Shawnp204

My budget is $1500 size 53-54 I would prefer riding before buying. The 3 models I like are 2013 bianchi IMPULSO ultegra
2013 Scott speedster 20
bmc gf02

seymour1910

Nothing wrong with wanting to ride the bike, and nothing wrong with supporting your local dealers. I always try to give people options when they ask for help.


If you were willing to buy online this bike has a full Ultegra group except the crank and it's only $1249

Focus Culebro 1.0 Bike 2012 > Complete Bikes > Road Bikes | Jenson USA Online Bike Shop

This is a full carbon bike with full 105 even the crank, and it's only $1499

Litespeed L3 105 Road Bike 2013 | Litespeed Bicycles | Brand | www.PricePoint.com

Shawnp204

I appreciate the help, I def want to stay local. It sounds like a lot of people here are against the bianchi I mentioned. Like I said I'm looking for the best bike for my money

seymour1910

nothing with with that at all. I don't think people are against it, it's just that it is not spec'd all that great. If it is below that $1500 budget, I say go for it.

why are you only looking at the three? are those what they had in your shop? did you visit any other shops in the area? All the bikes you named are great bikes. If I had to choose between the three I would go with the BMC.

There are still several other manufacturers out there that make great bikes. Really do your homework and shop smart, you will get a great bike.

Shawnp204

These are at 2different bike shops. They had some others but these 3 are the ones that stood out to me. The Scott is a mix of 105 and tiagra and the bianchi is a mix of all three. The bmc is full 105. There is so much to look at when buying a bike, I'm new so it's overwhelming

seymour1910

We all have been there. IMO the BMC is the best on paper, but as I said earlier, if you ride all three, and I mean really ride, not just around the parking lot, one will feel right for you. Don't get to caught up in the 105 vs Ultegra saga. You want a great frame that feels right for you.

Shawnp204

Also I'm 5'9 I'm looking at a 53 and 54 I don't know what size would be best

f4rrest

In Florida, you'll never use the inner 30T chainring of a triple. But you'll certainly love the 42T middle chainring (not available on a compact).

gsa103

Take all 3 out for a 15-20 min ride. Ride smooth pavement, ride rough pavement, spirit, brake hard, corner quickly, push the limits a little. I suspect one of the bikes will feel best...buy it. Seriously. They're all excellent bikes. There is no "best" because is a totally subjective thing. Heck, you may decide the one you like best is the one with the best paint job. Get the one that makes you want to ride, ultimately that's the best value.

daihard 

I agree with this. A frame that fits you is far more important than the components that come on it, IMO.

Shawnp204

Alright so all 3 bikes the frame fits me good, what bike out of the 3 would be the best?
Bianchi
Scott or the bmc I listed?

rpenmanparker 

As far as group level is concerned there is nothing to choose between the two bikes OP mentioned originally. Sure one has a smidgen of Ultegra, but if you scored all the components (like DA = 5, Ultegra = 4 , 105 = 3 and so on), I would be surprised if one bike is much different than the other. They are both that mixed up with lower end stuff, good, but neither Ultegra nor 105. I would opt for the compact double crank over the triple (personal preference) and be done with it. What makes it tough is that the bike with the triple really has much more Shimano brand stuff on it than the other one does. If OP could get the triple swapped out for a double, that would clinch it for me.

Shawnp204

So I should go with the bianchi or the bmc and not the Scott ?

dtrain

I think you need to make your own decision here. There is no clear 'best' bike among those three. Maybe the Bianchi, but it costs more. Maybe the BMC, but you can't test it. Just pick one, ride, and don't look back.

floridamtb

My Madone 4.5 came with Ultegra RD/FD and shifters and 105 brakes, cassette and chain. Via Trek Care+ my chain and cassette have been upgraded to Ultegra and I can notice a little bit better shifting (of course it could also be my imagination). Is it worth the $400? Probably not unless the bike rides that much better. For what you're talking about doing 105 is more than enough.

Enjoy the ride!

Shawnp204

Well I do eventually want to upgrade components, so if I want to do that I should get the bianchi because it already has ultegra parts right?
The Scott is 400 less but it has 105 and tiagra. It's also a triple

SundayNiagara

Get the bike that fit's you BEST!

daihard 

If I were in your shoes, I would probably get the Bianchi. The Ultegra shifters shift so much nicer than the 105, in my own experience.

Shawnp204

Yea the bianchi is what I want, it's also lighter then the Scott and I'm going to upgrade to full ultegra in the future

Shawnp204

The bianchi has ultegra and 105 mixed
The bmc gf02 has full 105 so that's an option

daihard 

Have you had the chance to test-ride the BMC, though? I know BMC makes great bikes, but I'd be hesitant to buy a bike that I've never test-ridden.

redlude97

IME 6700 and 5700 shifters feel almost exactly the same

Shawnp204

I have not tested it yet, but it's at the LBS
is the bmc better then the bianchi?

daihard 

My experience may differ simply because I compared 6800 and 5700, though I'm not sure if 6800 should be that much better than 6700.

Slackerprince

Doesn't make sense to buy a bike with immediate desire to upgrade.
105 is regarded as a "best bang for buck" component group.
Ultegra won't help you ride faster or farther.
I can appreciate you wanting to make the right choice, but you can
also strangle yourself agonizing over the choices.
If one of them really fits you and you like the ride, then get it and
get on the road.

S