Need advice on 2012 Coda sport vs Coda comp

**Tiekyl** · 05-02-12, 03:20 PM

Hi,

I was looking for some advice on the Coda sport and Coda comp. I know there's been one or two forum posts about this exact same thing, but I still don't feel confident in my decision and was hoping someone would know better than I do.

I'm on a tight budget, I can theoretically afford both of the bikes, but once I get it, it's 95% likely that I can't get another bike or do much upgrading for 8 or so years. (School). I'm hoping to do plenty of riding in the future, I used to do a lot more but I'm kind of out of the game right now. So I want a bike that will be able to do 50-75 mile rides for a few days on a trip without it giving me any issues. Also, I'm planning on sticking mostly on roads, but I want to do some basic hauling of groceries / maybe a couple days of camping stuff. I also can't guarantee I'll stay off well packed trails and dirt roads, if that makes any difference between the two bikes.

Is there any reason why the comp would do better over a 8 year period or after a decent amount of mileage? Obviously I'll do my best to maintain it, but I've heard that better parts will make it easier to make it work. Would the carbon fork be an issue if there was an accident?

Thanks, and sorry about any pointless questions that I'm asking.

**ChowChow** · 05-02-12, 03:47 PM

I would get the Comp. Better derailleurs makes shifting better. Plus it has a 9 speed cassette and a carbon fork. The carbon fork will help soak up bumpy rides. Which will make it more comfortable for a long rides. Don't know much about carbon and accidents, since I've never been in one.

**Tiekyl** · 05-02-12, 03:55 PM

Hmm, so you think that stuff will add up to making a difference on rides? Thanks. Its hard to tell, I haven't been on enough long rides.

**ChowChow** · 05-02-12, 04:05 PM

Originally Posted by Tiekyl

Hmm, so you think that stuff will add up to making a difference on rides? Thanks. Its hard to tell, I haven't been on enough long rides.

Yes. Having better components etc makes a better ride.

**Tiekyl** · 05-02-12, 04:08 PM

Er, I meant an actual noticable difference on this level of bike, but yeah. You're probably right. I appreciate the input. I just have all those comments from people about "Haha, you can ride on pretty much anything, it'll be fine" stuck in my head, and the $200+ difference on the bikes. I'm sure its worth it though.

**ChowChow** · 05-02-12, 06:28 PM

You can't just ride on anything and will be fine. If that is so, then everyone would save money and purchase a Walmart bike. If you are planing to do a lot of miles. Then a very good bike is recommend. Name brand bikes that has lower end components etc are good, but not recommended for doing 30 plus miles IMO.

**otg** · 05-02-12, 06:34 PM

I don't think you can go wrong with either one. I rode them both and ended up with the Comp, but for what you want, I'm sure the Sport will be fine. I guess it will come down to whether you can part with the extra money to upgrade. I looked at the Elite too, and decided I didn't want to spend the extra for the disk brakes. Good luck, both are great bikes.

**Tiekyl** · 05-02-12, 10:15 PM

Thanks for the opinions.

I kind of want to rephrase what I said earlier though, mainly just because it's bugging me that I said it all wrong. I was more referring to the people that talk about doing centennials on Trek FX 7.2s, and people pretty much just finding a bike they like and making it work. I know the components matter, but its sometimes hard to find the point where it's worth it on performance or if you're just trying to get a bike thats "perfect".

As of now, I think i'm going to go with the Comp, but I'm going to do some soul searching before I drop a bunch more money on a bike than I possibly need. :-)

**SlimRider** · 05-03-12, 12:37 AM

IMHO the Coda Sport will best serve your needs, if you're in school.

**a1penguin** · 05-03-12, 04:14 AM

I think either bike will suit your needs well. Other than different grade of components, they are pretty similar: gearing, tire size. I would purchase the Sport and use the remaining $ for helmet and gloves and whatever gear you might need later on. And get the red one; it's faster :-)

**Tiekyl** · 05-03-12, 07:08 AM

Okay, I really appreciate the time guys. Maybe I will stick with the sport, will give me some extra wiggle room on accessories, and maybe the effort I put into saving money will convince the SO that I can get a 2nd bike sooner? Haha, here's hoping. I have to get the awful blue though, they are completely out of red at the factory apparently. :'( . Now to figure out a way to cover up the ugly.

**otg** · 05-03-12, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by Tiekyl

Okay, I really appreciate the time guys. Maybe I will stick with the sport, will give me some extra wiggle room on accessories, and maybe the effort I put into saving money will convince the SO that I can get a 2nd bike sooner? Haha, here's hoping. I have to get the awful blue though, they are completely out of red at the factory apparently. :'( . Now to figure out a way to cover up the ugly.

**Tiekyl** · 05-03-12, 07:14 AM

Oops! I meant the baby blue of the coda sport femme...Dark blue bikes are just as cool as purple in my book. It's just the light blue I can't stand... Yours is definently not ugly!!

**otg** · 05-03-12, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by Tiekyl

Oops! I meant the baby blue of the coda sport femme...Dark blue bikes are just as cool as purple in my book. It's just the light blue I can't stand... Yours is definently not ugly!!

Just kidding, color is personal preference. Couldn't tell from your username if you were a guy or a girl!

**Tiekyl** · 05-03-12, 07:18 AM

Haha, whew, I felt bad for a moment there. I try not to call peoples stuff ugly.

**SlimRider** · 05-03-12, 08:22 AM

Just because you're female doesn't mean that you have to buy the femme model. I think girls look sexier when they ride men's bikes. Especially when they ride black bicycles!

Get the Coda Sport for men...So what!

**Tiekyl** · 05-03-12, 08:26 AM

Lol I'll take a quick ride on the mens model, I am kinda really tiny though so I'm guessing it'll just be silly

. I definently would love to get that black bike though, it is sexy as heck.

**SlimRider** · 05-03-12, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by Tiekyl

Lol I'll take a quick ride on the mens model, I am kinda really tiny though so I'm guessing it'll just be silly

. I definently would love to get that black bike though, it is sexy as heck.

Well quite seriously then, if you don't like the color, don't get the bike! Sometimes these things never resolve themselves...

I say, wait and get exactly what you want. Tell them to order a new red one, just for you. You should have it before the summer is over.

PS.

OTOH, a female wearing all white on a powder blue bike, looks pretty sexy too!

White shorts...White tube top...Nice!

**Tiekyl** · 05-03-12, 08:45 AM

Well to be honest I don't like the red either, >.>. Just something I gotta deal with I guess. I figure it'll resolve itself by my getting used to having a girly looking bike. Maybe with stickers.

**SlimRider** · 05-03-12, 09:06 AM

Originally Posted by Tiekyl

Well to be honest I don't like the red either, >.>. Just something I gotta deal with I guess. I figure it'll resolve itself by my getting used to having a girly looking bike. Maybe with stickers.

Don't conceal the girly!...Jazz it up!

Think of matching color schemes that will complement both you and the bike. There are a few colors that actually complement powder blue. These colors could really accent your sense of style and presence. Colors like white, black, and different shades of blue.

**Tiekyl** · 05-03-12, 10:55 AM

Out of curiosity, how do you apply any color to a bike? Can get a black water bottle, but thats about all I can think of. Stickers? I looked up some ideas on the internet but its suprisingly hard to find something.

**SlimRider** · 05-03-12, 11:15 AM

Originally Posted by Tiekyl

Out of curiosity, how do you apply any color to a bike? Can get a black water bottle, but thats about all I can think of. Stickers? I looked up some ideas on the internet but its suprisingly hard to find something.

Alright then, here's your solution...But it's gonna cost you alotta time and a few more bucks. You can go to a bicycle co-op and learn how to disassemble your bike and reassemble your bike. Once you've mastered that feat, just disassemble your bike and take the frame to a professional powdercoating paint facility. I had my Innova painted for approximately $100. I had it painted glossy black. It looks great!
Once painted, reassemble your bike and you're done! Voila!

**ChowChow** · 05-03-12, 07:06 PM

Black? What about the Trek 7.2? http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...ness/fx/7_2_fx
Light blue ladies model http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes.../fx/7_2_fx_wsd

**Tiekyl** · 05-03-12, 07:14 PM

For the record, I just got back from the shop. Ended up going with the coda comp, against all of my logic. Figured it was worth the $$, especially if I was planning on painting it later.

Chow- I took a look at the 7.3 actually, took it on a couple rides, just didnt' have quite as smooth of a ride as the Codas, strangely enough. The trek was a "Eh, yeah, thats pretty nice" and the coda gave me the "Yes, this is my bike!".

Thanks though guys, your input was seriously valuable, even if I ignored half of it.

**ChowChow** · 05-03-12, 07:15 PM

Want to save some money?
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...27_-1___202398
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...38_-1___202398

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