Help w/ choosing a Basic Road Bike: Felt z85 vs. Scattante 330

[tedydim]

Hi. Hope you guys can give me a bike buying advise.
I am looking for a basic starting road bike. I have narrowed down my choices to 2 bikes:

- Felt Z85 2010 for $1000 - dual cranck set - 105 components - weights about 20lbs -- 51 frame
http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2010-Product-Catalog/Road/Z-Series/Z85.aspx

- Scattante women's 300 for about $650 -- tripple cranck set -- sora components -- weight about 22.5 lbs -- 51 frame http://www.performancebike.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product2_10052_10551_1089885_-1

I understand that the Felt is a better brand, has better components and is slightly lighter. However I am trying to see if the benefits are really worth the additional $350.
I will be using this bike to ride around, train, and do some triathlons.

What do you think? Also if you have aditional bike suggestions I would be happy to hear them as well.

 

[Banjo]

Hi. Hope you guys can give me a bike buying advise.
I am looking for a basic starting road bike. I have narrowed down my choices to 2 bikes:

- Felt Z85 2010 for $1000 - dual cranck set - 105 components - weights about 20lbs -- 51 frame
http://www.feltbicyc...Series/Z85.aspx

- Scattante women's 300 for about $650 -- tripple cranck set -- sora components -- weight about 22.5 lbs -- 51 frame http://www.performan...0551_1089885_-1

I understand that the Felt is a better brand, has better components and is slightly lighter. However I am trying to see if the benefits are really worth the additional $350.
I will be using this bike to ride around, train, and do some triathlons.

What do you think? Also if you have aditional bike suggestions I would be happy to hear them as well.

I dont know anything about Scattante bikes but the Felt would be my choice.

The weight saving of 2.5 lbs will make a difference and the 105 groupset is a few steps higher than Sora.Weather or not the Triple or double crankset is dependant on how fit you are and how hilly the terrain in your area.Most prefer a double or compact double which gives you lower gearing for hills.

Both bikes have the largest cog at 25 teeth,the Felt has a 34 tooth small chain ring against the Scattantes 30 tooth Both should get you up the hills.If you really needed a lower gear (Unlikely I think)it wouldnt be expensive to change the rear cassette on the Felt for one with a 27 or 28 tooth cog.

They both have Carbon Forks and the same wheelset.

 

[tedydim]

Thank you. I think I have convinced myself to go towards the Felt. I will test ride it this weekend and most likley buy it.

 

[tmcd35]

Can't say I know anything about either bike, sorry. What I do know is that I have a Felt QX75 and the bike is superb! Build quality is well and truely top notch.