oldermom

I just purchased a 2009 Specialized Dolce after my Giant cypress fell off the car in May. I have spent the last several months in our two wonderful bike shops trying to firgure out what type of bike to buy. I finally got comfortable with the idea of a road bike and found two that I really liked (Specialized dolce elite and giant ocr 1). The specialized shop had a sale this weekend and I made the mistake of taking my son and two of his friends with me so I couldn't give it a good test ride. I was planning on retesting the elite but they sold out so I tried the Dolce but was unsure. The salesman said I could take it back if I had buyer's remorse so I went ahead and bought it for $850. After riding it at home I'm not sure that I am as comfortable on it as the 2008 ocr1 which I could buy at the other shop for $1050. I do not know bicycle components very well but I am thinking that the ocr1 is a better buy for the component difference. I also really liked the 2009 Dolce Elite but it would be $1180. After spending so much time in the bike shop I'd be really embarrassed to take the bike back but it is also a big investment and something I hope to have for a long time. Any opinions on which bike has the better components since I like them both? I am hoping to do some charity rides and run errands to save on gas. Thanks!

Beaker

Seems like you have two questions:

1) Did you buy the highest specification bike you could? (Component group)

2) Did you buy the right frame (brand/model)?

No.1 should be easy to answer from their websites, a quick look confirms that the 08 Dolce is lower spec than the 08 Dolce Elite. The 09 may not be that different to the 08 Dolce though -- stories abound of groupset downgrades across the board for 09 vs 08 models. The 08 OCR1 is best of the bunch for components (full 105).

No.2 is more difficult, if you're not comfortable on the Dolce, I don't understand why going for the Dolce Elite would help. Are you thinking about the OCR1 ("men's" frame) or OCR1w (women's frame)? If the former, then that might say a lot about you preference for frame geometry.

Just my two cents.

waterrockets 

It sounds like a fit issue. Get a good fitting before making any more decisions.

Moving up to 105 from Sora is a decent jump in qualit, but it's nearly a 25% price difference. Some women actually prefer the shifting action of Sora shifters.

Either way, $200 isn't going to make either bike more comfortable. If the frame is at least close to the right size, you'll be able to get a perfect fit buying no more than a $40 stem that's the right angle/length. Honestly, $200 spent on a pro fitting will increase your performance much more than moving to 105 on the Giant.

oldermom

Thanks for your comments. The comfort difference to me is more about a smoother ride having come from a hybrid. I felt like the ride on the ocr1 and dolce elite wasn't as bumpy-rough. I'm not sure if it was just where I rode but they felt better. I do think all three had a good fit and all were wsd. I do like the granny brakes on the lower end Dolce since I am a beginner. Seat is terrible but I know I can change that out.

Booger

Take it back. Get a fitting. Re-evaluate. You'll be much happier in the long run.

Unfortunately, we (consumers) gravitate toward buying flashier shifters and cranksets instead of what really matters. In order of importance, I prioritize:

1) Fit: You will never be happy on a poorly fitting bike. Bang for buck, this is the best investment you can make.
2) Riding Gear: One pair of nice shoes and shorts at a minimum.
3) Maintenance: Properly adjusted and cared for Sora works better than anything that's neglected.
4) Wheels and Components: Least important for the casual rider. One of my female riding partners has put thousands of miles (~10k, I think) on her Specialized w/ Sora components. She's good about maintenance and has had zero problems.

jsmithepa

"Giant cypress" "fell car" sounds like the tittle of a story.

And Dolce "con leche?"

thebarerider

Don't read very much, I take it.

I agree with the other advice you have received. The bumpier ride is due to the differences between hybrid bikes and road bikes. Take it back to the bike shop and tell them your problems; if they are willing to take a return, they will help you with fit.

nycphotography

On the upside, making your Dolce fit perfectly requires a few minutes, and a $25 stem. Raising the seat, moving the seat front to back, and rotating the bars are all free.

If you want (develop your fitness) to do longer rides at a faster pace, then a road bike is definitely better for you than a hybrid.

Now the reality... a road bike will require a different set of torso and upper body muscles and flexibility to fit and ride effectively.... and those muscles and flexibility have to develop over time. So your "current fit" may be an evolving fit, changing gradually to closer approximate your "best fit".

Your best bet is to get some idea what your ultimate best fit would be (based on the type and distance of riding you will be doing)... then adjust it to be comfortable to you now. Then as you ride, you can work to build your strength and flexibility, until you can change to your target fit.

If you really just want to cruise around comfortably for a few miles at a time, the hybrid may be a better bike for you, and you should return the Dolce and get a hybrid.

Campag4life

If you log onto BF, please refrain from posting as you are too ignorant about bikes to contribute. BTW, it is always people like yourself that criticize others for syntax. You have nothing substantive to contribute.

OP...do not let any embarrassement for choosing what you perceive to be the wrong bike keep you from returning it. The fact that you sight any self consciousness speaks to your intentions being well directed. It takes a large time investment to learn about the cost/benefit of bicycles. In particular fit as mentioned is the most important element and a life long learning experience.
Good Luck.

Campag4life

Here's the point. You haven't contributed one tangible bit of advice to the OP therefore you are simply trolling. Either try to help or stay away.
Your desperation isn't specific to any particular hour btw.

esther-L

I have been happy with my 2004 Dolce Elite.
Unfortunately, it developed a crack in the head tube of the frame, and I had to get a warranty replacement.

I don't have access to the 2009 Specialized catalog, so I have a question for you. Is this bike mostly white with some charcoal, and curly blue decoration decals at the white/charcoal border? I am trying to figure out if my replacement is a downgrade from Dolce Elite to Dolce.

I am not certain if a Shimano Sora front derailleur is a downgrade from a Shimano Tiagra.

Oh, and for errand-running, check to see if various bikes have the mounting points for a rack. My 2004 Dolce Elite did not.
thanks, Esther

oldermom

Esther,

Your frame sounds like the exact description of my bike so maybe you did get the 09 Dolce instead of the Elite. I decided to keep it after all the good suggestions I received. I'm very happy that I ended up with a dropbar instead of a flatbar. My frame does have the mounting points for a rack so I had one installed when I bought it. Thanks everyone for your help. Now I just have to convince myself it is okay to wear bike shorts!

nycphotography

Actually, you don't.....

Your butt will make it perfectly clear to you when it is no longer acceptable to ride without bike shorts.

esther-L

I finally took a photo of my replacement frame with my parts on it.
attached here.

oldermom

Looks just like my bike. What is the yellow piece by the part that holds the wheel?

kellyjdrummer

A warning sticker.