John Redcorn

I'm really wanting my 1st road bike and I have oneitis, well severalitis for a few models.

One is the Fuji Sportif 1.3, I can get it in town for $1070 but I'm not crazy about the bright red color.

I saw in road bikes forum last night performance bike has a pb-exclusive bike the sportif 1.0 for $999 and it comes in grey or black (what I want)
Fuji Sportif 1.0 LE Road Bike - 2016 Performance Exclusive

Closest PB is in Plano, would cost me ~$50 in gas and maybe $40 for a cheap motel if I stay overnight so I'd be basically doing this for the color.

I really wan't disc brakes, really like them on my crosstrail and from what I've seen so far anything else with discs around that price has a sora group instead of 105.

I'm really pretty sure I want a 56cm frame, I rode a 54cm Felt for an hour and it felt too small. I sat on a Sportif 2.1 56cm at sun and ski and it felt good, may ask them if I can ride around the parking lot. Fujibikes.com shows Sportif 2.1 has some slight differences in geometry vs Sportif 1.x

Retro Grouch 

A year from now you will have forgotten about the process but you'll still have the bike.

Mrs. Grouch and I once drove 500 miles one way to test ride a recumbent tandem. When we got to Hayes, Ks. the wind chill was 8 so it was a pretty short test ride. We discovered, however, that the bike I had intended to get wasn't going to suit us so the trip was well worth it.

cdrewferd

Better order the bike ahead of time to make sure they have it in stock. My local PB only has the Sportiff 1.0 in grey/orange in a L frame. No other colors or sizes. I'm looking forward to an update if you get the bike as it's the one I've been eying for a while.

indyfabz

Can you not get the shop that has the red one to get you one that you like more?

If not, spend the money if you want to. Sometime life costs more than you expect. While I am not one to wantonly waste money, I don't have a problem spending money for something I really want. I got a custom ti frame made last year. I don't like the look of all bare ti so I paid an extra $350 to have most of it covered with a custom-blended Cerakote color. It's what I wanted so I paid the money for it, and it will always look better than that Fuji.

highrpm

Do it! Make a nice trip out of it. I have never regretted taking a trip.

In the car world, I've driven from MI to TN to pick up a car before. No regrets.

John Redcorn

The shop here doesn't have it, would have to order and as far as I can tell from looking at Fuji website it seems they don't offer you a choice for color like others do.

indyfabz

Maybe I am just crazy, but if there were a Fuji dealer in my town I would spend 5 minutes discussing with them whether or not they can order me the bike I want in the color I want before undertaking your alternative.

John Redcorn

lol you've got a point, I didn't even think to ask them about color just based on my assumption you couldn't pick from seeing the fuji website. I supposed even if no choice like I thought they may be able to get a 2015 model.

PatrickGSR94

I drove 6+ hours total to get my first road bike (my Felt Z85), which is currently my main commuter and is coming up on 10,000 miles. I got it for a great deal from a local bike shop that a friend goes to. After buying and getting fitted I hung out with him and his family and we rode around for a bit. I left early on Saturday morning, and got back that same evening. It was well worth it IMHO.

I spent maybe $50 in gas but saved about $300 off the original price of the bike (previous year model).

goraman

You will have the bike for years, I'd do it in a heart beat.

RonH

Not worth the drive IMHO. Support your local bike shop. You'll most likely be taking the bike to them for much of the service it will need.

PatrickGSR94

I love the people at my LBS and they're always super friendly and helpful. But they're a Trek dealer and I didn't really want a Trek bike. I do most of my own work anyway but occasionally get parts form the LBS.

Besides, if he doesn't get the bike from his LBS, he won't get the 1 year free service deal. So then he'd have to pay for service anyway at the LBS if he needs it, thereby supporting the LBS more... right?