably need a new saddle. You want the saddle about level - not tilted forward because that puts more weight on your hands... WIth your seat level, you shouldn't have soft tissue issues if you have the right saddle for you.

IF you have $1,000 to spend... what I think I'd recommend is you get the bike checked to make sure it fits you... Some of your racing friends can probably help a lot to help you set the saddle at the right height, etc...

If that frame actually does fit you - then I'd either recommend you invest in a good set of wheels for your current bike, good wheels'll make a big difference to you... or get an upgrade to your drive train. at least 105 level, probably compact double by 10 speed.

that'll stretch your $1,000 further.

If your portofino doesn't fit... then yes, upgrade the bike... but I'm not sure I'd tell you to go into a bike shop with $1k, if you're on the racing scene, you may be able to pick up a great bike used for $1k from some other person with racing fever... or someone should be knowledgeable enough to help you find a good used bike. You may be able to get used components or wheels off someone else, as well.

But bike fit does make a huge difference.

I guess this is your bike, unless you have the women's version:
http://bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeS...fino&Type=bike

The alex wheels on it or the sora components aren't great... I'm not sure a specialized dolce sort is really going to be an upgrade for you... yeha, it's got some zertz inserts, but you're still talking about alex wheels & sora componetry:
http://bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeS...port&Type=bike

the allez elite seems to have slightly higher end components..
http://bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeS...lite&Type=bike


But... TEST RIDE. You'll be able to tell if either of these bikes feel faster when you ride them.

Get your saddle height checked before your next race. If you know someone who has nice wheels, why not ask to borrow a set of their wheels for a test ride to try to see how much difference it makes?

I have nicer bikes spec wise than you, but I'm not as fast as you... So there's only so much difference a bike upgrade can do if the motor is just going put put. I do feel the difference with certain tires and certain wheels, even if it's only a 1-2 mph advantage.