From hybrid to road bike
Discussion
I've been using a Marin Larkspur for the past 3 years for my commute to work. I find myself searching for that extra gear or 2 to get more speed but I've hit the limit of the hybrid.
I've decided to treat myself to a road bike, albeit an entry level one. I have narrowed it down to 2 bikes and am looking for your input.
My LBS have shown me both Trek 1.2 and 1.5 compact models. The difference in price is negligible (£100) so have set on the 1.5 as it has all Tiagra components, rather than mixed Sora/Tiagra components.
I've also been looking at the Specialized Allez. I haven't seen this bike up close, but have seen plenty on the road which makes me think it's a popular bike for a reason.
Basically my budget is approx £700-£800, are there any other contenders?
I've decided to treat myself to a road bike, albeit an entry level one. I have narrowed it down to 2 bikes and am looking for your input.
My LBS have shown me both Trek 1.2 and 1.5 compact models. The difference in price is negligible (£100) so have set on the 1.5 as it has all Tiagra components, rather than mixed Sora/Tiagra components.
I've also been looking at the Specialized Allez. I haven't seen this bike up close, but have seen plenty on the road which makes me think it's a popular bike for a reason.
Basically my budget is approx £700-£800, are there any other contenders?
I'd also consider a Cannondale Synapse Tiagra if you can find one in your size
Seriously reduced here - http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/cannondale_synap...
Seriously reduced here - http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/cannondale_synap...
mjcneat said:
It is a triple but I have never used the smallest ring. From my discussion with my LBS I was told that the Trek has a broader range than the 2011 triple model.
You'll be going faster on the drop bar bike anyway, go for the double. Triple really is unnecessarily with compact gearing.mjcneat said:
It was more a question on which bike, Trek 1.5 or the Specialized is more "bang for the buck."
I think the spec is fairly on a par with each other. I suspect your deciding factor should be fit. I couldn't get comfy on an Allez, and plumbed for a Trek.Welcome to the world of road bikes.
mouseymousey said:
I went from a Trek hybrid to a Specialized Allez and wished I had never bothered with the hybrid in the first place!
I doubt you'll have any regrets no matter which bike you decide on.
Totally agree. i went from Spesh Sirrus to Allez and wish i had not bothered with the hybrid. Now wish I had gone straight to a carbon frame ....I doubt you'll have any regrets no matter which bike you decide on.
Depends from person to person, obviously, but I think the answer is "significant."
If you're comparing speeds on a computer, you might think you've got it set on kph not mph on your road bike.
It depends how poo your hybrid was though. They can be made to move quite well with the right tyres and pressures, but if they are the ones it was supplied on, the difference will be significant.
If you're comparing speeds on a computer, you might think you've got it set on kph not mph on your road bike.
It depends how poo your hybrid was though. They can be made to move quite well with the right tyres and pressures, but if they are the ones it was supplied on, the difference will be significant.
If you haven't already found something, I have a Claud Butler Strada, all Carbon Fibre 12K weave. I bought it from another PH'er but immediately moved house, had it in storage and never used it. I was putting it up on the classifieds here, in fact it was on there for a day before Haymarket decided to fool around with this site yesterday and it all disappeared into the ether! It was only used once by the previous owner as he went the opposite direction to what you have in mind. The bike is perfect A1 (AS NEW) condition and even includes a fitted Polar CS200 Cycling Computer. All bits are Tiagra. 18speed. Size 55. I will be selling it at the lower end of your budget and believe me... this bike is unmarked, with all the best components. The only thing it needs is your personal choice of pedals.
PM me if you would like me to send you pics and spec.
PM me if you would like me to send you pics and spec.
louiebaby said:
shalmaneser said:
literally s
tloads.
I think my answer was more eloquent, but you're not wrong. tloads.
If it is a nice long ride across country, then the roadbike may be a few % quicker.
If it is across town, stop/start/bobbing/weaving there will be very little, if anything, in it.
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