Getlemem (and Ladies) Your Opinion On these Bikes?

[Moss]

Hi All,

I'm in the market for a new (hey, even used) mount! I've been looking at the Specialised Allez 18, on offer at most places for about £599.00 I'd need a 54cm size in the Allez; and that weighs in at about 21LB? or there about's. Anyhow, I would value your opinions on this make and model; and do you think they are good value for the price?? Looked at some other bikes in this price range! but they all weight a little more; and the spec on most of them was not as good!

Would like to hear what you guys think?

Thanks

M

 

[chris-s]

They're a pretty good bike. A colleague bought one in January for a little less and has regularly commuted (~25 miles) on it in all weathers with no problems. I thought the gearing was a little high for my tastes, the chainring is 53/39 ?, but then I ride a weedy compact which is something like 50/36 and he did eventually changeout the rear cassette for an 11/28 which helps on the hills.


The basic frame is the same across all models, tho the higher spec ones do get carbon post/forks. Does it have the Sora shifters? They work fine, and a lot of folk are quite happy with them, but I find them awkwards and they don't give the smoothest of changes. Something like Tiagra is much nicer.


Chris

 

[Lien Sdrawde]

I dont know what you rode before, but I guess something like that would feel great compared to what I bought as my first road bike (£200 price bracket) so good luck, and enjoy!

 

[Moss]

I dont know what you rode before, but I guess something like that would feel great compared to what I bought as my first road bike (£200 price bracket) so good luck, and enjoy!

I have had many road bikes in the past, Did some RR TT Crit's etc in years gone by, also quite a few Triathlons. But for the last 10/15, years I've only used a mountain bike! So, I'm looking at getting a nice mount, but not an overpriced all singing all dancing stead; although I would like something with at least a 105, G/set. The Specialised Allez gets quite a good write-up. I also like the Focus Cayo with 105 G/set from Wiggle! Just having some trouble deciding on what to get?

But thanks for the reply.

M

 

[Moss]

They're a pretty good bike. A colleague bought one in January for a little less and has regularly commuted (~25 miles) on it in all weathers with no problems. I thought the gearing was a little high for my tastes, the chainring is 53/39 ?, but then I ride a weedy compact which is something like 50/36 and he did eventually changeout the rear cassette for an 11/28 which helps on the hills.


The basic frame is the same across all models, tho the higher spec ones do get carbon post/forks. Does it have the Sora shifters? They work fine, and a lot of folk are quite happy with them, but I find them awkwards and they don't give the smoothest of changes. Something like Tiagra is much nicer.


Chris

Thanks Chris,

Very much appreciated.

M

 

[Moss]

The focus cayo is also seriously good value for money. Carbon and 105 for under 1k. if it were my money, I'd go for the focus, having riden both. It saves you money by not wanting to upgrade in the future.

Thanks,

The B-twin would not suit me! But I agree with your thoughts on the Focus Cayo; and they do get tremendous reviews by many cyclists who own them! I'm in that "Will I? Wont I" sort of stage at present. But your input is very much appreciated.

M

 

[Simba]

I ride a Specialized Allez 24 52x42x30 chainrings and 13x26 sprocket and I can say from my 300 miles thus far it is a very very good bike. It rides like a £1000+ bike. Mine has carbon forks and weighs in at 10kgs. What kept the price down for my bike was the Shimano 2300 STi shifters and mech. Currently for sale at Evans for £519.99

 

[Moss]

Thanks Simba,

Sound like a very nice bike, I was considering the Allez 18, as they get good reviews!

m

 

[Simba]

Thanks Simba,

Sound like a very nice bike, I was considering the Allez 18, as they get good reviews!

m

The advantage of the 24 is the granny ring for them monster climbs. It has a very good range of gears too.

 

[Moss]

The advantage of the 24 is the granny ring for them monster climbs. It has a very good range of gears too.

I'll give that some serious consideration (Granny Ring) being an old boy of 63, I may need Granny's help on some of the climbs?

 

[Simba]

I'll give that some serious consideration (Granny Ring) being an old boy of 63, I may need Granny's help on some of the climbs?

Even if you don't need the help of a granny ring, it is nice to have that option. I only use it on climbs of 10% gradient or more.

 

[Moss]

I've just been reading about the Cube Agree! I must ad this to a potential purchase for me? I just need to find the money.