Originally Posted by
mstateglfr
I'll just add that there are dozens of quality bikes between $1400 and $3600.
If the topstone isnt what you want, that doesnt mean you need to go to a $3600 bike. Maybe something that costs $2k or $2500 will be great. Even $3000 for example will get you an incredible bike and still save significantly over the Giant.
Also, if the topstone feels heavy, for less than $500 you can get a wheelset that weighs 400-600 grams less(depending on which wheelset you choose). That will shave off a pound +/- and you will feel it when accelerating from a stop.
Thanks for your reply. I feel my biggest problem is the lack of bikes available in my area to try. There a several small shops around, they just have very limited stock and I have only been able to find one bike, the Cannondale that looks like it might fit me. I have called 3 or 4 shops without much luck, I might just wait till I can travel to an area with bike shops that are stocked better.