Quote Originally Posted by SFLiz View Post
What is the price delta between the 2011 and 2013 versions of Bike2? Cog and chain are inexpensive to change over time when you are ready. I just swapped out the cassette that came with my new bike from Tiagra to Ultegra (most of groupset is Ultegra, except for front derailler -105, and cog). Cost $110 from LBS. I haven't shopped at Wiggle since I moved back to the U.S. but when I was living in Australia, I used to buy the majority of my bike parts for my mountain bike and flatbar from the U.K. store. Shimano brakes from there would not set ya back much and you can acquire when budget allows. Ditto for chain. But it's really too bad the crankset is not Ultegra. That's prob going to be at least $250 to swap out I would think (not sure).

Ultegra is such a great groupset, I lean toward the 2011 bike2 unless you think you can wait patiently for your next bike (super6).

It doesn't sound like you want Bike3, if less weight and zippier is what you would like to have....do you really want to go heavier than your current bike? I wouldn't worry too much about SRAM hoods; I think you can grow accustomed to them with a little practice.

I wouldn't get a bike I didn't want at the onset (Bike1 for you).
I agree, I'm not overly enthused about Bike 1, except that it is a pretty good deal.
I don't have employee pricing on the 2013 bike yet, but it'll probably be somewhat less expensive. I'm not overly concerned with the cassette or chain, but one of the guys at work suggested switching out the crankset and brakes at the outset.
As for bike 3, it would fill a different role. I'd just save my money and buy the SuperSix later. Component-wise, it's an upgrade from what I currently have. I've been wanting a CX bike for a year or so, and it gives me the opportunity to see if I like riding off-road before committing to a mountain bike.

Thekarens, the "decent road bike" is sort of the problem. It's got 2300 components with a Sora rear derailleur, and it's not cost-effective to upgrade the components, especially considering that it doesn't really fit. It's close, but not sustainable to keep except as a backup or trainer bike.