Maybe I'm not making a connection to the difference(s), but the only difference between a Tokyo and Las Vegas is the paint job and stickers (theme of the bike).

http://www.specialized.com/zz/en/bc/...1&menuItemId=0
http://www.specialized.com/zz/en/bc/...5&menuItemId=0

Differences between Steel & Aluminum models are more obvious.

good loose balls are better than good sealed.

Fuji,

I owned a Langster, I was familiar with their stock "Ride" and feel of aluminum. Which also grants me the right to say that this Langster (which was far from stock) Had a completely different ride.

That is why I said crappy loose ball BB's....

Also, gimme a Phil or WI over a Sugino or Campy anyday.

PS. Do all your posts have to be so negative?

5,000 posts of saying nothing

if anything you WILL feel lighter wheels. On a fixed gear especially. If you're particularly discerning you may even notice the difference between how much spoke tension you can get on a handbuilt, eyeletted rim.

You can feel a better BB. The difference between a un26, which is always gritty out of the box and a veloce is tangible.

A lighter front end will feel snappier and easier to steer

A stiffer fork will transfer power better

"rounder" cranks will allow better chain tensioning , which done with a chain/cog/ring in good condition will feel smoother .

Good fit and a secure pedal interface are also big ones.

Stuff you will not feel

the difference between any decent quality sealed bearing hubs in good repair (aside from weight),

any headset in good repair,

"beefy chainrings"

the difference between cheap square taper pretend track cranks that are all made by andel anyway.

yes. absolutely.


since when does a fork transfer power?

neh.

i have stupid high end crap on my bike. honestly it doesn't make too much of a difference. biggest difference i fell is carbon fork smoothing out bumps and road buzz, and tires. i threw some pro race 3s on my friends windsor clockwork for a bit and cleaned his chain, felt much nicer than with the stock kenda garbage tires.

that's just for bike feel. then you have other important upgrades like better foot retention and saddle, but that wouldn't really change short range feel as much in my opinion as a properly maintained drivetrain and good tires.