Road bike for under £1000 - Specialized or Trek or something else?

[Mike8782]

Hello, I'm a fairly keen cyclist who rides a touring bike (Claud Butler Dalesman) and I fancy something lighter and more nimble. I can't justify going for a carbon frame bike but I reckon I can spend up to £1000 as I want a decent bike that will last.

I went to my local bike shop who proposed the Specialized Allez Elite C for £800 (either 2011 or 2012), or the Trek 2.1 triple for £1000. The main differences seem to be Shimano 105 v Tiagras, and the Trek having a triple set rather than compact (I'm in Devon so fairly hilly) and a better aluminium frame.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/allez-elite-2011-road-bike-ec025029
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/allez-elite-compact-2012-road-bike-ec030707
http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/trek-21-t-h3-triple-road-bike-black-charcoal-id68888.html

Would anyone be able to advise or suggest something similar?

 

[Cyclist33]

You can get an all carbon bike for a grand from Planet X and they are quite well reviewed.

Stu

 

[Kiwiavenger]

ive got an allez compact 2012 and love it! even with the entry level gears etc. mandles superbly and although i haven ridden it in anger yet its taken 5 minutes off my commute home (8 miles with 400 ft climbing) and 10 minutes off the cycle in (its the reverse) lovely and light compared to my old hybrid!! lol.

best thing to do is go into evans and get a test ride and see what one you prefer the most!

 

[Mike8782]

Thanks for your comments. I like my local bike shop, so I'd like to use them. I did have a ride on both and the Trek did feel a little better, but whether that was psychological, knowing the bike was £200 more.

 

[Mike!]

Giant Defy 1 seems to be raved about at the moment, I'll be trying one next week i think but will more than likely spend more and go for carbon

 

[Beebo]

Giant Defy 1 seems to be raved about at the moment, I'll be trying one next week i think but will more than likely spend more and go for carbon

I looked at the Defy, but didnt like the oversized chunky square tubing, it looked horrid. I eventually went for traditional thin tube steel.

To the OP, Trek and Specialized are good bikes, but you do pay for the name. You can get better components on less well known bikes.

 

[cyberknight]

Boardman road comp,apex groupset gives you the gear range of a triple and very well specced for the price.The Boardman`s always get good reviews in bike mags and i love mine.
Or for the £1000 you can go for the team for 105 ,bb30 and mavic askiums.

 

[Cubist]

Cube Peloton Race (if you can find one) 105/with an Ultegra mech, and a wheelset to die for.

 

[Peteaud]

The Trek.

Yes i am a big trek fan, to me they always feel better. Dont get me wrong, ive nothing against other bikes, but both mine are treks due to me liking the way they rode. Spec is one thing that can be upgraded, the feel (and look) of a bike is as important.

Ive also found at that price the dealer will be happy to knock a few quid off, or supply some sort of deal.

ps. bicycle chain are doing a trek 2.3 for the same price in a 54cm frame.

2.1 are £1000 but you will get discount.

 

[Lien Sdrawde]

Someone posted yesterday that Decathlon have a full carbon road bike with good spec on sale at the mo, for well within your budget.