Here's the frame question that I have, that I still grapple with in my next big purchase. I apologize for the length of this, but this something that I really don't understand and really need to know since I will be spending a considerable amount of money soon.

I can see how light, better rolling wheels, lighter, higher tolerant cranks and bottom brackets, and better, more accurate shifting easily translates into better performance. I still don't get how the frame, assuming you have proper fit regardless, makes such a big difference, more so than higher end components. Beyond weight (and I always thought rolling resistance weight - cranks, wheels, etc. where considerably more imporant in that regard) what is the advantage of having a better frame. Now I'm not talking about a $4000 frame vs $400, but looking at the beginning segment of better bikes costing $1000 on up.

Take my bike for instance, a Specialized Allez Elite. It's got an aluminum frame. I'm sure it's not the nicest, the lightest, highest quality, but it seems solid, but I think my components leave a lot to be disired. If I want to spend $1500 or so to make it better, I keep hearing get a better frame. I don't get that. To me, a new wheelset would provide a much greater realized and measurable performance improvement.

Would you rather have a $3500 bike with a decent $1000 frame and $2500 worth of some of the nicest compents, or a $2500 frame, with Tiagra or 105 and more of the lower end "consumer" grade coponents? Forget the argument that you can always upgrade. Just think if you had to choose: Great frame - generic components or Top of the line compenents - decent frame.