Specialized Allez for a road cycling noob?
Discussion
I'm in the market for a decent entry level road bike. I'm keen to get into road cycling having been a runner and a rower in the past. I want to invest in something that will give me the "New and Shiny" incentive to take it out and also be a good base for future upgrades rather than having to buy something else in a few years time...
I've specifically been looking at the Specialized Allez 2013 models, partly because Cycle Surgery near me have them on sale at a good price and I like the look of them.
My question, is it worth spending the extra money on the "Sport"? I can get the standard Allez for £485 and the sport for £650, the salesman tells me the Sport has Carbon forks and a much better gear system but is it worth the extra for a noob?
Thanks
I've specifically been looking at the Specialized Allez 2013 models, partly because Cycle Surgery near me have them on sale at a good price and I like the look of them.
My question, is it worth spending the extra money on the "Sport"? I can get the standard Allez for £485 and the sport for £650, the salesman tells me the Sport has Carbon forks and a much better gear system but is it worth the extra for a noob?
Thanks
tongy89 said:
I'm in the market for a decent entry level road bike. I'm keen to get into road cycling having been a runner and a rower in the past. I want to invest in something that will give me the "New and Shiny" incentive to take it out and also be a good base for future upgrades rather than having to buy something else in a few years time...
I've specifically been looking at the Specialized Allez 2013 models, partly because Cycle Surgery near me have them on sale at a good price and I like the look of them.
My question, is it worth spending the extra money on the "Sport"? I can get the standard Allez for £485 and the sport for £650, the salesman tells me the Sport has Carbon forks and a much better gear system but is it worth the extra for a noob?
Thanks
Whilst there's nothing wrong with the Shimano 2300 drivetrain or aluminium forks, I would be tempted to pay the extra and get the sport, yes. For a start you gain an extra ratio at the back, and you get shifters more in keeping with Shimano stuff of today I've specifically been looking at the Specialized Allez 2013 models, partly because Cycle Surgery near me have them on sale at a good price and I like the look of them.
My question, is it worth spending the extra money on the "Sport"? I can get the standard Allez for £485 and the sport for £650, the salesman tells me the Sport has Carbon forks and a much better gear system but is it worth the extra for a noob?
Thanks
Check the stock first. I wanted to buy one a few months ago and all the smallest and largest frames sizes were totally sold out.
I have never had carbon forks so couldn't comment. People say they are much more comfortable over the bumps and are lighter usually. What I do know is the Alu forks on my Trek 1.1 hurt a lot over big potholes!
On the Sport you get Sore groupset instead of the 2300 on the bogo. The only differences really are 2 more gears as Sora is 9 speed and the double tap shifters. The 2300 entry level kit has a thumb click for shifts. A lot of people don't like them because it is hard to shift when on the drops. If you have big hands like me it is less of a problem.
I have never had carbon forks so couldn't comment. People say they are much more comfortable over the bumps and are lighter usually. What I do know is the Alu forks on my Trek 1.1 hurt a lot over big potholes!
On the Sport you get Sore groupset instead of the 2300 on the bogo. The only differences really are 2 more gears as Sora is 9 speed and the double tap shifters. The 2300 entry level kit has a thumb click for shifts. A lot of people don't like them because it is hard to shift when on the drops. If you have big hands like me it is less of a problem.
944fan said:
Check the stock first. I wanted to buy one a few months ago and all the smallest and largest frames sizes were totally sold out.
I have never had carbon forks so couldn't comment. People say they are much more comfortable over the bumps and are lighter usually. What I do know is the Alu forks on my Trek 1.1 hurt a lot over big potholes!
On the Sport you get Sore groupset instead of the 2300 on the bogo. The only differences really are 2 more gears as Sora is 9 speed and the double tap shifters. The 2300 entry level kit has a thumb click for shifts. A lot of people don't like them because it is hard to shift when on the drops. If you have big hands like me it is less of a problem.
Big potholes will hurt no matter what the fork material!I have never had carbon forks so couldn't comment. People say they are much more comfortable over the bumps and are lighter usually. What I do know is the Alu forks on my Trek 1.1 hurt a lot over big potholes!
On the Sport you get Sore groupset instead of the 2300 on the bogo. The only differences really are 2 more gears as Sora is 9 speed and the double tap shifters. The 2300 entry level kit has a thumb click for shifts. A lot of people don't like them because it is hard to shift when on the drops. If you have big hands like me it is less of a problem.
Be aware that "Double tap" refers to SRAM's shifting system wherein the one "paddle" shifts both up and down. Shimano call their system STI (f'nar!).
tongy89 said:
y2blade said:
Looks great, I went for an Allez Sport too (my first road bike).
I'm Very happy with it.
Thanks - I saw your thread, lovely looking bike. You seem to be clocking up a lot of miles! I'm Very happy with it.
S10GTA said:
Consider a bike fit to ensure you are set up correctly on that bike
This ^^^ is VERY good advice, I had mine fitted the other week, made a world of difference esp on climbs. Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff