Originally Posted by JCL

The 2009 RS comes with Ultegra SL (not the old Ultegra) or as a frameset (at least in Canada - check your local dealer). If you buy a frameset you can build it up as you like it. If you buy a complete bike, any dealer should swap out the wheels for you; the Shimano standard wheels included aren't particularly good on the RS. I would probably go with Mavic, but there are lots of choices.

The RS as compared to the R3/R3SL models have different fits because of the longer headset tube on the RS. In any case, with this level of bike it is definitely worth getting a professional fit done. Little things make a big difference. I would pick my bike shop based on the quality of the fit they could do. They should be prepared to swap stems, etc, to ones with different dimensions to optimize the fit of the stock bike.

Have you ridden it yet? Ride, then decide.

Originally Posted by mrkbbd

I've always been more of a canondale fan

Originally Posted by sleepless

Cannodales are ok, my 1st road bike was a cannon, but if you jump to Ti or Carbon frame U will never look back @ Alum..... its like night and day........

Originally Posted by Ishniknork

Damn... I'm just hoping to win a Trek 7100 in a Charter Cable contest I entered 4 times and you guys are talking about $3,000 to $10,000 bikes!

I'll bet those carbon fiber ones are r-e-a-l-l-y nice but way out of my price range.

Originally Posted by E61Silver

I went to a local shop they said that on line price was under cost and they could sell it to me for $4,550. For $550 and no tax it seems worth doing on line/mail order?

I have not ridden the bike. The on line site offers full return if I ride it and don't like it. They also offer a free demo ride bike (if you order a new bike in 7 days). The reason I did not do a demo ride bike is that they only have 5 of these left over bikes and they will be gone if I took the time to do the demo ride.

With regard to the RS yes you can get them for $3,500 with the new Ultegra System, I would think that Durace 7800 is still better?

Do you really think that the ride position of the RS is better. The fitter at the local shop said that I have relatively short legs and did not need the RS?

Originally Posted by E61Silver

The online shop uses a fit calculator

Fit Calculator - Competitive Cyclist

According to the calculator the stock bike will be "perfect fit" as far as stem length and the like. The bike is supposed to come with tape on the seat post and the seat & stem should already be adjusted. If I am unhappy with the fit I can send the bike back for a full refund or with the money saved go to my shop and have them fit it for me. My local shop does not sell this brand, and I already spoke to them about the fit option and they are fine with the idea.

As far as cost $4,000 +/- is a lot of money but I figure you only live once and this is probably my last bike. I ordered the bike on Tuesday and it should be coming by next Tuesday. JCL thanks for all your help!

Originally Posted by JCL

$3000 will get you a really nice carbon bike. $10,000 is a very special bike. When we are on our tandem we have other riders chase us down to talk about the bike. I have friends with boats, ski cabins, golf clubs, etc, all of which I pass on. It is all about priorities (and not liking skiing or golf, lol)