Quote Originally Posted by north woods gal View Post
Hi Marcy

Are you set on staying with a flat bar bike or would you consider a drop bar bike? For long rides on pavement, I use drop bar bikes, exclusively. Drop bars offer a lot of advantages, one being all the various hand positions possible. By alternating between all the available positions, really helps me to reduce fatigue on long rides, not just in my hands and arms, but my back and so on. Another is being able to drop down and reduce my silhouette when fighting the wind. This can save me a couple of gears compared to a flat bar bike. Really noticeable in a stiff headwind. Being upright with a flat bar bike is comfy, for sure, but if you'e trying to keep up with a bunch of hardcore roadies on their fast drop bar bikes, you'll be at a disadvantage. Drop bar road bikes are more efficient for long miles on pavement. Not a deal breaker, by any means, but something to consider.

I do like the lower gearing on the Specialized if you'll be fighting some tough hills. Also like the slightly wider tires when you hit some rough pavement spots. Both bikes have the new Tiagra components which are actually pretty darn good. Bought a new Tiagra equipped bike this year and had no complaints.

Best of luck.

Joanie
+1

Have you had a chance to ride either of them? Fit is the most important thing.