Originally Posted by
SlimRider
Hey there ChowChow,
Tell ya what. Just go to a Trek dealership. Try the top of the line Trek FX that they have in stock. Then go to a Jamis dealership and test-ride the entry-level Coda Sport. Next, test-ride the Coda Comp and the Elite. Then make your decision as to which bike suits your fancy.
You want quick? ...The Coda is one of the quickest! ____You want smooth? ...It is one of the smoothest!
Never rode a Jamis that didn't shift well!
- Slim
Hi Slim
I am no expert in the field, but the reading that I have done on how people make cognitive comparisons leads me to believe that this test pattern will lead someone to buy a Coda with a significantly higher frequency, regardless of actual differences (whether they buy a Coda base or high end would be based on whether they can feel a performance difference or not). People greatly magnify differences between things when they test them, to reduce the stress of decision making, and do a poor job of comparing things out of sequence.
OP, if it were me, if I were deciding between three or four bikes, I'd ride the ones that are the longest outside shots first, and move toward your favorites last. Riding models that you aren't considering muddies the water. Decide what the key attributes are that you are interested in, and don't let the salesman tell you how to frame the decision.
Most OEM tires stink, so to base a value or purchase on the highest wear item is not too important, you will change them out soon enough regardless.
And aluminum vs steel is a small worry. Bikes are like spouses. You will grow tired of them long before you wear them out.
