A Good Sort Of Problem to Have!!

[IanT]

Currently, I am considering upgrading my road bike and would value some options from the real world on the options that I am considering.
My current ride is a Carerra TDF. It's actually quite a nice bike but, as my ability has grown, I just feel that I would like something a little faster - and possibly a little more comfortable for covering distance.With stores clearing out their 2011 ranges, now seems like a good time to buy.
The options that I am considering are either the Specialised Secatuer or the Specialised Allez Elite. Both bikes boast a better spec than the TDF, but I'm aware that the Secatuer uses compact geometry (same as the TDF), which I'm not entirely sold on.
As I say, what I'm looking for is something that will be comfortable over distance, fast and also something that will feel like an upgrade over the TDF.
Does anyone have any experience or opinions on either of these bikes?
Cheers.

 

[YahudaMoon]

I could be wrong and I know nothing about any of the bikes you mention though I have a feeling all the above bikes have a short wheel base ?

If its comfort your after then I think you need a longer wheel base.

No idea who makes em of the peg ? other than a custom.

Some one will say Im 'wrong' no doubt and say Im 'talking rubbish'

Oh I call fast and comfortable bikes a 'audax bike'

 

[Willo]

Secteur had a slightly more upright position for longer rides relative to the Allez that has more of a racing geometry. Worth going somewhere to have a sit on them if you can. Despite being a weekend poodler (i.e. not racing or taking cycling too seriously) I have the racier Allez and find it comfortable enough.

 

[PpPete]

Depends where in either the Secteur or Allez range you are looking but if towards the lower end I would be heartily suspicious of the standard wheels.

Friend bought an entry level Secteur, rear wheel had to go back to the shop to have a spoke tightened after every ride... and wheel had to be replaced entirely before he'd got to 300 miles. Turned out the rim had a natural pringle to it, which no amount of truing would ever fix for long.

Quite prepared to believe that was a "one off" and other than that - nice bike, but the whole experience put me off Spesh's standard issue wheels for life.

 

[cyberknight]

I ride a 2011 boardman road bike and it is very comfortable over long distances, did 65 miles yesterday and i do not have any aches ( just legs of jelly ,,,,)

 

[IanT]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

Funnily enough, Cyberknight, I have been looking at the Boardmans this evening. My mate has a full carbon, which is a great bike. Obviously, that's out of budget, but the Road Race looks bloody good and, at the moment, you can get in for under £700. Got to be a winner.

Cheers again.

Ian.

 

[Nebulous]

I have a 2010 Allez Elite and really like it. I don't have much to compare it with though.

The Elite has Mavic rims that are seen as better than the Alex ones further down the specs, but they are probably still one of the key upgrades when you get a chance!

 

[potsy]

Currently, I am considering upgrading my road bike and would value some options from the real world on the options that I am considering.
My current ride is a Carerra TDF. It's actually quite a nice bike but, as my ability has grown, I just feel that I would like something a little faster - and possibly a little more comfortable for covering distance.With stores clearing out their 2011 ranges, now seems like a good time to buy.
The options that I am considering are either the Specialised Secatuer or the Specialised Allez Elite. Both bikes boast a better spec than the TDF, but I'm aware that the Secatuer uses compact geometry (same as the TDF), which I'm not entirely sold on.
As I say, what I'm looking for is something that will be comfortable over distance, fast and also something that will feel like an upgrade over the TDF.
Does anyone have any experience or opinions on either of these bikes?
Cheers.

Secteur-

Secateurs-


That's what Fossy called my Secteur

 

[IanT]

Cheers Potsy - a very valid observation.

Mind you, I don't like the look of the Sectuer in that colour scheme - but the second picture looks interesting.....tell me more...

 

[Herzog]

My current ride is a Carerra TDF. It's actually quite a nice bike but, as my ability has grown, I just feel that I would like something a little faster - and possibly a little more comfortable for covering distance.

You may have already heard this, but getting the correct size bike is key to a comfortable ride. Granted, things like a longer wheelbase, more upright position may help, but neither of these things can help if the size is wrong. Perhaps get a bike fitting?

 

[IanT]

You may have already heard this, but getting the correct size bike is key to a comfortable ride. Granted, things like a longer wheelbase, more upright position may help, but neither of these things can help if the size is wrong. Perhaps get a bike fitting?

Thanks Herzog. If I'm honest, one of the things that I have never really been comfortable with (no pun intended) is the frame size / geometry. It uses a very compact geometry, meaning that a 58cm frame only measures 51cm - top tube to bottom bracket. I have spent a long time getting the fit right and, to be honest, think I really am there. But I think that the voices in my head would be more at home with a more conventional geometry.

One thing that I do find with the TDF is that it feels very unstable when you stand on the pedals - to get up a hill etc. Not sure if it's in my mind, but think it may have something to do with that compact geometry.

Thanks again for the advice.

Best regards,

Ian.

 

[IanT]

Well, decision made - and it was neither of them.

Opted for a Trek 1.5 c H2 2012 model. What finally swung it was the blinding service I got from Cycles UK in Chelmsford (let me hasten to add that I have no affiliation with them whatsoever). The guy in the shop spent ages going through fitting with me and came up with a fit that felt great. Compared with large-chain (no pun intended) bike shops in London and Bike Hut branches, it was a revelation.

Also think the Trek looks a little more robust (somehow) than the Spesh. And, it definitely looks more understated - which I like.

Can't wait to get it now.

Thanks again for the advice.

 

[Ajax_Gaz]

Looks a nice bike! And i notice its got the new 10 speed Tiagra set up which is pretty good (from what i've been told)

Service sounds fantastic too!

 

[IanT]

Looks a nice bike! And i notice its got the new 10 speed Tiagra set up which is pretty good (from what i've been told)

Service sounds fantastic too!

Thanks - yes, the service was first rate. The guy (Alex) really knows his stuff. Even recommended a 56cm frame, based on my inside leg measurement. In my head, I was sure it would be a 58, but the 56 felt great - and even better after a bit of fettling.

Can't wait to try the new Tiagra - 10 speed - Just what I need for the Kentish Killer (which I seem to have registered for)

 

[potsy]

Thanks - yes, the service was first rate. The guy (Alex) really knows his stuff. Even recommended a 56cm frame, based on my inside leg measurement. In my head, I was sure it would be a 58, but the 56 felt great - and even better after a bit of fettling.

Can't wait to try the new Tiagra - 10 speed - Just what I need for the Kentish Killer (which I seem to have registered for)

Nice bike that Ian, sure you'll enjoy it.

Funnily enough my lbs got in touch today after my enquiry about the new Tricross, the helpful chap who is another Alex, has offered me a deal to go for the Tiagra equipped one so might well be trying that out myself soon