This year model vs last year model?

[ny biker]

I don't know enough about SRAM Apex, but I'd hesitate to pay $2000 for a full Tiagra group regardless of the frame color. I had a few Tiagra components on my first road bike, including the front derailleur, and it never worked right.

[zoom-zoom]

I don't know enough about SRAM Apex, but I'd hesitate to pay $2000 for a full Tiagra group regardless of the frame color. I had a few Tiagra components on my first road bike, including the front derailleur, and it never worked right.

I have Apex on my CX bike and it is just as reliable as my Rival...just heavier. Not a fan of Shimano, much less low-end Shimano.

[bluebug32]

I'm also not a fan of Shimano. But I say go with the frame you like better and you can always change the components. The frame is something you'll have long term, so be sure it's the one you want.

[Owlie]

I'm with the people who say that the Tiagra-equipped bike shouldn't be on the table. There's no comparison.

[ny biker]

I'm happy withe SRAM Rival components on my current bike, but I was also happy enough with the 105 components on my previous bike. And after the crap Tiagra derailleur broke, I had an Ultegra which never gave me any trouble.

I got the new bike because I needed a frame that fit me better. I expected to get a 2011 Madone 4.5 with Shimano components, but the LBS happened to have a 4.7 from 2010 on sale for the same price, and it came with SRAM Rival. If the 2010 bike had not been available I expect I would have been happy with the 4.5 and its components.