Need advice
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Chicago
Need advice
Dammit guys... I need some advice...
Going to pick up my first road bike. Want something that I can use for the next several years; so not entry, but not top of the line. Want to be able to upgrade components and not really worry about the frame. I've narrowed it down to two bikes... 2014 Felt F4 or a 2012 (new, never owned) Look 586 (or 2013 if I can find one). Love them both and would be happy with either. When I'm looking to upgrade, should I place Di2 at the top or bottom of the upgrade list? I ask because the Look doesn't have internal cable routing whereas the Felt does. Suggestions********************
Going to pick up my first road bike. Want something that I can use for the next several years; so not entry, but not top of the line. Want to be able to upgrade components and not really worry about the frame. I've narrowed it down to two bikes... 2014 Felt F4 or a 2012 (new, never owned) Look 586 (or 2013 if I can find one). Love them both and would be happy with either. When I'm looking to upgrade, should I place Di2 at the top or bottom of the upgrade list? I ask because the Look doesn't have internal cable routing whereas the Felt does. Suggestions********************
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
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Those are both pretty darn good bikes. Ultegra 6800 is a lot closer to top-of-the-line than it is to the bottom, that's for sure.
At that level, make sure you get a bike that doesn't cheap out on the crankset.
And upgrading from a bike at that level is pretty expensive. Better to just but a bike with DuraAce or Di2 from the outset.
At that level, make sure you get a bike that doesn't cheap out on the crankset.
And upgrading from a bike at that level is pretty expensive. Better to just but a bike with DuraAce or Di2 from the outset.
#3
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Chicago
Yeah... I'm prepared for the $$$$$$ upgrade for the next bike. This bike is to get me through a few years before I spend that $$$$$$$ on another bike (like a beautiful 695, built from the bottom up). So I guess my biggest concern is... if I'm looking to upgrade the 586 or F2, should I look to Di2 or at the wheels or other parts?
#4
Speechless
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 8,842
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From: Central NY
Bikes: Felt Brougham, Lotus Prestige, Cinelli Xperience,
If this is your first road bike, stop concentrating on what you want to upgrade and concentrate on what it is.
Personally, an F5 is the same frame as an F4, and if you plan to upgrade at some point regardless, just get the F5 (I am biased though, because I like the F5 palette better).
I know nothing about Di2, but for you to currently not own a road bike and to think that the next logical upgrade is some level of Di2 seems an enormous leap. Just my opinion though.
I know nothing about Look bikes, other than the fact that they are French. That should make them durable enough to survive being dropped.
Personally, an F5 is the same frame as an F4, and if you plan to upgrade at some point regardless, just get the F5 (I am biased though, because I like the F5 palette better).
I know nothing about Di2, but for you to currently not own a road bike and to think that the next logical upgrade is some level of Di2 seems an enormous leap. Just my opinion though.
I know nothing about Look bikes, other than the fact that they are French. That should make them durable enough to survive being dropped.
#5
Should Be More Popular




Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
#6
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From: Berlare, Belgium
Bikes: Provex (centaur carbon) 2009 - cube litening super hpc race 2013
#7
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Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Central OH
Bikes: Lauf True Grit; Trek Madone, Domane and Checkpoint; EMB-505
If this is your first bike, why the interest in electronic shifting? Unless you have a strong "need" or desire for Di2, you might consider using the money for good wheels or other upgrades like pedals, shoes, etc.




And if I really want Di2, I'll just get external routing or retrofit it. But by then, I'll probably be ready to buy my next frame.

