To K2 or not to K2
 

I have read the $700 thread front to back which has left me here. First roadbike ever. My local Performance Bike shop has the K2 Mach 1.0 for 420.00, and the Mach 2.0 for 619.00, the bikes use the same frame, but the Mach 2.0 has much better components, Tiagra/105 mixed, and a carbon fork. I am on an extremely tight budget, I only have a helmet and lock for right now. Would I still be happy with the Mach 1.0 and upgrade down the line, being that it has the same aluminum frame. Or should I cough it up now?

This from a guy who suffers from upgrade fever as much as the next guy:

Stick with your original budget. You'll still get the joy of riding, the pain of getting in shape and the challenge of raising the bar on your goals and expectations...this is 95% of cycling. And you can upgrade down the line.

Yes, others will correctly point out that the cost of upgrading later will be higher than getting the same components already on the bike. But in the larger scheme of things I think it's wiser to stay with your original budget as best you can.

Just some friendly advice, since you asked.

For the component upgrade level you get for the price increase, you'd probably be happy enough with the cheaper bike.

Mach 1.0 it is then, I am 6' 2" 220lbs my legs are a tad shorter than my upper body, does a 58cm sound about right? I want to make sure they have my bike in stock or can atleast get it before I drive 45 min to get nothing.

Here is another option for you. Since I assume you have been to Performance and know what size you want, why not order the Mach 2.0 from their web site in the correct size and use coupon 6001230 for 20% off which brings the price just under $500 then you should also sign up for TP (cost you $20 but...) because you will then get another 10% back for future purchases which will be another $50. You will wind up paying shipping though unless they ship to their stores for free? Of course you could do this with the Mach 1.0 as well but I was looking to get you the better bike for a price closer to what you were going to pay anyway.

Also note that those bikes are compact so you are looking (at your size) at either the Large or the Extra Large. The XL is supposed to be a 58-60 cm equivilant.

That's a good idea from GC, I would give that a shot.

Just a piece of advice, you're going to need a frame pump (or CO2 pump), patch kit, spare tube, and tire levers at the very least. Those four items can be had for under $50, but they're definitely items you're going to want to budget for. Best of luck with the new bike, whichever you get.

I'd like more into the Coupon, 20% on a relatively large purchase like that could be a hefty discount. I *believe* the 2.0 has Tiagra shifters, if you're planning on spending a decent amount of time in the drops, it might be beneficial to go with the 2.0.

Thanks everyone for the coupon, I wasn't even aware of it, I will be getting it online for sure, especially since, my local performance will service for free. I have heard of .99 shipping, anybody know anything about it?

Sounds like we have similar builds, I'm 6'2" also with shorter legs (32" inseam) and I found the 58cm a bit to tall, as in the boys were touching the top tube. I chose a compact frame which had a 55.5cm seat tube with a 58cm top tube. It may be something you want to check into.

I think that bike packs an 11-28 cog set

Anybody know when the expiration date on those coupons is, I will be ordering on September 10(pay check :) ) and I would hate to miss this deal.

I *believe* it's Sept. 7th. But if you're ordering online, use a credit card if possible.

If it expires before you can order try 6001231. The next number in the series is typically what the next code is. The code I gave earlier is supposed to expire on 9/7/05

I'm a poor college student without a credit card, what are the chances that the next coupon in the series will work?

I'm a poor college student without a credit card, what are the chances that the next coupon in the series will work?

I am lhelping my gf with her road bike purchase and also looked at the K2's. They only had the Mach 1 with the standard Alum. fork and was wondering if the choice of carbon fork model would be that much better for shock absorbtion? Worth the increase?

next coupon will probably work but I wouldnt expect to save as much on it... they seem to fluctuate between 10 and 20%.

Ok so I'm going to go get probably the Mach 1.0 this week, unless they can talk me into buying the Mach 2.0. Would it be innappropriate to expect them to fit me and work with me very long if I'm only buying a sub $600 bike?

It would be inappropriate if they didn't