Decision, decisions...bike purchase

Those Scattante frames aren't that bad - they're Asian-made 'blank' (no-name) frames, the same ones that other companies buy and use with their names.  I own a Felt, and may be biased, but I like the Giant's, too.

Just keep in mind that there are other things you may wish to buy about the same time: pedals, shoes, cyclocomputer, aerobars, just to name a few.  If you will be doing longer rides, or bike races, I'd spend a little more on the bike - if there is a chance it will end up NOT being used to it's potential, I'd scrimp a little bit...

Question for bill: how many times are you going to post a picture of your bike?  I *wish* I could afford a Lightspeed.  I think you're just rubbing it in to be mean...

You might want to check with a former bike racer for a good deal on a used bike.  I think a guy named Armstrong just dropped out of road racing and might have some wheels he wants to unload.

Yust yokin. 

I personally crave a Trek or a Litespeed.  But I know nuttin' about it.  I currently ride a 30 year old Raleigh.

TW

Hey Melanie,

I too am in the market for a new bike and find my self in the same dilemma as you.  I talked to the owner of my local tri shop about it and according to him almost every aluminum bike out the for your (and my) price range is almost exactly the same.  The differences come in to play when you talk about upgraded components and carbon forks, etc.  He is akin to Specialized since they sponsored him in his elite triathlete days.  I am not able to ride those because of my size(I'm over 200lbs and they are only guaranteed to 220), but he has also recommended Giant and Felt.  His advice was to find the frame that fits you at the best price no matter who makes it and then spend your money on really good components and a professional fitting.  I have now idea which way to go, but I thought this info might help you.

Hi Melanie,  with the budget you have and the close connection with the manager, you should be able to get yourself a bike that is as good or even better than the loaner you now have.  Having a friend at Performance who is a professional bike fitter and will do the fitting for free is a big plus.  I don't know anything about the bikes available at the Performance site but the only one listed that might be close to your loaner is the Ironhorse Triumph Race.  It is hung with mostly Ultegra components and seems to be a decent enough bike.  At $1080, it is a good deal and leaves you enough in your budget to get pedals, shoes, helmet and gloves.  Or, if you have these things already, you can look into upgrading the saddle or the wheelset.  However, because of your height and the fact that you are a woman, this bike may not be the best in terms of fit.  You should look at the WSD; it might be the better choice for you.  Do try all the bikes available at Performance and at other bike shops and then make up your mind.

Good luck ...    

I love my TCR2. I didn't need or want a triple ring. Only moderate hills here. And my races over the next few years aren't condusive to tri bikes.

No complaints.

Carrie -

I'm in Centennial too.  Plenty of bike shops around.  Quick run down:

Treads @ Parker & Cottonwood (Hans or Jason are really good to talk to)

Campus Cycles (Evans & Washington, a little out of the "neighborhood" but worth the drive, Carol is very helpful)

Adventure Cycles (Parker & Quincy, very knowledgable but pricey)

Bicycle Village (Havana & Yale-ish, anything for everything)

Performance (Arapahoe & Yosemite)

That should be a good start.  Happy shopping!

Kupe