Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Need some help in comparing some bikes. Would like to buy something Tues.

Ok, I am going to get my first Road bike hopefully this Tuesday. There are 2 shops that I would like to deal with so I am limited to the choices between those two shops. What I would like to know is what the benefits really are of spending the extra money between the 2 levels I am trying to decide between. I come from a Mountain Bike background, but Road bikes are totally foreign to me.

At Shop #1 I am trying to decide between a Trek 2.1 and 2.3. At Shop #2 I am looking at the Felt Z70 and Z80.

So Which bike would you recommend? I am 6'0 and about 240 pounds (and going down I have actually already lost about 65 pounds by mountain biking and eating better. Road Bike is the next step in my fitness goals). Thank you for any and all help. I am really confused by all this road bike stuff and could really use any opinions you all may have.

Go with the Felt.
Completed 10,000 miles today on a Felt F-80

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/10kDay018.jpg

The truth is they are very comparable bikes. I would ride them all and buy the one that feels right. It might not be the way it rides....it could be the look, the feel, the paint job whatever.

The sad truth is the bike isn't all that important as long as you have a moderately capable machine.

Felts have a good reputation around here and I notice that the wheels on the bikes you mention are 32 spoke... a good thing for us heavier riders. I didn't check on the specs of the Treks though.

I would just ride them all, as stated, and pick the one that grabs you. Go ride them all and stare at them on Monday...then buy the one you want Tuesday.

I like the Felt, they're great bikes.

Ride em all and see what feel the best

just make sure to check with the shops about weight restrictions fro the wheelsets

If my choices were limited to the two lines and the 4 models, I would get the Z70 from the "Bang for the buck" point of view. Felt makes a great bike and the Z series has a more relaxed geometry. Z70 gives you a full 105 drive train, save cranks, for around $300 less MSRP over the 2.1.

I thought for 2008 Felt had dropped the Z80 and gone with the Z90. If the Z80 is a left over 07, that is probably your best deal money wise. Either way, I think Felt offers more value from a component stand point for your money.

If your shops are offering competitive pricing, go with the shop that feels like it will give you the best service in the long run. As always, the fit is the most important aspect though. Either shop should be doing more than looking at you, have you stand over the bike, and recommending a size. If they are doing this, I would be concerned they are trying more to sell you a bike on the floor more so than one that fits.

Ask each shop about what they are offering for post sale follow up such as tuneup, stem swap, and things like bottle cages and bottles and a seat bag. They should at least discount the cages, bottles, and bag. The stem swap is pretty important if you are new to roadies. As you ride more, you will find your riding position will change. Most shops around here at least offer a discount for a period of time after a new purchase and some even offer up to 2 Free swaps within the first 6 months.

One other thing about the Trek choice. Budget in some extra $$ for a replacement seat. Most find the stock Bontrager to be brutal and unreadable. In fact, seat upgrade options are another good thing to ask before you buy. There is no guarantee you will like a stock Felt seat either since this is one of the areas manufacturers know is likely to get replaced and is a cost saving item for them.