ordered a bike
 

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...mp420_sale.htm

I couldn't pass on this, because the bike was reduced from 1400 to 1100.

Weighs 16.5lb with AC 420 - CR wheels, which are apparently not bad.

No it's not SRAM Force, Record, or Dura-Ace. I guess I will continue to live in disrepute with my Motobeshame, er, Motobecane.

Which wheels are better?

The AC 420s or my Mavic Ksyrium Elites?

before you guys turn your noses up too much, getting the cheaper bike also will potentially allow me to get a tri-bike as well.

I really had a hard time deciding between 54 and 56. I figured out that the 56 would be 1 inch less stand over height for me than my current bike, and I was worried about a too short toptube with the 54, so I went with the 56. I hope I made the right decision.

Looks cool. Let us know how the whole Bikesdirect thing works out for you. I was very tempted when buying last year to go that route but ended up getting an OK deal from my local bike shop instead.

Yeah, I'll give a full report. Just got the shipping notice this morning. Pretty quick turnaround.

scheduled to arrive today. should be fun. I may have to switch out the stem on my old bike with this stem. we'll see.

I like the idea of having a carbon stem or something a ittle lighter than the one on my old bike. we'll see. I also need carbon bottle holders now. :)

I put together the bike, for the most part, Still need to tweak some things.

For some reason I thought this 56cm was going to be shorter than my 56cm. It is not. I got on the bike, and it fits, in the sense that I can't see the hub when I look down, etc. but there is not a severe drop to my bars. Partly because my stem has a slight rise (it is flipped down even).

I'm half itching to get a 54cm. But then I tell myself, the 56cm is just fine. I'm in no better position to decide than before I had the bike in hand!

Based on this seat height (top-tube length + stem is fine), what do you guys think?

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...5444-01_tb.jpg

steelblue and bigpiney, any thoughts about this setup/geometry?

Archaea has almost convinced me to leave well-enough alone and stick wtih the 56cm.

and bluegoose too (those that are currently online).

It looks fine, imo. If it were a compact geometry frame, then I would expect the see a bit more seatpost. But with the frame you have, it seems like a good fit to me.

I haven't looked at the specs yet. Did it come with pedals and if so, what kind are they?

Very nice looking bike. enjoy.