... why are these choices so difficult?

[tran.300]

With constant nuts and bolts falling off my old trusty steel schwinn, it's time i retire my steed even though I was a believer of the whole "steel-is-real" deal lol.
So now I'm faced with a stupidly difficult decision...

I've been given some pretty spectacular offers on either a Tarmac elite (lowest level tarmac with sram apex ) vs a Bianchi Sempre (105)...

Bianchi Sempre (2011) not the celeste though , the red one...

Rims/Wheels: Maddux RX 5.1 Lite
Tires: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Slick, 700 x 23c
Crankset: FSA Gossamer Compact (50/34)
Front, Rear, Derailleur, Shifters: Shimano 105
Rear Cogs: Shimano 105, 10-speed: 12-25
Brakes: FSA Gossamer
Saddle: Selle San Marco Ponza Power Arrowhead


Tarmac Elite (2012 or 2011, not sure...)

Rims/Wheels: DT Axis 2.0
Tires: Specialized Espoir Sport w/ double BlackBelt, 60 TPI, wire bead, 700x23c
Crankset: SRAM S150 (52/36)
Front, Rear, Derailleur, Shifters: SRAM Apex
Rear Cogs: SRAM Apex, 10-speed: 11-28
Brakes: SRAM Apex
Saddle: Body Geometry Romin Comp, hollow Cr-Mo rails



Everything is fine with geometry and feel but I just can't figure out which one! I don't have the option to ride extreme distances but I would like to still have a rear end and stuff after a double century, and would like to climb, crit, race, and whatever else...

As far as frame quality, anyone have any opinions? After this purchase it'll be a long time until I get another whole bike (will upgrade components and wheels further down the line though).

Any perspectives on wheels? I heard the DT's need a lot of truing often...

I like Sram and Shimano both equally... maybe a bit more Sram, but not sure.

I'm seriously in limbo right now and have to choose which hand to chop off as I can't have both... Any opinions and facts would be more than helpful; personal experience...

Worst part is, after Good Friday, there is no more deal...


Also: Someone please explain to me why these choices are so difficult? Coping methods? lol.



-Tran

[danec99]

That Bianchi is pretty snazzy. Apex v. 105 is a wash, I wouldn't mind either. Bianchi seems like the gearing is more hill friendly but maybe they balance out, would have to compare. That is a tough call but I would probably go Bianchi!

Coping methods? Buy both!

[tran.300]

danec99 lol... you're making this so much more difficult hahaha.

you think the compact will help with hills? being an ohioan, i don't honestly have much hills. (honestly, i'm staring at soil and corn if not soy beans half the time)... but i'd like to have a go at some mountains in the future?
you wouldn't happen to know how to do that gear-inch mathematics stuff would you?

[tanguy frame]

don't buy the deal will go away after Friday. Monday there'll be another deal. Take your time and get it right. ride both and get the one that makes you smile more. If you can't tell, ride more bikes. No need to rush this one.

[tagaproject6]

If everything is fine, then get the one that you think looks cool and would motivate you to ride.

You are overthinking the purchase. They are great quality bikes and will serve you well.

[tanguy frame]

DT wheels are da bomb! what you heard is wrong.

[tran.300]

don't buy the deal will go away after Friday. Monday there'll be another deal. Take your time and get it right. ride both and get the one that makes you smile more. If you can't tell, ride more bikes. No need to rush this one.

I know it sounds like I'm rushing but i've narrowed it down to these two, it's just there's a nice easter/spring sale and its time to finally do something as I've been trying out bikes for too many months! haha. it mind-melts you after a while...

So DT wheels are pretty good? Any downsides with the Maddux? honestly, it's kinda tough to recognize the differences since they're at different stores.

lol yeah... i'm probably overthinking this taga. you're definitely right about that.

[danec99]

Just did a quick check and actually the Tarmac has a wee bit lower gearing, but close to no difference. 33.7 vs. 35.7 in the lowest gear. So no real help in the decision. However the Tarmac is geared to go FASTER! But the Bianchi is red so it will already go fast just sittin' there.

[tran.300]

Hey danec99, do you just multiply stuff to get those numbers? I'm kinda curious how you can find out gear-inches without using one of those online calculators? I can always look it up though if you won't reveal your secrets haha.

[danec99]

Here or here

[tran.300]

lol, probably one of the shortest and most helpful posts i've seen. thanks.

I'm kinda getting the overall consensus is that you really can't go wrong with either bike? one looks as fast as the other is fast and vice versa?

[danec99]

If fit, parts and price are all AOK, it comes down to hotness. Which bike looks better to you? BF can be of no further help in regards to what catches your eye. But be sure to let us know.

[tran.300]

dah! so I'll have to make my decision then... I'll let you guys know next week when i get the chance.

Hey, just noticed the bianchi actually has an aluminum/carbon fork? I always thought the celeste and red models had full carbon forks but never really noticed huh. but an aluminum steerer doesn't really make much of a difference correct? other than a half pound weight difference? affect handling?

[danec99]

uh-oh!
Your Schwinn was what, cromo? It will feel like butter . I have ridden both steerers and couldn't have told one from the other.

[Bacciagalupe]

The reason why it's a tough decision is because there is almost no functional difference between the two bikes. Rather than believe that you'll be fine with either one, we're acclimated into believing that one "must" be superior to the other.

I.e. the bike itself really doesn't matter. The only things left are the quality of the LBS, price and aesthetics.

In terms of which one looks better, that's for you to decide, not anyone else.

[tagaproject6]

dah! so I'll have to make my decision then... I'll let you guys know next week when i get the chance.

Hey, just noticed the bianchi actually has an aluminum/carbon fork? I always thought the celeste and red models had full carbon forks but never really noticed huh. but an aluminum steerer doesn't really make much of a difference correct? other than a half pound weight difference? affect handling?

Too much waffling! Your research is done (one way or another you are going to read that the johnson rod of one bike was reported to have a 2 degree turn at the apex of schlamiel and then you will suffer more safek)

Get one or the other, ride...HTFU and ride some more.

[tagaproject6]

and don't forget to take pics

[tran.300]

It is Friday! and I am now the new proud owner of a bianchi! I don't have pictures up yet but I've already got dirty tires lol.

It was a cut throat choice between the tarmac, as they even stepped up to offering a comp (but it was in white and i didn't fancy the color too much...)
I did however really really really like the rival it had, but it was strange. At times the front derailleur wouldn't shift flawlessly, requiring me to stop pedaling
and only then did it change to the big ring when i resumed pedaling... weird. However, the 105 stands the test of time for being just plain no frills boringly reliable!

I find myself staring at it while i'm typing lol... I just wish it had more celeste on it, but man going from cro-moly to this, I'm speechless!

As for comparison between the tarmac comp with rival and bianchi 105 sempre, the profile of the tarmac was slightly thinner, but as far as stiffness they seemed pretty on par.
I have to say though, the sempre takes the cake for comfort though as the tarmac might have just seemed a hair lighter? Couldn't tell exactly, but it seemed more the wheels.
I can't honestly make a good comparison on acceleration as the gearing ratios between the bike were also different. But based on those specs, I honestly, chose color lol. I even debated
getting the tarmac elite as it was the matt black 2011 model, which was seriously ninja. But in the end, you guys were right haha, all based on color. no absurd right qualities that would
render one superior to the other. Just sexy italian vs sexy american to put it bluntly lol...

Ok. Enough ramble. I'll try to update about ride qualities over he next few [time frame] but when I get a chance I'll try to upload some pictures as I'm currently indisposed. (don't worry, the stem and a spacer is flipped and I'll try to remember something about the o'clock stuff...)

Also, for lack of punctuation, grammar, and consanguinity, it is due to my excitement! and taga lol, i HTFU'ed.

[milkbaby]

Congrats! However, I must say that I, personally, could never bring myself to buying a non-celeste Bianchi!

[Psimet2001]

Translation: You wanted a new bike. You thought about 2 near identical rigs. You bought the one you wanted. It makes you want to ride.

.....seems like a win. Just sayin...

[adriano]

the one with apex, easily.

[screamsayonara]

I was going to say the Tarmac, mostly because I'm partial to SRAM.

I also wanted to point out my Grandma lives in Tiffin (mom grew up in Bascom), and I've been visiting there for my whole life.

[tran.300]

Here it is! (I've been a little too busy with other things so I couldn't carry on the tradition of white garage and stuff... but I hardly believe I'll mysteriously disappear into hades or valhalla or anything as punishment)





I had a very difficult time choosing because I'm a Sram believer. I really liked the function of Sram as it is very intuitive and quick! The double tap is plain awesome. I don't have anything against the other frame or bike in general, it's just in a perfect world I would have loved to have a Sram bianchi in celeste! lol. A lot of it had to do with price too, but it just seemed the bianchi was the way to go.

Another factor was, the tarmac I was looking at had a hiccup-y front derailleur! I didn't want to buy a bike that wasn't flawless with function as soon as it got out of the shop, despite it having Sram Rival on it. It was just set up bad maybe?

Anyway, I ventured forth with my new steed yesterday for a good 30 miles with a friend and rode many types of roads. It's an extremely comfortable bike despite all the reviews saying it's a "racier geometry." It is stock right now, but it does accelerate on the dime (however, take heed as my description is relative to a previous cromoly goliath that wasn't even the right size) This one fits tons better (53cm frame, height 5'8", 130lbs, approx. 30ish " inseam for those who are wondering).

Any recommendations with accessories? Useful computers with cadence? any must buys? It hurts to drop down dough so don't recommend something too drastic lol.

Psimet2001, i've been a forum lurker for a long while but I feel honored to have you even comment on my first thread as it seems like your referred to in a ton of others if i remember right lol.

Hey, screamsayonara, I'm guessing you know Hopewell-Loudon and the carryout and all those places as well, like meadowbrook park?