Originally Posted by dfw

I'm having problems deciding between a comfort geometry type bike and performance geometry. I was hoping to pick some people's brains and get some different ideas. I'm used to riding mountain and hybrid bikes, so naturally I'm presently favoring a more upright riding position. However, my objectives in getting a road bike is so I can go faster and keep up with the road bike group rides. Some of the comfort type models I've either looked at or tested are: 1200c, Sequoia, and my LBS is going to get a Big Sky from their warehouse for me to try.

The sales guy at my LBS, tells me he can set up a performance type bike with a more upright riding position by adding spacers to the steerer, changing to an angled stem, and/or changing the position of the shifter hoods on the bar. Some of the performance type bikes I've looked at and tested are the Allez, 1500, and they can get a Tourmalet for me to look at. My LBS is a dealer for Trek, Specialized, and Lemond.

One other bike that seems to be between the two types is the Pilot 2.1. This bike is a bit more pricey that I would prefer, but I don't mind biting the bullet if there is a compelling reason to do so.

One thought is, setting up a performance type bike in an upright riding position might give me more options because once my flexibility improves and I get used to riding a road bike, I may want to drop into more of a lower riding position. Is this a viable option, or should I just go with the comfort geometry and plan on buying a performance bike if I want to change later on? Any thoughts on this subject are appreciated.