Originally Posted by
mcours2006
The gearing on the two bikes are near identical--48/38/28 front, and 11-32 vs 12-32 on the Trek and Norco, respectively. In any case, either will be sufficient for most of you needs. You can climb the steepest hill on the 28-32 combo, and though not impossible on long declines, you won't spin out on the 48-11/12 combo either.
I'd opt for the Norco, if prices are similar. Components are not much difference either. The disc brakes, though you may not appreciate it right now, is a better option. They are not difficult to service, contrary to what you think.
I'd deal with your local shop. You're going to need service from them in the future, and it's much better to have purchased the bike from them in the first place. That already makes you a preferred customer in their eyes. You're not going to find much in Toronto that you can't get where you are, and if they don't have it you can always order it.
Finally, from looking at the frame geometry, which look quite similar, neither is going to give you much of an aero riding position. The bikes are not meant for that. If you want more aero go with a drop bar road bike. If you ride into a stiff headwind, be prepare to suck! Well, sucks regardless of bike, but sucks less if you can get nice an low.
Perfect.....great advice. The pricing on the bikes is relatively close. The FX2 is about $600 even, the VFR 5 is $725, and the FX3 is about $820 if I remember correctly. I've dealt with the Norco shop before and they have taken good care of me. But both are mixed sports stores, not dedicated bike shops. The biggest problem is inventory. Obviously they can't have all the bikes, in all the categories, and can order in. But I've never felt comfortable having a store order in something special and then not buying it. They're stuck with it and I feel responsible. With some of the other bigger, dedicated bike shops in TO they're inventory and the ability to see/feel the bike is appealing. But travel time and traffic chaos is not much fun. Tough decision and thus my limited selection question. Thanks again for your opinion, hope to go up and kick the tires on all 3 in next few days and see what shakes out. Appreciate it.