Originally Posted by
RubeRad
OP, I just noticed your username
Haha! I'm glad that you were able to pick up on that
Originally Posted by
kuroba
It seemed that to me too, that's why I wanted to comment that maybe for just commuting you wouldn't need more than a road bike that can fit 28mm tires. But if you want to use your bike for more than just commuting, I have to say I love my gravel bike for exploring, I just change the tires and off I go.
The bike with certainly be more focused for my commuting. I'll play the rest by ear, depending on how passonate I become about biking. I do like the options that gravel bikes give me though!
Originally Posted by
mcours2006
Shimano's groupset hierarchy currently peaks at Dura-Ace 9000/9100, Ultegra 6800, 105 5800, all of which are 11-speed. They are followed by Tiagra 4700--10-speed, Sora R3000--9-speed, and Claris 2400--8-speed. The cost of the groupsets alone range from about $250 all the way to $2000. Let's not even speak of the Di2 stuff.
Then you have the previous generations of the same groupsets, some have the same number of gears, some have one fewer.
The general consensus among folks around here is that Shimano's 105 groupset represents the best value for the performance.
That should make it easier for you to compare different bikes. But keep in mind that the frame is also an important consideration. The Allez frame is a very well regarded one, so expect to pay a bit more.
I'm seeing a lot of raving about 11 speed bikes, while doing my research and am not really experienced enough to know if the difference between the Shimano 105 11-speed would make a difference to me, as opposed to the Tiagra 4700 10-speed. I definitely don't want to go overboard with the consumerism side just yet, so I'm trying to be mindful of that. It sounds like the Tiagra would suffice for my needs and at a better price point.
The Allez is being shown for $770 online, but it doesn't mention anything about the wheels included; it only mentions the frame ,forks, and group sets. I'd send you the link, but I'm still restricted on the forum. Is it safe for me to assume that they are? lol
Originally Posted by
noglider
Components matter a lot less than some want you to believe. The retail prices of components suggest that there must be a good reason that the higher-line stuff is more expensive. The wholesale prices are much closer. I might wear out a derailleur, and you might wear out a headset or whatever, and once I wear out that derailleur, I might conclude that Tiagra is crappy, and then I'll upgrade and be happy. But which component wears out is a lot of luck.
The only component I'm willing to spend a lot extra on is hubs. Hubs spin whenever the bike is moving, unlike all other components. Building a wheel takes time or money, and you don't want to swap a hub into an otherwise fine wheel, so it pays to buy your hubs once. But that's not to say you shouldn't buy a bike if it doesn't have Dura Ace (or some other high-line) hubs. Just that if you're replacing a rear hub, choose the best one you can afford.
Don't worry about components.
Thank you! I'll try not to get to hung up on the component aspect.