ArtProf

Hi All,

I was visiting in Dallas the other week and rode several Masi bikes on sale. I rode a wide selection of 2013's and I really liked three of them but wound it down to two. I later found them within my budget on a closeout online and was thinking about pulling the trigger on one of them but for the life of me can't figure out which one to get since I've been thinking about it for so long - so I need some help!

Both ride well with my frame so I know my size. One bike is aluminum and the other carbon but they have the same components. I'm pretty unfamiliar with carbon as it was my first ride on one. However I am skeptical on how fragile people say carbon bikes are, with that being said, I worry about the frame and long term use. I am generally planning on doing some long rides, endurance style but no racing. I currently ride a steel 5 speed so either way, it's an upgrade for sure!

These are the two I am looking at:
(Both have Shimano Sora 9 speed components)

Masi Alare - Aluminum Masi 2013 Alare Road Race Bike With this one I know that I can save some money on it and use it towards future purchases - better pedals/shoes, switch out components to tiagra/105, clothing, & etc.

Masi Premiare PC1 - Carbon Masi 2013 Premiare PC1 Carbon Road Bike I like the carbon frame but I dislike that I would have Sora and wish for tiagra or 105. I'm thinking that I might just replace it the components to 10 speed and transfer the 8 over to another bike in the future or sell them? Is it worth the price difference for the carbon or should I stick with the aluminum alare?

This was the third one I knocked out of the decision, let me know if I was wrong in thinking about this with the components:
Then there was the Vincere (Aluminum) which has Tiagra which I know everyone says that they like those more than Sora but I just had a gut feeling with the frame that I didn't like it. Maybe it was the paintjob? I don't know just meh. Masi 2013 Vincere Road Race Bike


Let me know what you think!

Thanks to everybody reading and helping me out on this!

PiLigand

On paper, the vincere looks like the best choice to me. You might want to put some time in figuring out why you don't actually like it and reflect on that.

The carbon frame would be worth upgrading components. I've never seen carbon with sora before. Bottlenecks aren't REALLY a thing in bicycles, but if they were, this would be a good example.

Stucky

I think the first order of business is to buy a bike which has the components you want. Upgrading costs a lot, and gives very little benefit. If you get a bike with Sora or Tiagra, then just ride it, and when you feel you need something better, get a better bike- because it is far more cost effective to buy a bike with better components already on it, than to upgrade; and usually the bikes with lower-end components have lower-end frames- which are heavier; etc. So if you end up upgrading a lower-end bike, you still won't have the equivalent of a better bike; but in the long run, it will have cost you more than just buying the better bike.

That being said though, do realize that there is nothing inherently wrong with Sora or Tiagra. My first road bike had 8-speed Sora- and it functioned well and was a breeze to keep in tune. It's not fancy; it makes a little noise when shifting...but it does what it's supposed to do- I put 3000 miles on it that first year- and it was still like new when I sold that bike.

mkadam68

Go back to the bike shop you visited and buy from them. They put time (money) into you, to let you learn the difference in bikes. It would be offensive to take what you learned from them and spend your money elsewhere.

ArtProf

mkadam68 - Thanks for the advice but I was going to do just that. I went back before I left Dallas and they didn't have any left! The only bikes available weren't within my budget.

nastystang

it looks like the two aluminum are the same frame and the name is more a reflection of how it's equipped. If that's the case a Tiagra upgrade for $150 over the Alare's Sofa. The carbon bike looks like a carbon version of the aluminum for $300 more than equally equipped Alare. I would go with the Vincere unless carbon is a must. Better drive train and assuming the geometry is the same ride quality is probably a little better on the carbon frame with a lesser drive train. I would guess you will get more satisfaction from Tiagra over the carbon frame. My money would go to the Vincere.

Up North

You are talking about upgrading and you not even bought bike. If you feel this way now then forget about all 3 and start looking at bikes with group you want on them. Buy Ultegra and you will have no need to upgrade. As for fear of carbon, get over it, it's where it's at these days. Millions ride carbon everyday, very few have issues. Try a bunch more, have fun.