[wild]

I wish you manny enjoyable miles with your bike . Now don't forget to stop in here at 2 spoke and let us know how things are going .

[Industry_Hack]

Originally Posted by aeonderdonk

BTW: How are the Tiagra components? I've heard from some friends (who are serious bikers) that they suck and won't last but a year or two. I'm sure YMMV but what is the general reputation?

For the record, your friends are snobs. If they've ridden 105 from the early 90's, which was considered a good group at the time, they'd realize that even Tiagra is better than that today.

Originally Posted by jagonz456

fleeter Bikedirect Get its frames from other manufactures. whatever they don't sell they buy it and re-brand it under one of the bike direct names (Motobecane,Windsor,Mercier) Check out the geometry of a 2008 Fuji, Trek or Giant road bike they are the same as the 2010 bikes from Bikedirect.com. There is nothing wrong with these bikes and it is a good deal but your usually buying a 2-3 year old frame.

All bikes are pretty much the same at the lower price points. Trek and Giant can't do anything special to make their $800-$1000 bike that much better than any other brand. And yes, most frames come out of the same factory, (most likely owned by Giant) so you're really shopping by graphics, color, and price until you start spending more.

[Skidmark]

Enjoy your new bike! May it give you many hours of happy times.

[chh55]

I'm guessing the DA set up from '03 is a 10 speed? 7800? That's a great price, even if it's a 9 speed 7700! Don't worry too much about the dent if it has been ridden a lot since the crash... if it was going to fold it probably would have done so by now. If it has been leaning against a wall since the crash... be wary!
I am definitely in the group of "used quality beats new crap"... not to say that Tiagra is crap but still.....

[medobson1]

I agree, 7 years old and an optional dent for 4 figures is not a good idea. First you should get sized up at the local bike shop or two, because you are shopping for a new one. Once you haev your size, shop around and then look online to compare local prices and features. Pay close attention to the shifters, derailers, wheels and the type of frame you want. Buying online is not a disadvantage. It will come in a box, that's true. However any bike shop will be happy to assemble it for you and properly set it up if you do not feel comfortable with self service. Buy a left over! You will save hundreds of dollars. You may even get a Carbon frame for the 1K you will spend.

Last year I purchased a Motobecane for $1900. It was a 3400 bike with Durace components, Carbon Crank and Nice wheels. I would have paid at least $4000 local for my new bike. I assembled it and rode it around for a few hours and took it to my bike shop to have it fine tuned, no problem.

Good Luck