WSD Trek 1500 Vs BMC streetfire SSW

GraemeT

HI,
My girlfriend is looking for her first road bike and we're currently torn between a trek 1500 WSD and a BMC Streetfire SSW. The main difference is that the Trek has Ultegra kit whereas the BMC has 105. How much difference does this make? Very little in performance but a lot in kudos I would think . She finds the BMC a bit sexierlooking though, and we all know how much of a difference that makes
The other issue is the geometry, the BMC has a longer top tube. She felt and looked good on the BMC, but then when she tried the Trek she thought the BMC was too big :?: ( I thought the Trek looked a bit small, but I'm old fashioned :? ) The BMC felt more stable but the trek felt more lively, so we're not getting any closer to a decision :twisted: Thinking about trying the Trek with a longer stem and the BMC with a shorter one, which should even them up a bit I think :idea: .
Anyone got any experience of these bikes or any general advice to give?
Thanks,
Graeme

BMCCbry

Hi Graeme

I've got 2 women specific road bikes - a Trek 1000 wsd and a Specialized Ruby Expert. All I can say is that the more I cycle, the bigger (longer) I want the bike to be! Think this might be down to getting used to the road position, which can feel a bit unnatural at first (hence the Trek might feel a better fit for your girlfriend at the moment, but not necessarily once she's been cycling a while). I got a longer stem for the Trek after riding it for a year, and it's more comfortable now (although when I first had it I thought it was perfectly comfortable with the shorter stem).

Can you get a bikefit done? Not that the results will be gospel, but at least it'll assure you that you're not splashing out on something that's the wrong size. As long as the frame size is ok, you should be able to maker her comfortable by varying the stem, as you say. So it'll probably come down to which bike she fancies the most. 8)

I note that most of the women pros seem to ride men's bikes (none of this shorter top tube business!).

Bry

GraemeT

Hi,

Thanks for the quick reply. Not sure about bikefit. We're in Switzerland and not sure how international it is. 3 different bike shops have recommended around the same size ( in term of seat tube length (47 or 48)).

Am I right in thinking that a longer stem will make the bike feel more stable and less lively?

Graeme

GraemeT

Hi Bry,

We took your advice and bought the BMC. It's also the one that she liked the best really. Pick it up on Friday. She's already decided to upgrade the levers to ultegra though, so we can adjust the reach with shims.

Only 2 issues now:
1: We'll have to go looking for matching kit for her, and
2: I rode the equivalent mens bike and thought it was superb, and now that she's got a much better bike than mine....... :idea: