Subject: RE: New bike question I think the Specialized is a safer bet. I always think of resale, especially when your are fairly new and a known brand (not that Giant is an 'unknown' but definitely not as visible as Specialized ) will be easier to sell. If he's racing, the usual 'minimum' components that are considered race-level is the Shimano 105 or better. Another option is a used bike. Most bikes depreciate quite a bit and if he's just planning on using it for training rides, then as long as it fits him and is a road bike, he'll be fine. That way, once he figures out whether he's into the sport and understands the desired characteristics of a bike he wants, he won't have too much money in this one. I started cycling in February and bought a used Scott Speedster S2 (2005 model ). I didn't know whether I'd like cycling so I spent about $500 (got a great deal ). I figure I can sell it for that price if it didn't work out, worst case about a hundred less. This is for a bike that probably cost somewhere north of $1500 brand new. Well, I got hooked and after 3 months, I ended up buying a brand new bike that I really liked that was a lot more expensive (which I plan on keeping forever ). Honestly though - while the new bike is about 3 lbs lighter, has carbon wheels, etc - I am pretty close to the same speed in both of them, at least in the rides that I use them in. |