First road bike opinions
Discussion
I'm about to get my first road bike and am after some opinions. I didn't want to start a what bike thread, as there are too many already, but I am notoriously indecisive so just want some other views. Sorry!
After reading lots on the web, I've visited quite a few bike shops and have narrowed it down to the following:
Felt Z95 - last year's model, has Sora bits and a wide range cassette so a good low range (I am coming to cycling after a 20-year break, am unfit and have some hills near me), discounted to £525 from £650.
Specialized Allez Sport - last year's again, Sora equipped, and the shop said that would change the cassette if I want larger cogs. £600 from £750
Specialized Secteur - new model, has a triple chainring, but Claris not Sora. £650
I've ridden the Allez, but so far only the next model up of Secteur which I found much more comfortable. I've not had a chance to try the Felt yet, but have sat on the same frame in the shop. On paper the Felt is appealing and much cheaper, but being new model they'll throw in a bunch of stuff I'll otherwise have to buy anyway with the Secteur (helmet, saddlebag, mudguards, etc).
I know there's a lot of other bikes out there, but I want to buy locally and not online, and this is what it's been narrowed down to. I think I'm coming down in favour of the Secteur, but as a new cyclist will I notice the difference between Sora and Claris, or am I just getting hung up on it after reading too much online for my own good (like a Google-induced hypochondria)?
After reading lots on the web, I've visited quite a few bike shops and have narrowed it down to the following:
Felt Z95 - last year's model, has Sora bits and a wide range cassette so a good low range (I am coming to cycling after a 20-year break, am unfit and have some hills near me), discounted to £525 from £650.
Specialized Allez Sport - last year's again, Sora equipped, and the shop said that would change the cassette if I want larger cogs. £600 from £750
Specialized Secteur - new model, has a triple chainring, but Claris not Sora. £650
I've ridden the Allez, but so far only the next model up of Secteur which I found much more comfortable. I've not had a chance to try the Felt yet, but have sat on the same frame in the shop. On paper the Felt is appealing and much cheaper, but being new model they'll throw in a bunch of stuff I'll otherwise have to buy anyway with the Secteur (helmet, saddlebag, mudguards, etc).
I know there's a lot of other bikes out there, but I want to buy locally and not online, and this is what it's been narrowed down to. I think I'm coming down in favour of the Secteur, but as a new cyclist will I notice the difference between Sora and Claris, or am I just getting hung up on it after reading too much online for my own good (like a Google-induced hypochondria)?
I have the 2013 Z95 you mention, bought it last November for 100 more than that. It's been great. The OE Tyres are not that good, changed to Gp4000s as they wore out/damaged and it improved the ride. I did change the Saddle to a Charge Spoon eventually.
I've done 3800 miles on it since then and it's been great. It's had 2 chains and I have just replaced the Cassette, the rear wheel has been greased 3 times and a new brake cable. Been cheap to run given it's been out all year round, through floods and rain etc.
I maybe biased but it looks worth more than the price suggests
The Z Series is more equivalent to the Secteur range from Specialized and are more suited to the beginner/casual/sportive rider - more comfortable geometry.
Be careful on Frame sizes though, my 51 is 1 cm smaller than my brother in law's 54cm Secteur. They seem to measure them differently so best to try them.
I've done 3800 miles on it since then and it's been great. It's had 2 chains and I have just replaced the Cassette, the rear wheel has been greased 3 times and a new brake cable. Been cheap to run given it's been out all year round, through floods and rain etc.
I maybe biased but it looks worth more than the price suggests
The Z Series is more equivalent to the Secteur range from Specialized and are more suited to the beginner/casual/sportive rider - more comfortable geometry.
Be careful on Frame sizes though, my 51 is 1 cm smaller than my brother in law's 54cm Secteur. They seem to measure them differently so best to try them.
Tog,
I'm not really qualified to talk about this stuff. But I was in your position a few weeks ago and bought a 2013 Allez Sport at my local bike shop (sale price was less than you've been quoted - so haggle). Really pleased with it. I did think that as a more casual rider that I should go for a more touring set up (Secetur) but I have found it a pleasure to ride and not at all uncomfortable in the 4 rides I've done, time and longer distances will tell no doubt. The important thing is to get one and get out on it!
Sean
I'm not really qualified to talk about this stuff. But I was in your position a few weeks ago and bought a 2013 Allez Sport at my local bike shop (sale price was less than you've been quoted - so haggle). Really pleased with it. I did think that as a more casual rider that I should go for a more touring set up (Secetur) but I have found it a pleasure to ride and not at all uncomfortable in the 4 rides I've done, time and longer distances will tell no doubt. The important thing is to get one and get out on it!
Sean
Thanks all for the feedback. I got the Secteur today 
The shop (Specialized in Newbury) got a bigger frame (61) in for me to try as opposed to the 58 I rode before, and it was a much better fit for me than the Allez. A few laps of the industrial estate later and it was decided. The Allez did feel snappier and quicker to get away, but was just not quite right for my rather squishy geometry!
If it's not bucketing it down I'll be out tomorrow on my first proper bike ride in twenty years.
The shop (Specialized in Newbury) got a bigger frame (61) in for me to try as opposed to the 58 I rode before, and it was a much better fit for me than the Allez. A few laps of the industrial estate later and it was decided. The Allez did feel snappier and quicker to get away, but was just not quite right for my rather squishy geometry!If it's not bucketing it down I'll be out tomorrow on my first proper bike ride in twenty years.
tog said:
Thanks all for the feedback. I got the Secteur today The shop (Specialized in Newbury) got a bigger frame (61) in for me to try as opposed to the 58 I rode before, and it was a much better fit for me than the Allez. A few laps of the industrial estate later and it was decided. The Allez did feel snappier and quicker to get away, but was just not quite right for my rather squishy geometry!
If it's not bucketing it down I'll be out tomorrow on my first proper bike ride in twenty years.
Blimey. That's in at the deep end The shop (Specialized in Newbury) got a bigger frame (61) in for me to try as opposed to the 58 I rode before, and it was a much better fit for me than the Allez. A few laps of the industrial estate later and it was decided. The Allez did feel snappier and quicker to get away, but was just not quite right for my rather squishy geometry!If it's not bucketing it down I'll be out tomorrow on my first proper bike ride in twenty years.
.I realise I could have got a bike for less on the web, but I wanted to be able to try before I buy, and if I have a problem I want to be able to go to someone and say this is f
ked, please unfk it!
I did four miles round the industrial estate (two laps on each of two bikes) and could hardly breathe afterwards, but they were fast test miles obviously (of course) so a gentle ten miles should be ok tomorrow! I'll let you know if I survive
ked, please unfk it!I did four miles round the industrial estate (two laps on each of two bikes) and could hardly breathe afterwards, but they were fast test miles obviously (of course) so a gentle ten miles should be ok tomorrow! I'll let you know if I survive
I survived! 15 miles with no major problems. Definitely glad I went for the Secteur as the triple does give a very useful wide range. Only issue was with the pedals - I need longer toe clips or to go straight onto clipless, as I soon felt as if I were riding on tiptoe, and my toes kept going numb.
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