Any help or information would be required. Have browsed these forums for a while without posting, but really want to get into some riding. Not sure what choice to make on 1st bike:
[u]Raceline - Pave - 18 Speed A$ 1,699.00[/u]
Frame: 7005 Tekton oversized triple butted Aluminium frame with intergrated headtube and custom tapered DT. Fork: Raceline carbon aero blades fully intergrated cr-mo steerer. Rims: Mavic CXP 22 Black double Wall.. Hubs: Shimano 105 32H. Tyres: Michelin Erilium Kevlar 700 x 23c Pedals: Shimano PDR-535 Chainwheel: Truvaitv Elite ISIS drive with spline 53/39T Freewheel: Shimano 9 Speed Front Derail: Shimano 105 Rear Derail: Shimano 105 9 Speed Shifters: Shimano 105 STI Brakes: Tektro 423AG Dual Pivot with cartridge pads. Brake Levers: Shimano 105 STI. Saddle: Selle Italia C2 Seatpost: Alloy micro adjust
-Versus-
[u]Giant OCR 1 - $1,749.00[/u]
New Frame: Smooth welded, FluidFormed™ frame is lighter, stronger and stiffer than last year's bike. New Geometry: A slightly taller head tube, combined with a longer wheel base and curved seat stays, offers a more stable and comfortable geometry. New Fork: lightweight 1 1/8th threadless, curved bladed forks to soak up vibrations from the road. New XS size now available.
features Overview ALUXX 6061 Smooth Welded, FluidFormed™ light aluminum frame New 2004 threadless, 1 1/8th curved composite blade fork Shimano 105 9 speed group set Shimano R540 wheel set Selle Royal Viper saddle
frame New 2004 ALUXX 6061 Smooth Welded, FluidFormed™ light aluminum frame – new geometry fork New 2004 curved composite blade fork, alloy 1 1/8th threadless steerer headset Cane Creek 1 1/8th Ahead Integrated derailleur Front:Shimano 105 Rear:Shimano 105 9 spd. crankset Shimano 105 Hollowtech Octalink 39x52 derailleurshifters Shimano 105 STI - 18spd. cassette SRAM 12-26 9 spd. chain Shimano HG53 9 spd bottombracket Shimano 105 Cartridge Octalink wheel set Shimano R540 tyres Michelin Dynamic 700 x 25c brakes Tektro Dual Pivot Alloy brake levers Shimano 105 pedals Shimano R505 clipless stem Alloy adjustable 1 1/8th Ahead h.bar Alloy anatomic road bar Black seatpost Kalloy 6061 27.2 w/micro-Adjust saddle Selle Royal Viper with colour matched graphics
i would personally go for the giant. why? better wheelset and have had some experience with Giant before, so are more familiar with them. Have you riden them both? Better to ride them both and see what you think. The components are quite similar apart from the wheels and cranks.
I'd go for the giant or check out a Merida in that price range
the other option is to go second hand, you can probably get an ultegra equipped Giant TCR in good condition for $1800 ish and that would be a decent step up from either of those bikes
Originally posted by stucey Thanks for the help people. I haven't ridden the bikes as yet, that is the next step for me I guess. Can't wait to get into some decent riding!!
for the money you have listed don't settle for anything with less than an ultegra system. try the trek 22 or 2300, they are even available in woman specific design. the motobecane le champion sounds good as well.
Originally posted by onstcroix for the money you have listed don't settle for anything with less than an ultegra system. try the trek 22 or 2300, they are even available in woman specific design. the motobecane le champion sounds good as well.
I suspect we're talking Australian dollars here.. AU$1700-1900 is a pretty good deal for a 105 equipped bike, a lot of them are just over $2k.
The two bikes are very similar and I'd choose between the two on fit more than anything else. There should also be other options in that price range..
Keep away from the poxy Giant adjustable stem. I don't like them...
The raceline has an ISIS spline BB & there's nothing wrong with Truvativ cranks. Unusual on a road bike...
The Giant does have the alloy steerer on the fork which is tad lighter.
Certainly, less than $2k for a 105 bike is a good deal. I'm more in favour of the Raceline. If you could stretch it a little further there are some sweet Norcos around that price point too.
