Originally Posted by
thanson77
Well I've been to all 3 of the bike shops around me. One has 1 road bike under $1k, one has 2 Giants under a thousand that are worse deals than the s50, and the other I think i've found a bike I like. However, at that shop, the guy seemed like I knew more about the components than he did (he told me Tiagra was basically the same as Sora), and they also told me I get 1 free tune up and from then on tune-ups are $50 a pop... so same as REI.
Here's the bike they had in my size that I liked for $770
http://www.bicycling.com/gear/detail...2826-0,00.html
it weighed in at 24 lbs in the shop... and it also had microshift shifters, not shimano...
Would this really be a better deal than the S50? It seems to be not much better if at all.
I was looking at Trek bikes and the 1.2 has all Sora with a Tiagra rear derailleur for $750.
Am I missing something, or is that a much better deal?
Sorry for all the questions and such I just really hope to make a good choice...
I think you're definitely missing something. You seem to be focusing on the components that are on the bike when, as a brand new rider, the value of such a thing is nearly nill. The #1 absolute criteria should be fit and comfort on the bike. You need to be test-riding bikes. Back to back whenever possible. Go to the bikeshop in shorts and tennis shoes (or bike shoes if you have them) and let them know you're serious about finding the bike that is right for you. Do NOT get hung up on one bike because it seems like a better value with the parts it has bolted on it. A bike that doesn't fit you is a terrible value and nearly every part on the bike is a wear item.