Specialized Dolce Comp

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Bicycle Chef

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
2005 Jamis Eclipse (Campy!!)

Summary:
This 06 Specialized Dolce Comp is a disappointment, specially compared with the same model of the previous year (2005). The frame is clumsy, the color choice is arguable, but the worst is the lower end componentry chosen for this bike! Shimano 105?!? The (superior) 2005 Specialized Dolce Comp was equiped with Shimano Ultegra with a Dura Ace rear derailleur, a carbon handlebar (the 2006 comes with a aluminum handlebar) and a beautiful paint job. The 05's frame was racier, the seatpost and the fork both had the Zertz damping inserts (the 2006 only has that in the fork, the seatpost is an average carbon seatpost). You only have 3 solutions to get the same level of componentry has the 2005:
1 - upgrade to Ultegra/Dura Ace at the purchase time (less expensive as the LBS may be able to give you some credit against the old parts)
2 - upgrade down the road when you outgrown the Shimano 105 and want something a lot better (more expensive)
3 - bite the bullet and buy the next higher end models (Roubaix)with carbon frame and Ultegra (the price tag will be around $2500 instead of the current $1600 sale price for the 06 Dolce Comp).
What was Specialized thinking??? The 2006 Specialized Comp is definitely for women looking for their first road bike and expect nothing more from it except a good fit for an all around "cute" new bike. All the others will be disappointed and will be forced to look for the next model up, tehrefore spend more money or for a different manufacturer. Don't bother with Giant. Specialized and Giant are the same...

Strengths:
- WSD Geometry
- Price tag, if you can find it on sale, and you are not looking for a better quality componentry

Weaknesses:
- Inferior componentry level (Shimano 105)
- Frame design (compare the chainstays of the 2006 Dolce Comp with the Roubaix's)

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