Merida 901-27 or Specialized Allez 24 ?

[Goobs]

I will be buying a new road bike in the next 2 weeks for my birthday so it needs to be new - no ebay!
I have a budget of around £500 but could max out at £550 with nothing left for pedals !
I would like a carbon fork with a triple chainset due to hillly area and have narrowed my choice down to either a Merida 901-27 (£478) or a Specialized Allez 24 (£530)
The Merida is on offer with no pedals (£35 extra) but the Allez dealer will throw in some spd-sl pedals for free so there is only a fiver in it.
Both fit me well and I understand the Allez uses 2300 set compared to the slightly better Sora ? I gather some people have problems with loose spoke on the Allez.
Does anyone have an opinion either way ?
Thanks in advance.

 

[accountantpete]

The loose spokes will probably be a one-off - but anyway you should always get a service after 100 miles or 2 weeks as even the best components take some time to settle in. Make sure that this is on offer by the LBS.

I don't think there is a great deal between the bikes - although the Allez may be easier to shift if you ever upgrade. Make sure that the LBS is including cleats in the pedal deal as these will set you back another £18.

 

[Goobs]

Thanks Accountantpete.

Does anyone know how the bikes compare weight wise ?

 

[PatrickPending]

Both fit me well and I understand the Allez uses 2300 set compared to the slightly better Sora ? I gather some people have problems with loose spoke on the Allez.
Does anyone have an opinion either way ?
Thanks in advance.[/QUOTE]

got an Allez in 2004 nice bike, spoke wise just check that theyre not coming loose occasionally - if they are tighten them up a tad (not so much as to bring the wheel out of true, just to a similar tension to the rest) - this worked for me - had to tighten a few on the front. This bike has lasted me approx 10,000 km tho soon to be retired as im going titanium

 

[accountantpete]

Thanks Accountantpete.

Does anyone know how the bikes compare weight wise ?

Due to the different components etc they don't seem too keen on quoting weights these days. I would assume they are both about the same and weigh in the region of 21-23 lbs

 

[Mortiroloboy]

My advice FWIW...the Allez, no question, I had (upon my return to the black stuff) a 2004 Allez, very nice entry level machine eminently upgradeable too should you feel the need in due course.

 

[Mortiroloboy]

My advice FWIW...the Allez, no question, I had (upon my return to the black stuff) a 2004 Allez, very nice entry level machine eminently upgradeable too should you feel the need in due course. not sure on weight, but I seem to recall that at that time it was the lightest aluminim frame set at that price point.

 

[pieman123456789]

I can't really give any advice since i havent tested either, but i have just bought an allez so ill e able to tell you soon