Which Bicycle should I get?

[AznSensation]

I am looking to spend around $600-$700 on a bike. I have narrowed down to two options:

Option 1: Gravity Pro X (2012, One with SRAM Force Set)
www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/pro_x.htm
This one costs $699 and has all the sizes in stock.

Frame Gravity RSeries Aluminum, Engineered Hydroformed Top tube, Bi-Oval downtube, S-Bend seatstays, 2xH2O mounts, replaceable rear derailleur hanger
Fork Gravity Aero-profile, Carbon Fiber Straightblade, 1.125 inch steerer
Crankset FSA Gossamer Aluminum arms, Double ring 50/34T
Bottom Bracket FSA External Bearing
Pedals 9/16th axle, Platform pedals included
Front Derailleur SRAM Force for 10 Speed
Rear Derailleur SRAM Force for 10 Speed (20 gears total)
Shifters SRAM Force Double for 10 Speed (20 gears total)
Cassette/Freewheel SRAM PG1070 Cassette 11-28T for 10 Speed (20 gears total)
Chain KMC X10 for 10 Speed
Hubs FORMULA aluminum, Black finish with Quick Release
Spokes Stainless Steel
Rims Vuelta ZeroLite Road PRO, Double Wall aluminum with machined brake track
Tires 700x23C BLACK F/V MICHELIN DYNAMIC
Brakes Tektro R710 Aluminum Black finish
Brake Levers SRAM Force
Handlebar Aluminum alloy black, 31.8mm
400MM(43-49CM), 420MM(50-54CM), 440MM(55-60CM)
Stem / Headset
Aluminum alloy threadless, 1.125", 31.8mm clamp
EXT:100MM(43-50CM), 120MM(53-60CM)
Cane Creek VP-A71 Labyrinth Sealed, Cage Ball Bearing
Tape/Grip Black cork
Saddle VeloSport Road with comfort groove
Seat Post Aluminum alloy Micro Adjust 27.2mm
Seat Clamp Machined Aluminum Alloy with bolt


Option 2: Fuji Absolute 1.0 (2010 model)
www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_535785_-1_203170_10000_202339
This one costs $619 but only has up to 19" size (I am 5'11". So, I don't know if I'll have the perfect fit)

FRAME: Aluminum
FORK: FC-770 Fuji bonded carbon trekking, 1 1/8" alloy steerer, disc tabs
HEADSET: Tange IS-24 1 1/8" integrated road with convex hollow alloy 15mm spacer
CRANKSET: Shimano FCR553, 50/39/30T
BOTTOM BRACKET: Shimano SM-FC4500
SHIFTERS: Shimano SL-R770 flat bar road
LEVERS: Tektro with Kraton inserts
HANDLEBAR: Fuji double-butted aluminum
STEM: Fuji aluminum
FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano FD-R773, 31.8mm
REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano 105 10-speed
CASSETTE: Shimano 105 10-speed, (12-27T)
BRAKES: Tektro 926AL Mini-V brakes with modulator
WHEELSET: Alex DA13 Doublewall alloy rims 32h/32h, Shimano Tiagra hubs
TIRES: Vittoria Zaffiro II, 700x28
PEDALS: Wellgo platform with toe clips
SEATPOST: Fuji micro-adjust alloy, 27.2x300mm
SADDLE: San Marco PROVIP R
CHAIN: Shimano 105
GRIPS/TAPE: Fuji Kraton Rubber


Which of these has better parts? Which one would you get?

From the looks, I really like Fuji one. Parts wise, they seem about equal. However, I am skeptical about the sizing on the Fuji one

 

[paulney]

First link doesn't work

 

[AznSensation]

First link doesn't work

link fixed

 

[Dirigible]

Neither link worked for me.

OP: tell us the bikes and we can find 'em and give you advice. Or post the specs and geo.

 

[Dirigible]

Ooop. NOw first link works. Second still doesn't for me.

 

[Dirigible]

Have you ever been fitted for a bike? The ETT (effective top tube) length is usually the most important single size, not the seatpost length. No single measurement is enough, but if you're just going to look at one and order on the internet without trying, it'd be good to have an idea of your preferred ETT size.

If you haven't been fitted, do you know if you have relatively long or short legs, arms torso, or if everything is about average?

 

[AznSensation]

link all fixed

 

[Meghan54]

Hard to say. While you should consider the component setup each bike has, each bike's geometry and its particular fit will differ, much like shoes of the same size but from different brands differ with their fit. And that's not something you can just guess.....you have to actually sit on the bike and more desirably, be properly fit to the bike.

One company's design may have a longer top tube than another while the head tube and seat tube angles will vary, all of which will impact how the bike feels and fits and handles under you. Not something you can just peruse a bunch of specs and guess about correctly.

 

[Dirigible]

Links indeed fixed.

From Fuji site, ETT of the 19" is 575mm.
http://2010.fujibikes.com/LifeStyle/Performance-Hybrid/Absolute10.aspx

That's probably about right for someone 5'11". But I would absolutely go and try to sit on something that's about the same geometry before ordering online.

Either bike looks fine for a basic decent bike. The bikesdirect is obviously more of a road bike with its drop bars and I like the SRAM shifters, while the other one is closer to a hybrid type thingy, with flat bars and the ability to add a disc brake to the fork. So a lot depends on what you want.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Go to a bike shop and try out a bunch of bikes in your price range. Bike's will fit different and possibly ride differently based on a number of factors.

At this time of year, your local bike shop should have plenty of older model bikes on sale.

 

[mechBgon]

The Fuji will have a much higher-quality frame than the BikesDirect bike. Looking at the detailed specs, it also has major quality advantages in every other area, including stuff that's not simple to change out (such as the wheel hubs). If you want quality and a flat-bar bike would suit your needs, the Fuji might work.

Fit is another deal, though. Personally, I'm about 5' 11.5" with longish arms (73.5" armspan) and would feel cramped in a 575mm top-tube length (my flat-bar bikes have effective TT lengths of 640 and 660mm). The 19" wouldn't work well for me. If it isn't going to fit, don't bite on it.

 

[Dirigible]

Yeah, upon further reflection 575mm might be fine on a drop bar bike, but I think it'd be short on a flat bar bike. That Fuji is likely too small.