Components

I've got a question for all the bike nerds (with "nerd" used in a most affectionate manner) out there.

Right now I have Shimano 105's on both my bikes.  With the exception of the shifters and brake levers (one bike is a TT the other is a roadie), they are the same.  Both have 53/39 chain rings.  I'm not sure the length of the crankarms, probably either 170 or 172.5mm.

Hypothetically speaking (since at the end of the day, $1500 could be put to much better use than new components), I'm asking the following:

1)  Which bike would you upgrade the component group on?

2)  Would you go with Shimano Ultegra, SRAM Force, or Campagnolo Chorus?

Here's some background.  As far as which bike, I'm not sure what the best move is.  On one hand, the TT bike is the race bike, so in many ways it is the more important of the two.  But keep in mind I'll probably never podium unless only two other people show up at the race.

The road bike is my baby.  It's my pride and joy.  I feel the same way about this bike as my neighbor probably feels about his red Alpha Romeo - that the best accessories or whatever else are still not quite good enough.

So it comes down to performance vs. vanity.  That said, I'm not afraid to admit that both are important, albeit for different reasons.

As far as the group set, I've only ever ridden on Shimano.  I can't say I've had any issues.  But I've talked to a lot of people who love SRAM.  And as far as Campagnolo goes, you can't deny it's the classic component manufacturer.  And if I was to do the upgrade on the road bike (which is a Bianchi), going with Campagnolo would be quite "classically" correct.

I realize these are hypothetical questions, but if you have any input, let me know.  Because you know how easy it is for "hypotheticals" to turn into reality, especially when you are a tinkering obsessed guy.

Oh no I didn't...

I wasn't looking, at least not in the short term.  I was thinking about getting a new road frameset sometime next year.  But this weekend I stumbled upon a deal too good to pass up.

I just got my hands on a Bianchi Mono-Q frame set with Shimano 105 components.  And it's exactly what I was looking for.

-  I was looking for a European designed frame.
-  I wanted a mid-line carbon frame - light, but not as stiff as a true racing frame.
-  I wanted Shimano 105 components. Since 105's are not designed for racing, I think they shift a little smoother than Ultegra.  This is the bike I'll go to when I want to go out and ride.

Here are some pictures:

Hopefully I can get it out on the road today.  As you can see the living room remodel has stalled a bit...