MorePower4me

Hello, This has also been posted at RBR forums, so if anyone reads it there, sorry to have bored you (twice)...

I have been searching the forums for a while now, and 'enjoying' some road rides on my 5" travel free-ride bike with slicks (~30+ lb's).

It's time to bite the bullet and buy a road bike. Through near OCD levels of searching, I have narrowed it down to 3 bikes. I was hoping I might be able to get some advice from the seasoned roadies out there.

Bike 1-
NOS Pinarello Surprise (02) - 7005 AL, built with 10 speed 105, and aksium's appx $1300 OTD

Bike 2-
2005 Specialized Tarmac Comp - 9 speed 105/Ultegra, Alex wheels
appx $1620 OTD

Bike 3-
2006 Specialized Allez Comp (cool team colors) - 10 speed 105, aksiums
appx $1400 OTD

I am 6'1 and about 215lbs. Light weight is not the primary concern, as I am not so svelte myself. My primary goals are group rides, and an occasional Cat 5 race when I can keep up.

My questions boils down to this. The Pinarello and the Allez Comp are spec'd almost identically. The specialized has the lastest frame gadgets (Carbon stays, 'Zertz' fork, seat post) and the Pinarello is just AL.
But it's Italian, and therefore better in every way (per my understanding from reading the boards) and I would probably be the only one on my ride on 1.

- Would I be giving up too much (in your opinion) in going Pinarello?

- Is it worth the extra $$ (which is tight as is) to go with the carbon tarmac, despite losing 2 gears?

- Should I stop obsessing and ride??

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

baxtefer

which one fits?

curiouskid55

Not sure about frame construction on these models but I would stay away from carbon frames at that weight. Think over 180 voids your warranty. An all aluminum Italian racing frame is not going to be very comfortable on group rides. Dont know if racing bike is the best choice for someone who doesnt race all that much. I would keep looking. I have a '05 Spec. Roubaix Comp which is great but I am at 170 and race 10-12 times a year.

MorePower4me

Good question!
The Pinarello is a frame, to be built with a component set. Unfortunately I cannot see, touch or ride it. There is certainly more risk involved with this, but the discounted price may still make it worth while. It should fit fine frame size wise, the sizes on everything else will be customized to me.

I rode both the Specialized bikes, and didn't notice much of a difference in the carbon ride. But it was a 2 minute test ride, not a century.

I guess I am really wondering if the Pinarello is just too old? Has frame technology changed that much? Would I be kicking myself in a few years for buying 'yesterdays' technology.

I guess I am just a stupid newbie looking for the wisdom of experienced veterans. Any opinions are great!

(Y(L|S+

I'd say the one that "feels right".

That said, I'd have to give the nod to the Tarmac (if the '05 model is full carbon), though I've only test rode one. But it was nice while it lasted.

bigbossman 

I doubt this. I know lots of big guys that ride carbon. For example, I couldn't find anything in Giant's warranty that voided it over 180 pounds, and would be VERY interested in finding out if this were true.

When I went shopping for bikes last fall, all the LBS's I went in to (about6-7) told me that carbon was ok for heavier riders - I specifically asked about that and wheelsets.

Surferbruce

I'd go with the Pinarello and 105 10 speed in a second. faster if it had campy veloce.
you can believe all the hype about carbon's dampening and aluminums harshness if you want, but i think they're both grossly exagerated.

MorePower4me

The Veloce build is about $30 more. I like the idea of keeping it 'all Italian' but isn't the 105 a little better for 2006 (not trying to start a war, just what I've heard)

Surferbruce

every mechanic i talk to says that shimano's 10 speed stuff is much much better than the 9 speed, then i ask what they have on their bikes....campy, almost always campy. the veloce gruppo is every bit as good as 105, and better in many ways.