Originally Posted by halfspeed
The components on the Comp are lighter, more expensive and offer more gears with less range and tighter tolerances. The wheels are lighter with fewer spokes which means they're likely less durable. The frame's got more carbon and more material joins. Better? For a heavy new rider? Not by my reckoning.
Lightweight racing components are nice and all, but no way is the more expensive model going to have the durability and low gearing that make for a good starter.
Uh, have you ridden a Comp? I hardly consider 105/Ultegra strictly lightweight racing components. I own both the Velomax Circuits and Roval Paves. Both low spoke counts. Bombproof. Neither have EVER needed truing. Durable. Granted, the '06 Comp is not the lowest gearing due to it's compact crank. The '07 Comp triple is got the gearing low enough for everything except the most insane hills.
That said, the Sport is great for the price. The Comp, not so much. But to say it's not as durable is silly.