Newbie - Specialized Allez Elite ?

[Stephen7276]

I'm looking for a first road bike. I'm looking/thinking of the specialized Allez elite at £720 http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/17638/specialized-allez-elite-racing-road-bike-2015-sale

We have a CTW scheme where we just buy and are refunded so seems appropriate.

Is this a good choice and can anyone recommend accessories I may need (always rather fear being up sold things I don't need !!!)

 

[vickster]

Go test ride and see if it's a good choice for you

Accessories for commuting. Mudguards, possibly a pannier rack although the bike won't have lugs for it so you'll need p clips to attach to frame or a seatpost rack. Lights if riding in low light, bottle cage and bottle. A mini pump to mount on the bike, a track pump for home. Spare inner tubes, tyre levers, a multi tool. A helmet if you want to wear one and I wouldn't get on a bike without gloves, short or long finger depending on the traffic

Then you get into clothing, padded shorts, wicking tops, clipless pedals and shoes if you want, a light waterproof jacket, a windproof gilet

Oh and good locks and insurance for the bike (home insurance usually best)

And either British cycling or CTC cover for the legal support and third party indemnity cover, indispensable in the case of a non fault or fault accident

Happy riding

 

[Joffey]

I must bore people banging on about this bike but check this out - £599 (Shimano 105, internal cable routing, direct mounted brakes, pretty light)

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/alur-700-road-bike-id_8290145.html

 

[Sittingduck]

That Decathlon special is a great spec for the £^^

 

[paul2015]

The allez is good. I've got the 2014. If you want high speed it's a great bike. If it's just for.committing go for the base model or the sport for the carbon fork. Otherwise it's the same bike with different gearing