Fuji Roubaix Pro comparable to Giant TCR?

Triathlon Forum
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I know that the question of what entry level road bike to buy gets asked here every other day that ends in the letter “y”, but this forum was very helpful to me a couple of years ago when I bought my current bike so I thought I would ask and hope that a patient soul will be willing to answer my question.

So here goes: Two years ago I bought myself my first real road bike, a Giant TCR Alloy, at least partially on the advice I received here. Fast forwarding to the present, I am searching for a entry level bike to give to my fiance for Christmas. My first instinct was of course to seek out another Giant TCR Alloy because I had been so happy with it. A little looking around I found that the TCR Alloy was no longer made at the price point and spec I was looking for (~$1100, 105/Ultegra mix), but had been replaced by this bike - http://www2.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/road/1/11460/ . Same frame as my TCR, but a bit lower component spec and a bit cheaper (~$1000). The 105/Ultegra bike now has a carbon frame and is beyond my budget (~$1500). I still think the lower end TCR would serve the purpose just fine.

I was all set to buy the TCR, but this weekend I made a trip to the Sports Basement (Bay Area people will know the place, but for everyone else its sort of a generic outdoor sports store) to buy some misc. supplies for CIM next weekend. Of course I couldn’t help but wander over to the bike section and I saw that they were selling the Fuji Roubaix Pro - http://www.fujibikes.com/2007/bikes.asp?id=274&subcat= - for about $1200. This seems like what I’m looking for, and for about what I want to pay (~$1000), plus I have a bunch of gift certificates horded from various running races that I could use knock the cost down. I am however nervous in that I am not familiar with the brand. Also the Sports Basement, while one of my favorite stores, is not really a bike shop - though they do do fittings.

So my question is, is this Fuji really a comparable bike to the older 105/Ultegra TCR, or are there some hidden diffecences that I might not be aware of - I am a runner, not a bike person - ? The bike will be used mostly for 30-50 mile recreational solo rides (1 or 2 per week) and maybe 1 or 2 triathlons a year (Olympic distance), though she is fast enough to place top 5-10 overall in most local races (mainly on running ability). Basically, will this bike be durable and comfortable enough for several years of regular recreational use, but still not be a liability for a FOP (on a local level) triathlete assuming a proper professional fitting?

I will gladly exchange running advice for any bike advice provided.

Thanks
Craig

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Basically, will this bike be durable and comfortable enough for several years of regular recreational use, but still not be a liability for a FOP (on a local level) triathlete assuming a proper professional fitting?

With a good fitting no bike should be a liability (for the decent brands at least)

Fujis are good solid bikes, hard to go wrong with that one though you may wish to ask them to swap the wheels out as I’ve yet to see an ALX model that didnt fall apart. Component selection is sensible apart from that. The frames are good and I know quite a few people who’ve been happy with fujis that I sold them.

105 and Ultegra are virtually indistinguishable apart from the writing, don’t be hung up on having some ultegra parts in there. Given your past experience perhaps have a look at the Giant OCR womens range (again you may wish to change the wheels).

In your situation I would prefer a full 105 bike with the R-660 compact cranks to ensure smooth shifting and a set of traditional wheels. Specialized inserts in the sti to reduce the reach and appropriately sized bars will turn any bike into a womens specific model.

Be prepared to spend moeny on finding the right saddle as that will make or break whatever bike you choose.

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Thanks for the help. We have dealt with the saddle issue before with her mountain bike, it was an amazing difference switching to the womens saddle. I will take her to ride both bikes which of course be the deciding factor.

Thanks again

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The design and geometry of the FUJI Roubaix Pro is far superior to the Giant.
Mike Fraysse