Suggestions for a road bike (new to the sport)

[tangerine911S]

Ive read some of the other threads about this subject but wanted an opinion on this bike for someone new to road biking: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=39253&eid=115 Its the 2009 Specialized Allez Sport and retail is $1300. The 2009 model now has 105 components instead of a tiagra/sora mix and a newly designed frame for the same MSRP. I will be test riding it this week. I have read the debates over frame material but I dont think this applies to me being a novice. Ive also read the suggestion of buying an older steel framed bike and riding that for a while but I dont want to do that. To me this bike seems like a good starter bike with good components at the low end of the price scale. Most reviews of the 2008 model (with cheaper components) were very positive.

[dd74]

It's a good bike, Brian. Light, stable, comfortable from what I've read. It's probably all you need in a frame, and with 105 components, it should last you a long time. Just make sure it fits you properly.

[dd74]

From the specs:

CASSETTE
Shimano 105, 10-speed, 12-27t
CRANKSET
Shimano Compact
CHAINRINGS
50 x 34t

This is a very nice setup for a beginning cyclist. Hell, it's a nice setup for a veteran cyclist getting on in age.

[JavaBrewer]

I think it's a fine bike. Before spending the $ I would ride the Elite E5 frame bike for comparison. If the shop has other makes in the similar price range ride them too. Fit is the most important thing to nail from the get go.

All that said - I'd spend a week or two looking at used road bikes. I think you'll get 2x your money worth going that way. If you buy from the shop make sure you get free lifetime tune up service on it.

[HardDrive]

I ride a Specialized Roubaix with 105, and it does a sufficent job.

You seem to already know this, but Aluminum (generally) provides a pretty stiff ride. If you are going to be riding on badly broken pavement, a nice thick saddle can help soak this up.

Do you want a double or a triple chain ring in front? A triple is going to give you lower gears for climbing on steep hills. Although it is heavier, I ride a triple because we have some steep hills here in Seattle.

Not sure if you are open to used bikes, but you can get some screaming deals if you are willing to ride a slightly used bike. I paid $1200 for my Roubaix, and it was literally a new bike. It had been ridden a few times at some bike shows.

[cantdrv55]

Great advice on the triple vs double even if it is a compact crank. I live in a hilly area and I wish I still had my old triple crank. I have upgraded to an 11/28 from 12/23 though. Lastly, $1200 is a lot of money for a novice bike. I'd advice looking at used bikes as well. I bought my son a used Trek in excellent condition with 105 shifters, 105 front derailer, Ultegra rear, Bontrager wheelset and triple crank but generic brakes. The bike set me back just $600!

[Porsche-O-Phile]

A compact crank is just fine. I don't mind triples (I'm not one of those roadie snobs that laughs at them, but I just don't see the need - my compact w/ 10-speed rear works fine).

Nice selection - most important thing is to get something that's going to last and you can ride your butt off with.

Keep your chain clean.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by dd74

From the specs:

CASSETTE
Shimano 105, 10-speed, 12-27t
CRANKSET
Shimano Compact
CHAINRINGS
50 x 34t

This is a very nice setup for a beginning cyclist. Hell, it's a nice setup for a veteran cyclist getting on in age.

A 34 small ring and a 27 large cog????

[gtc]

I'd say go for it. Specialized makes some good frames; I've owned and enjoyed two. $1300 seems ok, but I'd look around for some leftover 2008s or even '07s. You'll get a whole lot more bike for your money.

[nikita76]

Brian,

Try to get your hands on a 2008 Specialized Allez Elite $1150 MSRP. The spec is the same, the frame has carbon fork and carbon rear. 2009 bikes have gone up across the board 15-22%. The value is going to be in last years bike! Any bike from last year!
Good luck!

Nikita

[tangerine911S]

The 08 allez elite has tiagra components. Am I being stupid by trying to get at least 105 parts for a first bike? I have a friend who is sponsored in mtn biking and does a good share of road biking and he said decent quality starts with the 105 group. I have been looking on ebay and missed a 07 allez comp in new condition for $850. For some reason my bid didint go through in time. I have been on a specialized bike at the store and know that 56cm is my size for this brand. I have been searching with limited succes for a new or near new condition bike (2006-2008) with 105 components for under about $900. If you come across one let me know. Thanks

[Jagshund]

I've always subscribed to the theory of "buy your mileage" . . . I usually buy mine based on an expectancy of riding 10K-12K/year and buy 20% of that, so I end up around $2000-$2400. It's always gotten me the ride that suits me without breaking the bank.

[dd74]

Originally Posted by look 171

A 34 small ring and a 27 large cog????

OP suggests himself as "novice" in cycling. I wouldn't want to see him turn himself inside-out on his first hill. "Man gears" aren't needed for beginners.

[nikita76]

Sorry...105 rear derailleur. I was thinking value wise that frame kicks ass! Find a full carbon bike like a Roubaix for under $2000. There is a noticible difference between a $1300. bike and a $1900 bike, with dollars well spent. You will keep the more expensive bike longer and grow into better.

Nikita

[gtc]

Originally Posted by tangerine911S

The 08 allez elite has tiagra components. Am I being stupid by trying to get at least 105 parts for a first bike? I have a friend who is sponsored in mtn biking and does a good share of road biking and he said decent quality starts with the 105 group. I have been looking on ebay and missed a 07 allez comp in new condition for $850. For some reason my bid didint go through in time. I have been on a specialized bike at the store and know that 56cm is my size for this brand. I have been searching with limited succes for a new or near new condition bike (2006-2008) with 105 components for under about $900. If you come across one let me know. Thanks

No, you're right. Anything below 105 is pretty crappy. But you might be able to pick up something along the lines of an '08 Tarmac Elite for the same price as the '09 Allez sport.

[nostatic]

it's the Indian, not the arrow.

Find a used bike *that fits* and see if you can do a couple hundred miles a month. Then you'll know a) if you actually will ride seriously, and b) what you want out of a bike.

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by tangerine911S

The 08 allez elite has tiagra components. Am I being stupid by trying to get at least 105 parts for a first bike? I have a friend who is sponsored in mtn biking and does a good share of road biking and he said decent quality starts with the 105 group. I have been looking on ebay and missed a 07 allez comp in new condition for $850. For some reason my bid didint go through in time. I have been on a specialized bike at the store and know that 56cm is my size for this brand. I have been searching with limited succes for a new or near new condition bike (2006-2008) with 105 components for under about $900. If you come across one let me know. Thanks

No, not stupid. I wouldn't go below 105.

Not sure what your area is like, but check craigslist. Or check craigslist for the nearest college town.

[HardDrive]

Check these out:

http://burlington.craigslist.org/bik/825468552.html

http://burlington.craigslist.org/bik/826837698.html

[look 171]

Originally Posted by dd74

OP suggests himself as "novice" in cycling. I wouldn't want to see him turn himself inside-out on his first hill. "Man gears" aren't needed for beginners.

Yeah but a 34 ring?

Hey I haven't forgotten about your rollers. My 2 babies and I have been sick with I think the flu or something. Sorry for the delay.

Jeff

[JavaBrewer]

34? Bah. Big ring is where the action is. I liked mine a 52 or 53.