First Road bike: Specialized C2 Allez vs Orbea Aqua 50

[JTB1992]

Hiya Guys,

Totally new to cycling forums so ill do my best to get the info right. Im completely new to the world of cycling, so in terms of technicalities and specifications please go easy with me.

Ive been riding on an old halford/ costco bike for some years now, and upon returning to university i thought id treat myself to a nice road bike.

The commute to uni is about 20-30 mins and includes (in my opinion) a pretty gruesome 1-2kish hill.
Id be cycling as my main use of transport and would like to think I would be fit enough (i play sports) to maybe even start joining a cycling club.

I recently went to cycle surgery and was gently guided between a giant defy 5 and an orbea aqua 50.
They also analysed my height etc and specified a 58cm frame.

I also went to a more expensive shop geoferry butlers and there models start a bit more expensive and guided me to the specialized allez c2 2014, (white version sent chills down my spine) the price gap is around £150.

The cycle surgery salesman believes the groupset of the orbea was a bit better than the specialized, but in my brief research and knowledge of bikes, I have leaned towards specialized as a brand (not to mention im a sucker for good looks)

Here are the links for the bikes setup
Specialized Allez C2:

Specialized Allez 2014 - CycleSurgery

Orbea Aqua 50:
Orbea Aqua 50 2014

Ive got test rides set up for this saturday coming, but im still torn between what to get 

Been a bit of an essay hahaha but any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks all

 

[RussellZero]

Personally I think you get more value for money from the Orbea. Ive had an aqua for 2 years now and its been fantastic, and very comfortable. At the time I looked at the Specialized as well, but as well as the Orbea looking better and have better kit, youre buying something less mass produced. Ive just put mine up for sale as Ive got a new carbon bike now - its a 60cm frame (Im 6'3) but Im in two minds, its served me so well.

 

[RussellZero]

Looking at the specs of those two theres not much between them - but again the Specialized is an extra £100 - Im sure for not much more you can find a bike with a better gearset.

 

[JTB1992]

Thanks Russel
Really appreciate your help,
The aim being is to also grab some clipless pedals, shoes and armadilo tyres and some other eq with it.
So 600 is really looking to be my limit (im a poor student hahaha)

Does it cost a lot to upgrade the gearset at a later date?

 

[RussellZero]

Not sure on cost of upgrading everything. Does 2nd hand not appeal to you, mines priced at £400 - 2 years old, including pedals - was just under £1k new

It's in the for sale thread if you wanted to look with a link to photos and details on eBay

 

[vickster]

Thanks Russel
Really appreciate your help,
The aim being is to also grab some clipless pedals, shoes and armadilo tyres and some other eq with it.
So 600 is really looking to be my limit (im a poor student hahaha)

Does it cost a lot to upgrade the gearset at a later date?

Universities are bike theft hotspots, get good locks (realistically you'll need £70-100) and also insure it properly

Gearset upgrade - probably £400+ for something like Tiagra (unless you get lucky second hand)

 

[uclown2002]

I got a complete 105 groupset for £350 earlier this year from merlin, before they dropped the price another £50.

 

[Apollonius]

If the Spesh excites you then buy it. That is the most important consideration. Good point about bike theft at universities. I lost a Severn Valley at uni back in 1969. I guess it is no different today.