My first road bike was a Specialized Dolce Sport Triple. I liked it, and I did a brutal climb with it successfully (triple!), although it had a lower-end components (Tiagra/Sora). I then also bought a men's LeMond (I have a long torso and wide shoulders, so I don't need a WSD) which was a lighter, faster bike. I rode both and liked them both, but the LeMond was soon my favorite.
I later decided I wanted a Scott carbon bike, and ended up selling the Dolce to help pay for the Scott. I just picked up my Contessa Foil yesterday (it's an aero bike but pretty similar geometry to the other Contessas) and got it with a compact Dura-Ace. I just completed a 104 mile century today with a ton of climbing, and it was GREAT. Definitely would not have had such a good time on that ride on the Dolce.
Now, I don't know what the newer Dolces are like (mine was a 2010), and as someone else said, the bike fit is important. So I guess what I'm saying is I've had both bikes and I prefer the Scott; it's up to you which one you like more.
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04-07-2012, 08:16 PM #1
Seasoned newbie
- Join Date
- Apr 2011
- Location
- Davis, CA
- Posts
- 158
Last edited by MojoGrrl; 04-08-2012 at 05:52 PM.
2013 Volagi Viaje
2002 LeMond Tete de Course rebuild/"The Chimaera"
2012 Scott Contessa Foil with Dura-Ace
2011? budget "Takara Kabuto" Single Speed/Fixie "The Bumblebee"
1999 Santana Team Ti 700 tandem/"Silver Streak"
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04-09-2012, 02:44 AM #2
What's over that hill?
- Join Date
- Nov 2009
- Posts
- 10,889
test ride, test ride, test ride, test ride
Some of us need WSD, some of us do not. What is THE bike for one woman may not work for another with similar proportions...so test ride and test ride some more 
Many bikes feel good in the parking lot so see if they will allow you to take it for a longer ride.
"WSD" changes between manufacturers - for some there doesn't appear to be any real difference in the geometry, for others there are. Women traditionally have longer legs and a shorter reach than men (proportionally speaking).
As far as triples vs compact doubles...I will go with a triple every time. I like the smaller range between the gears and my knees/legs really appreciate that as well. We each have to decide ourselves on which works best for us and our preferred riding styles. I don't often use my small chain around home (central Indiana), but I certainly do in southern Indiana!
I get the "over-thinking" thing as I do that WAY too much - as those who were members when I joined as a very new cyclist who didn't have her first bike yet will remember
Welcome to TE, and in case I didn't mention it... test ride, test ride, test ride
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