Road Cycling - Comparing Bikes Marin Vs. Specialized

Well I had my ACL surgery last week and everything is going great. I am actually up and walking already and cleared to ride. Problem is I haven't decided which bike yet. As a NOOB, I have followed many posts and watched and tried to learn. I am looking a a entry level bike with the idea of upgrading components/wheelset/etc possibly in the spring of 05'. Here are the two bikes I am looking at.

04 Specialized Allez Triple 58 cm $525.00 from a LBS

Smooth-welded DB A1 Premium Aluminum frame with replaceable derailleur hanger and hidden rack mounts.
Specialized Carbon bonded carbon fork
Shimano Sora/Tiagra 24-speed component group
Performance / comfort features include Specialized Bar Phat thin gel handlebar pads and Specialized Body Geometry Comp Saddle
28/32 wheelset with Alex DP-21 machined sidewall rims, Specialized sealed hubs with alloy QRs, Specialized 700 x 23c Mondo Sport Tires
Smooth-welded DB A1 Premium Aluminum frame with replaceable derailleur hanger and hidden rack mounts.
Specialized Carbon bonded carbon fork


03 Marin Argenta 57 cm $599.99 plus shipping from a big box multi-sports outfitter

Columbus Thron Cromoly frame with Ultra stiff triangle chain stays and Carbon Fiber seat stays
Carbon Fork
Ritchey Logic 1" Headset
Shimano Tiagra STI Shifters
Shimano Tiagra Front Deraileur
Shimano Tiagra Rear Deraileur
Shimano 9 speed, 12-25 Cassette
Shimano Tiagra, 52/42/30 Crankset
Shimano Tiagra Dual Pivot Brake Calipers
Integrated with shifters Brake Levers
Selle Italia XO XP with extra Padding Saddle
Comp Alloy Micro Adjust Seat Post
Cinelli Altera Handlebar
3T Mutant Stem
Cork Tape
Alloy toe clip and strap Pedals Formula Hubs
Formula Xero Lite XR-4, 20 hole front, 24 hole rear Rims
Kenda Koncept Lite - 700x23, kevlar bead Tires



So I know the difference in the Sora vs Tiagra from reading the posts but I will most likely upgrade in the spring anyway. Another thing is the Specialized has a triple ring which will be better because I do plan on riding on the Blue Ridge Parkway on weekends. Besides that one item,(Sora) what do you guys think?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

According to you, Marin has a triple as well. I bought a Marin w xero wheels w even less spokes (16/20), after about 400 miles only the rear has needed truing, one spoke has worked loose twice (not sure it's the same one).

I don't think any one can make that call for you. They are probably nearly equal value. It's your call. (get the marin)

Yes the Marin does have a triple....didn't mean to leave that out....

Hmm. I just paid $700 for that same Marin from my LBS. Great bike for the money IMO. Just took my second ride today and couldn't be much happier. I will say that IMO buying it from my LBS and paying a few dollars more would be the route I would go (if you could do that for the Marin) becuase the BB is already creaking a bit but will be tightened/lubed up to fix the issue for free where as when it happens to your mail ordered bike you will either do it your self or pay someone to do it. Just a thought. The steel Argenta with it's carbon seat stays and carbon fork does a superb job of absorbing road vibrations and the only real grip I have with the bike is the saddle isn't my favorite, but that is easy to change.

Grasschopper,
The big box multi-sport store that carries the Marin would be shipping it from one store to the next store. I would have to pay the shipping to get it from store to store. I haven't been able to ride it hence it is not local. If I do order and don't like it I lose the shipping cost and nothing else, which is ok with me to make sure I get the right bike. They also repair and service the bikes they sell.

I am heading to the other LBS to ride the Specialized Tuesday and see what I think of it.

Thanks for the advice.

Cross,
Actually I assumed you were getting it shipped to you and you would have to have a LBS assemble. The deal you are getting sounds a little better than the one I got if the big box store is decent with their service. I don't think you can go wrong with the Marin at this price point, it is a lot of bike and has the same frame as the Verona which is the next model up. If you are going to swap out components this could be a great buy. I did have my LBS swap out the pedals and put some Shimano SPD pedals on in their place which cost me a couple of extra bucks. All in all I am happy and can see many fun miles in my future.

For sure the Marin is worth a ride.

Yeah I have already looked at swapping pedals on either bike to Look or Shimano SPD. Thanks for your advice. I am leaning towards the Marin myself.