Quintana Roo Trueno vs. Kilo

I would say that the Kilo is worth the extra 300. It has a better frame, is more aerodynamic, just simply looks better. The Trueno has all Tiagra components where the Kilo has a mix of Tiagra/105/Dura Ace.

The guy at the LBS recommended the Trueno simply because this is my first year and that being relatively new anything would be a huge jump from my wifes mountain bike. It actually made me feel a little more comfortable with the Trueno knowing he was encouraging me to spend LESS money. I feel like I've been reading alot lately so I understand the differences but never having spent any time with them theres no way for me to verify that I can feel a difference to be able to tell for myself whether or not the price difference is worth it.

Take both bikes out for a fairly long ride each on varied terrain. If you do not notice any perceptable difference, then buy the Tueno. Just remember that whichever bike you buy will be with you for a good many years to come.

I've had a bike with Tiagra components for less than a year and they're already starting to get on my nerves. I clean and tune my bike after every ride but I'm still getting slippage and wear that I think is a little premature. I thought I wanted entry level, now I think I should've coughed up for something closer to top of the line. Maybe used, but better quality.

I've been trying to convince my wife of this but she just doesnt seem to understand the upgrade. And I suppose it would help if I understood everything about the upgrade myself but as this will be my first some things are a little fuzzy. I dont know that anything but good old fashioned experience will help with that.

The biggest differences as you go up the Shimano componentry scale (Sora, Tiagra, 105, Ultegra, Dura Ace) are materials and precision. The higher you go, the better the materials, which results in increased durability and (in most instances) less weight. The higher levels are machined for significantly greater precision, which means clean, crisp shifting, that the derailleur puts the chain exactly on the cog/chainring on every shift.

IMHO, the difference from Tiagra shifters (on the Trueno) to Dura Ace shifters (on the Kilo) is worth $300 by itself. Any other upgrade is what we Cajuns call lagniappe.

The other difference between the two bikes is that the Trueno has compact geometry while the Kilo is a traditional geometry.

Maybe if I explained it to her in terms of overall savings... Roughly....What would it cost me if I bought the Trueno and then upgraded the components individually?

"Roughly....What would it cost me if I bought the Trueno and then upgraded the components individually?"

It would cost you far more than $300. The difference between the two bikes is not just in the components. The Kilo frame is constructed of a better grade of aluminum, is more aero and has better aero bars with bar end shifters.

As a general rule you're far better off getting a better bike all around rather than upgrading parts of it. The latter costs a lot more and the final product is likely not to be as good as what you'd get buying the whole package.

I gotta get a second job. Or sell my baseball card collection that I havent looked at in 14 years. Something has to get me there.

I started going through my baseball card collection last night trying to make up the $300 difference Im only about 1/10 of the way through and Im up to about $50. I havent looked at these things since I was 12 literally. Im kind of reliving my childhood. The unfortunate thing is I dont know anything about these things anymore so now I have to make sure I dont get ripped off by a dealer or another 12 year old. Ebay here I come.

That is a fantastic idea! Let us know how you make out!

soupman, good luck selling your cards ...i have a pretty extensive collection myself and they have been in a safe deposit box for years but i don't think i could ever part with them as some of them were my dad's from when he was a kid

instead, i sold an old set of golf clubs and elimanated golf from my entertainment budget ....i still get out but only when it's work related and FREE

i would be interested in seeing a list of the cards you are planning to part with

Once I have them all around I'll be sure to post a link.