crutter

Hi everyone. I'm a confused noob clyde looking for some advise. I've been stalking for awhile and doing some research. My main problem is trying to decide on components. Primarily my bike will be used for commuting to school and work, an easy 2 miles max, but I would like to also be able to ride long distance on the weekend. I've found a couple of bikes that I'm interested in that fit my price range. So first off my ultimate question is... Are upgraded components (shimano 105 in my case) worth the extra premium? Or should lower level components do the job adequately (shimano 2300 or a Sora/Tiagra mix)?

Some info about me: I'm a 22 y/o male, 255-260 lbs, longish torso, looking to hit 180 lbs in the future. I'm really excited about getting into biking to help continue to lose weight as well as getting into something more active than sitting around studying for pharmacy school all the time.

Bikes that I've been looking at are: Specialized Allez Steel, Felt Z85/100, Trek 1.5, and the Surly Pacer. I have a pretty good deal in the works for the Allez, but my main concerns for that bike are the 2300 components and the DT shifters. I love the look of that bike in black and the steel frame seems like it would be pretty good for utility purposes. I like the Surly pacer for the same reasons as the Allez, but I'm not sure if I want to spend the extra cash on the components. I just started looking into the Z85, which I think I've fallen in love with, but I'm not sure if riding it to school and work, locking it up outdoors would attract too much attention. And finally, the Trek 1.5 has a good mix of components, style, price and low profile.

I know I'm going to get the "ride them all and decide which one fits best" comments, and believe me, I have every intention of doing so. I just want some input before I meet about the Allez this weekend.

Thanks in advance for any and all advice given, and especially for reading my some what long post.

exile

For your purposes I wouldn't worry to much about the components. Don't let "paralysis by analysis" stop you from getting something. If there is a problem with components then have them fixed or replaced.

I will reiterate what you all ready commented on, ride them all and buy the one that fits best and you enjoy riding. I've been riding for years, and I can't tell the difference between a lot of the components I have on my bikes. If the bike pedals, rolls, shifts, and stops then that is what I care about. My oldest bike is a 93 Giant Rincon and my newest is a 2008 Surly LHT so I am sure there is a difference in quality of components, I'm just saying nothing major has broken on either.

If you are worried about theft then there are many things you can do to uglify your bike or make it less attractive to thieves.

10 Wheels

Which bike you get doesn't matter. Just get wheels with 36 spokes and get riding.

CACycling

Ride them all and see what works. Any of the component groups will do the trick. I personally don't care much for Sora brifters because of the shift button location but it works (my commuter has them and haven't given me any problems). The main thing is to buy what you'll ride.

skilsaw

Buy the bike that fits the best. And to find that out, have the bike set up for you and then ride it for an hour. Up and down hills...

And then buy the bike that you will ride.

longhaultrucker

I'm interested in hearing about the shimano 105 set and how good they are for heavy use and on a tour?

10 Wheels

I have 29,000 miles on my 105 components...No Problems yet.

Wogster

Those are all nice bikes, not sure that ANY of them are suitable for commuting to school, the problem with a nice bike is that when using them as a commuter, bike thieves know when classes start and end, so they know a bike chained up outside the Pharmacy building is likely to be there for a couple of hours at least, so they have time to bust your lock and take your bike. What you want is a bike that looks like it's not worth stealing, but is in perfect mechanical shape. Bolt on a set of ugly plastic full fenders and a cheap rear rack. What you want for school is a $50 bike with a $100 tuneup and a $50 lock, yeah the locks worth as much as the bike.

Now if you want a nice bike for recreational use, then any of the ones mentioned should do nicely I wouldn't worry about component levels, 2300, Sora and Tiagra are all good, may not look as sexy as the high end stuff (nothing beats 1970's Campy for component looks anyway ), may not be as light weight, but lots of people put thousands of miles a year on components at those levels without problems. Where you want to invest is the wheels, good sturdy rims like the Deep V's, and a minimum 32 spoke wheels, actually I think the ideal is 32 front, 36 rear.

john423

The 105 front and rear derailleur on my road bike is my favorite thing about the bike by far - it's so forgiving of my screwups. If I'm in the wrong gear and I need in the right gear quick, it does it with a minimum of complaining. It just seems to be a tank. I'm now lusting over a hybrid with 105s.

That said, my commuter has bottom of the line everything and is still plenty dependable.

longhaultrucker

then 105's for me it is thanks

10 Wheels

Still running the original cables. Changed brake pads once.

crutter

I'm definitely going to test ride all these bikes. I'd like to have two bikes in the ideal situation, but I don't have any room for two. I guess what I'm looking for is one bike that won't be stolen, that I can commute with, and then ride out in the hill country. Any suggestions?

gunner65

I love my 105 triple.

skilsaw

Crutter said "I guess what I'm looking for is one bike that won't be stolen, that I can commute with, and then ride out in the hill country."

Face it. Bikes get stolen. The nicer it is, the more attractive it is. Buy a good lock, always use it, and don't leave your bike out over night.

bradtx

crutter, The Allez Steel will be fine, won't break the bank, won't draw too much attention because it looks old and will be fine for hill country rides. Just keep it locked or inside.

Brad

PS You'll learn the age old skill of down tube shifting.

exile

Theft is a concern of almost everyone who rides a bike. Yeah, a flashy bike will draw attention to it, but most thefts are crimes of opportunity. Basically someone did not lock their bike, or they locked it up improperly. Check out Sheldon Brown's lock strategy for an idea of how to properly lock your bike.

Don't get me wrong, there are professional thieves, and if they want your bike they will get it. What you have to do is make it as difficult as possible. You can also use your surroundings as a natural deterrent. A public well lit place out in the open would probably be an ideal spot. Change the places and/or times where you lock your bike. Lock your bike to something stationary and solid.

One of the reasons colleges can be ripe with thieves is because so many students in essence leave their bike for long periods of time unattended. Plus, they use the cheapest of locks and/or a lock type that can be easily defeated with simple easily concealable tools. Additionally, they improperly lock their bikes, and it is a recipe for disaster.

Mr. Beanz

Wow, I have 25,000 on my Lemond 105's, but 3rd cable. One was replaced during a component swap so might be able to claim 2nd cable. Who knows, I shift alot though.

If I could afford it, I'd go with the 105. Few years back I had RSX (pre Tiagra/Sora era) and it worked well but the 105 has lasted much better imo. I've had Sora shifters and rear derailleur for a short while, worked fine and I actually liked the thumb shifters. If budget was the main factor, I'd go with lower stuff but if possible, I'd prefer 105.

After years of riding, I myself wouldn't have a problem going back to the downtube shifters. I have barend shiftes on my tandem and like them. Rear is index but the front I have as friction. Nice because you don't have to worry about trim settings. Price of DT shifters compared to brifters,. who knows, I just may convert if the brifters on my roaides ever go out. Component prices are crazy now!

I do remember one TourDeFrance, Paul and Phil were commenting on Lance's mountain stage bike. He had dt shifters on the left side (front) and a brifter on the right.

Pinyon

Shimano makes good stuff. I think that everything from the Sora class up, barring an accident, should pretty much last you forever. The only difference between their components is how smooth they shift, and how light or heavy they are.

Case in point: my 1987 Trek commuter bike still has the original 105 group on there. Everything has been replaced on the bike EXCEPT for the 105 shifter and derailures. They are not just working, but working very nicely.

rockdog

FWIW I've been very happy with my 105 triple group, would echo everything John423 said in his comment.