Specialized Dolce Sport vs. Elite

[Jen_Mac]

Thanks Tuplip!

They both fit the same, with the exception of reaching the brakes. I spoke to them about it and they said the can insert something at the top of the brake (where the main part that you squeeze touches the part that connects to the top of the handle bars - technical terms ) so they are a bit closer and easier to reach.

[pinsonp2]

There are some differences, such as the Elite has triple wall wheels (Sport has double), Elite has carbon wrapped seatpost (Sport has alloy or aluminum), Elite has the Zerts in the front carbon fork (Sport does not). The other noticable difference is that the Elite has full Tiagra derailleurs and shifters, whereas the Sport has Sora up front and Tiagra in the rear (I think). So, If you are going to ride this bike lots of miles, the upgrade to the Elite is probably worth it. If you have just a casual interest in road biking the Sport will be fine. I have the Sport and it does everything I want it to do. Not fancy, but it is my first road bike. Maybe I'll get something better in the future, but for now it is great....and I love the white/berry color....YMMV.

P2

[tulip]

Thanks Tuplip!

They both fit the same, with the exception of reaching the brakes. I spoke to them about it and they said the can insert something at the top of the brake (where the main part that you squeeze touches the part that connects to the top of the handle bars - technical terms ) so they are a bit closer and easier to reach.

They are not the same fit if you cannot reach the brakes on one of them. That one is not a good fit. They can put shims in, but why not get a bike that fits right since you are getting a new one? Ask the bike shop about short-reach brake levers if you really want that bike. Otherwise go with the one that fits better. Sora is better than Tiagra, but personally I'd keep looking for a bike that fits that has 105 components. 105s will last alot longer and cause you fewer clicky-clacky annoyances than Sora or Tiagra. On the positive side, you can easily upgrade the components later if the frame is right.