Specialized Dolce/Ruby or Felt ZW6?

[zoom-zoom]

I'd go with the better frame with Apex. I have Apex on my CX bike and love it...it's just as reliable-functioning as my bike with Rival--just heavier. And that bike gets used in less-than-ideal conditions...lots of sand and mud and clumsy shifting during CX races. You can always upgrade down the road, but will have a good set of components in the meantime.

[Hi Ho Silver]

Frame quality first, group quality second, wheel quality third. (Some people put wheels second, but they are easier to upgrade than a group, IMO).

Felt makes great bikes. Just make sure whatever bike you get fits.

And the sooner you upgrade the tires, the happier you will be. (Tires, not to be confused with the wheels. Easy to do when reading about it. At least for me). I suggest Continental Grand Prix 4000s. Wish I'd discovered those years ago. Handling is supurb. Makes riding so much better, and turning!

I agree with Muirenn's priority assignment. And I second the recommendation for upgrading the stock tires as soon as possible! The stock tires that most manufacturers put on their bikes are usually low end (somewhat heavy, not all that resilient). I also endorse the Conti GP 4000S tires - they are quite puncture resistant, and very smooth riding.