Tiagra Carbon bike or 105 Aluminum bike?
 

What to do... I'm just beginning to race for the school team and decided to upgrade my bike... Of course, I want to be competitive (meaning, I need the best of the best) but also, I need to be economical ( because being a high school student = I'm dead broke...)

I've narrowed my choices between the Devinci CX or Trek 2.3.

The Devinci CX is tiagra with a bunch of no-name parts, but is carbon...
Trek 2.3 is much better (105, bontrager lite) but is aluminum and much more expensive.

HELP PLEASE :twitchy:


(PS: if there are any other bikes around this price range [lower than $2000] which have better performance, please do tell)





Devinci CX


PRICE: 1580

REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Ultegra 6600
FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Tiagra 4500
CRANKSET FSA Vero PowerDrive 50/34T

FRONT SHIFTER Shimano Tiagra 4500
REAR SHIFTER Shimano Tiagra 4500
CASSETTE Shimano HG50 9s 13-25T
CHAIN Shimano HG53 9s
PEDALS Wellgo LU-208
FRONT WHEEL Formula Road Sealed/Maddux DRX4000/DT Champion
REAR WHEEL Formula Road Sealed/Maddux DRX4000/DT Champion
TIRE Maxxis Detonator 700x23C
BRAKES Tektro R310 Dual Pivot w/angle adjustable pad
STEM FSA OS-190LX 31.8mm
HANDLEBAR V2 Roadbar butted 6061 31.8mm
GRIPS / TAPE Velo cork
SADDLE V2
SEATPOST V2 Comp 31.6mm







Trek 2.3

PRICE: 1920

Wheels Bontrager Race
Tires Bontrager Race Lite, 700x23c
Drivetrain
Shifters Shimano 105 STI, 10 speed
Front Derailleur Shimano 105
Rear Derailleur Shimano Ultegra
Crank Shimano 105 50/34 or 50/39/30
Cassette Shimano 105 11-25 or 12-27 (triple), 10 speed

Saddle Bontrager Race Basic
Seat Post Bontrager Race Lite Basic
Handlebars Bontrager Race VR, 31.8mm
Stem Bontrager Race Lite OS, 7 degree, 31.8mm
Headset Aheadset w/semi-cartridge bearings, integrated, sealed, alloy
Brakeset Alloy dual pivot w/Shimano 105 STI levers

I'd go with that carbon bike, but test ride them if you're unsure. If you feel that you know what sie bike you want, and you don't mind forgoing the test ride, you might check out bikesdirect.com; nicely equipped bikes, very cheap.

+1

Ultegra rear derailleur is not really an ultegra bike. Shifters make a big difference.

Devinci makes really good frame so I'd go with it, just change components in the future if you feel the need to do it.

No, you don't. You need a good work ethic and a willingness to suffer.

Look at this:

Giant Defy 1 - ~$1,400:

color: Charcoal/Silver/Black
size: XS,S,M,M/L,L,XL
frame: ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminum
fork: Advanced-Grade Composite, Alloy OverDrive Steerer
handlebar: Giant Alloy Anatomic Bend, 31.8
stem: Giant Alloy 4-bolt
seatpost: Giant Composite, 30.9
saddle: Giant Performance Road, Men's
pedals: Crank Brothers Smarty
shifters: Shimano 105
front derailleur: Shimano 105
rear derailleur: Shimano 105
brakes: Shimano 105
brake levers: Shimano 105
cassette: Shimano 105 12/27, 10-speed
chain: Shimano 105
cranks: FSA Gossamer MegaExo, 30/39/50
bb: FSA Mega Exo, External
rims: Mavic CXP22
hubs: Formula sealed Cartridge Bearing 24/28h
spokes: SAPIM Race, 14/15g
tires: Kenda Kriterium, 700x23

I looked all over and found this to be a great option.

S-

check out neuvationcycling.com. btw, i love devinci's, have one of their mtb's.

Go aluminum. If you crash in a collegiate race (you probably will) you can just pick the bike up without any worries about the frame failing.

I'd say go aluminum just because components are just as important as the frame itself. And yeah no worries in a collegiate crash.

Also, if you're looking for a bike under $2000 with quality everything you should really fish around some more for better buys. I just got a Fuji Team Pro full carbon w/ ultegra everything and a dura ace DR for $1300. It was used but literally in pristine condition. Looks and rides like its brand new.

If you don't mind purchasing a previously owned bike, I think that's a good way too go. Especially for a student.

Also check out floor models at bike shops from 07 or 08 that are leftover.

If you're really "dead broke" as you say, I think there might be better deals out there. Look at the Fujis for example. And also, for what it's worth, I do NOT like Tiagra. You'll get other opinions around here on the functionality of Tiagra, but in my opinion 105 is a considerable step up that's worth it.

God I can't believe I am the first one to say this , but....CAAD9-5.

If you can afford the extra 200 (I know what it feels like...I'm in college and looking for my first road or tri bike since I currently ride a 90's mt bike) look at the cervelo S1. It is aluminum, full Ultegra and used by some pro's as a training bike. MSRP is 2199, but you may be able to find a 08 still on sale or talk the bike store down a little.

my friend has a dura ace carbon bike that really doesn't feel significantly lighter than my 105 aluminum bike

in your situation I would stay away from carbon. reasons stated. try looking at Felt, fugi, specialized. they all seem to make some good entry level bikes. but even if the frame is steel get some good components and wheels. 105 at least. good luck

You need to go out there and do some more research. There are plenty of very well equipped aluminum and carbon fiber bikes out there that will give you much more value for the same price points. You also don't need the best-of-the-best to race; you should be more concerned about being reasonable.

Thanks guys for all the wonderful suggestions.

The Cervelo S1 is really making my heart swoon... but then thats $2200... up another price bracket =/


Are there any other suggestions for bikes that are around the price of a trek 2.3 (under $2000)

haha word. I was getting worried as I continued to scroll down.

Tarmac Elite?

everyone who didn't say CAAD9-5 is wrong

Those are pretty crappy prices for what you're getting. You can probably get a specialized Tarmac Elite for about $1400, and then you can get a used powermeter for $400-500 bucks and you'll have a carbon bike and a power meter for about the same as that Trek 2.3. (Or a Specialized Roubaix for about $1700 - not the s-works one)

does the Tarmac Elite come in that sexy black/red colour (i could only find it in the ugly blue/silver colour) and how can I get it for $1400, all the MSRP for the Tarmac I found was $2200+

Haven't we had that discussion?

not enough.

$1900 for a 2.3? That's wayyyy overpriced.
My lbs has them normally priced at $1600, on sale for $1500...
If you can haggle, I'd get it. I have practically the same frame (2.1) and love it.

What are you riding now? What (if any) team discounts might you be able to swing? And (most importantly) are you still growing?