bigwavejas

I've narrowed my selection of road bikes down to three sub 4k bikes and was hoping to get some feedback from you all in terms of which you'd choose and why:

'11 Wilier Triestina Imperiale C2
Price: $3,299.95
https://mikesbikes.com/product/11-wil...le-c2-5630.htm

'11 Focus Izalco Pro 2.0 compact Double
$3,599.95
https://mikesbikes.com/product/11-foc...ouble-5726.htm

11 Specialized Tarmac SL3 Pro SRAM
Price: $3,999.95
https://mikesbikes.com/product/11-spe...am-75063-1.htm

I'm 40 years old, I race occasionally, but spend more time on longer club rides with sprints, etc. I need something that's stiff, quick, climbs well and us under $4k. I've only ridden Specialized up to this point, but have heard good things about Willier and Focus. The only reason I'm not as hyped on the Willier is because it's got full Ultegra, whereas the Specialized and Focus both have SRAM Red. Not sure if I'm being too picky, but I've tried both and like them equally, but for $3200 getting a bike with Ultregra seems like a rip.

Anyway, thanks for any input, really appreciate it.

Jas

RT

47th anniversary. Very Star Trek Next Gen.

Not sure how important 'full' is to you, and I'm not sure if price means much, but $3,200 for an Ultegra bike seems a bit steep. You are shopping Mike's because it is local?

bigwavejas

haha yeah, mainly because its right around the block and they seem to have pretty good prices. are they a bad shop?

RT

No, not commenting on the shop, just curious. I have learned in this forum that not everyone appreciates shopping for lower prices. It's not exorbitantly expensive, just seems that you could broaden your radius to see what else is out there. Ride 'em all, and if money is not part of the equation, give the LBS a piece of your business

cyclezen

on the off chance...
is there any consideration for which might possibly be the most likely to work into a best 'fit/position' for you?
I know...
wat is Izz tinkin...?
occasional razor? that's like the guy who getz shelled in the first 8 min...

bigwavejas

My apologies, I should have mentioned that upfront. I've ridden all three bikes and have not noticed any strong preference for one over the other. They all seemed to fit well (after some adjustments), and road great, so its like splitting hairs for me. My last bike was an Allez so jumping up to these bikes makes them all seem stellar. I do really like the mechanical feel of SRAM.

kimconyc

My friend has the Imperiale and it is a really beautiful frame; I personally think it looks nicer than the Cento Uno.

If the Willier came with SRAM Red at the same price as the SL3, I'd get the Willier.

Perhaps ask the shop if you can upgrade the Willier to SRAM Red for the same price as the SL3?

giantdefy

Wilier - Not a fan of ISPs, plus you can only sell it to someone with the same inseam or shorter. Wilier warranty only 5 years if registered in the first 10 days of purchase, 2 years otherwise.
Focus - Nice bikes, made in Germany, 3 year frame warranty
Specialized - Lifetime warranty, super stiff frame, yet smoothes out bumpy roads. Specialized has the cash flow for R&D, and it shows on how the bike handles.

I shop Mikes bikes all the time, their prices are very competitive, friendly service. Ask for a free water bottle when you buy your bike.

Cateye

The 11 Focus Izalco looks like the most bang for the buck.

lwrncc

I'm liking the Focus. Looks sharp and great value.

I recently read a review of it here: https://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2011/...izalco-review/

I ride a Tarmac though.

Val23708

'11 Wilier Triestina Imperiale C2

Then sell the Ultegra and pick up Force or Red


- Focus looks nice too.


- Specialized - theres too many of them around here.

caloso

Can't swing a dead cat in NorCal without hitting a Tarmac....

I don't think you can lose with any of those bikes. I'm a SRAM fan, and apparently you are too, so I like Val's suggestion.

Nachoman

Three great bikes! I'd probably go for the Focus too.

Spinz

I'd go with the Giant TCR Advanced SL or maybe the Tarmac Lp

bigwavejas

Thanks everyone for all your advice, seriously really appreciate it.

So, I went to the bike shop, road them one more time and ended up going with the Tarmac. I know they're everywhere, but really there's a reason for that (other than every bike shop sells them lol). They're just damn good bikes. Super stiff, great warranty, good resell, and actually pretty nice looking too (although I could do w/o the stickers). I've always had a good experience with Specialized.

2nd place goes to the Focus. Super nice, good ride. Just a bit soft compared to the Tarmac on the climbs.

Thanks again folks!
Bigwavejas

bonz50

there's a reason there are so many tarmac's around, its a fantastic machine (as you mention)... i'm sure you will love it... oh, and pics please...

eippo1

Cool, make sure to take some bike porn pics with interesting backgrounds. I've got the same one (black though) built up with SRAM force.