Conference noted::bicycle

    With the assumption that you do not want to increase your budget,
    buy the bike you like, then upgrade to bar-end shifters until you have
    the money for STI.  This is certainly save you $$$.  Currently a
    brakeset with STI shifting is about $300. (ultregra), so you won't
    be that much behind in $$$ if you buy now and start riding!
    
    One other question, if you are doing Biathalon's, are you going to be
    putting on Tri-bars.  If so, this could change your choices on the
    shifter.
    
    
    steve
    

    You could always wait til next year's 105 line, which will be STI.
    That component set should dribble down the Trek line to maybe the 14xx.
    Else, the carbon Specialized Epic is considered by many to be one
    of the best values for a bike already equipped with STI (under
    $1300).  .02
    

.2>    You could always wait til next year's 105 line, which will be STI.

Is this true? How'd you know?


Roddy
    

    re .last
    I think I read it in Bicycling.  I got the impression the term
    "light weight" won't be used when describing it, however.

    
    re: .3 and .4
    
    A local dealer confirmed this...he said that 105 STI may be available
    in the fall or would be available by the spring on the '93 bikes. He
    didn't know the weight or the price, though.
    

     I you're serious about biathlons and communiting with the same
    bike, you'd be better off with the STI stuff.
    
     If you are thinking of "tricking out" the bike for biathlons you
    may want to consider a "swift-shift" set-up for your aero bars.
    
      From an even semi-purist perspective, you really can't achieve a
     commuter/biathlon bike without swapping stuff around. Your even
     questions even bring the frame into the equation. The Schwinn
     frame would be much more conducive to commuting where the C Dale
     is a better choice for biathlons. 
    
     It will really boil itself down to decisions you'll have to make on
    what the bike's purpose is that you really need/want.
    
     The answer? IDUNNO
    
              Chip

    I agree with Chip's assesment.  I do tri's and bi's, but am not as
    "hard core" about it as I used to be.  I now do FAR more club rides
    and the like than riding alone, time trialing, or racing.  For that
    reason, I stay with down-tube shifters.
    
    I have used swift shift, but after I broke it, it didn't make sense
    to replace it ($$$).  
    
    r�

    re: biathlons
    
    How do you carry the rifle and skis?  Are there cleats on the bottom of
    the skis for Look pedals?

    :-) No rifle and skis just running and cycling.
    I tried the Trek and Bianchi last night. Both nice bikes but
    neither felt quite right. The salespeople are putting me on a
    58 cm. Someone impartial told me that being 5'9' I should try
    a 54-55 cm. I'm going to do that today. 
    I like the way the Trek rode but I liked the way the Bianchi fit.
    True science. The more I learn the more I don't know. 
    Someone last night sadi to sit on the bike and get into the crouched
    position. He said that my knees should be the same level as my
    elbows. Also I should just barely be able to see the front axle
    behind (or was it in front of) the handle bar.
    	Reid

    
    Reid, it's great that you are enthusiastically getting intothis bike
    evaluation.
    
    There are multiple dimensions of bike fit, and many rules-of-thumb for
    fitting you to the bike.  The ones you mention are a couple of them.
    
    The business about the elbow and knee reflect adjustments you can make
    to the stem height and the seat height.  They aren't really inherent
    in the size of the frame or other components (such as stem-extension).
    
    Important measurements include inseam (or its equivalent), tibia
    length, torso length, and elbow-to-hand length.  It's important to get
    the correct frame size (and geometry), but presumably you should be
    able to get the brand you want in the size that's right for you.
    (An obvious statement, but what I'm saying is, if you prefer the
    Trek's (or Fuji's or DiamondBack's, or whatever's) geometry, components, 
    ride, etc., but the frame they have in the shop doesn't fit you, you can 
    order one in that brand that does.
    
    Good luck!
    -john

    Thank you all for the advice. I Bought a bike. I went with the
    Trek 2300. I just couldn't settle for anything else. I have had 
    such a great time riding it. I'm looking forward to lots of miles and
    a few races.
    Reid

    
    Good going!  Have a great time with your Trek.
    
    -j