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08-14-04, 07:33 PM
Let me first tell you that I am 45 years young, about 5'2", perhaps slightly under and have a petite-medium build. My legs are proportioned to my body and my arm length is proportioned, perhaps a little longer than average.
I am looking at 2 WSD bikes - the Trek 2200 WSD and the Specialized Dolce Comp. Both are pretty comparable in components and price. While I'm a newbie, I'd rather get a bike that I can grow into and race if I choose. I'm pretty active at the gym so think I'll stick with this especially since I just joined a bike club.
For arguments sake, lets say both bikes feel the same in terms of comfort. The main difference between them is the tire size. The Specialized Doce uses a 700c tire. Therefore, I need the 48 cm frame. They stand behind the argument that having a larger tire is best for maintenance of speed, etc. In a brief fitting at the shop that sells Trek, I would take a 51 cm frame but Treks come with a 650c tire. The philosophy here is that this size tire is proportionately the right size for the bike and it is easier to gain speed. It was pointed out that many triathlon racers use 650c tires for this reason. Someone else said to me they didn't care what I bought but don't let anyone talk me into a bike with a 650c tire.
So all things being equal, is there anyone who has riden both of these bikes or has made the decision based on tire size? Why did you like one over the other? Pros and cons? This is confusing.
Thank you in advance for you feedback.
I am looking at 2 WSD bikes - the Trek 2200 WSD and the Specialized Dolce Comp. Both are pretty comparable in components and price. While I'm a newbie, I'd rather get a bike that I can grow into and race if I choose. I'm pretty active at the gym so think I'll stick with this especially since I just joined a bike club.
For arguments sake, lets say both bikes feel the same in terms of comfort. The main difference between them is the tire size. The Specialized Doce uses a 700c tire. Therefore, I need the 48 cm frame. They stand behind the argument that having a larger tire is best for maintenance of speed, etc. In a brief fitting at the shop that sells Trek, I would take a 51 cm frame but Treks come with a 650c tire. The philosophy here is that this size tire is proportionately the right size for the bike and it is easier to gain speed. It was pointed out that many triathlon racers use 650c tires for this reason. Someone else said to me they didn't care what I bought but don't let anyone talk me into a bike with a 650c tire.
So all things being equal, is there anyone who has riden both of these bikes or has made the decision based on tire size? Why did you like one over the other? Pros and cons? This is confusing.
Thank you in advance for you feedback.