Carbon or Alu for Wife?

[Jo-n-NY]

she wanted to buy it on the spot

but i want her to try at least try the specialized 44cm frame

thanks everyone for the feedback on SRAM versus Shimano brifters

does anyone have an issue with SRAM requiring more force to shift?

Have her try the Specialized or at least another brand to compare as geometries are different.

I have a Specialized Ruby with Dura Ace and Ultegra. I recently won a Dolce with SRAM. It does not take more force to shift with the SRAM. It is just different because you are using one lever to move the gears up and down as opposed to Shimano where you are using two. Going from one to another takes a bit of getting use to, but if she is beginning say with SRAM I have no complaints about using it.

[malkin]

Anything longer than 30 minutes or bumpier than a perfect surface rattles me like crazy on my aluminium bike. I ride it only for my work commute or little grocery runs. Otherwise, steel.

[aicabsolut]

In addition to reach, SRAM generally has a shorter "throw" of the levers than Shimano b/c you only push the inner lever. That can make a difference for someone with small hands. The newer and/or fancier Shimano stuff (new Ultegra or DA / old DA) won't be as hard (forceful) of a throw for the large lever, but it still requires more effort than SRAM.

That said, I'm perfectly happy with Shimano, but I am not petite, nor do I have small hands.