Roadie folks please help...

[mark barker]

Next year I'm planning on taking the leap into longer distance riding, with the intention of doing a few 60+ mile rides. I figured now would be a good time to get buying (2010 models reduced and before the VAT goes up). I've had a good look around, and short listed these two:
Peugeot
Specialized

I prefer the looks of the Peugeot, but I'm not a vain person, so if the Specialized is far better then I'd be happy to compromise! I've had a ride on both and didn't really notice any difference, but as I'm not used to road bikes they both felt pretty odd!

So, in a nutshell, any reason why I should pick or avoid either of them?

Cheers peeps!

 

[HLaB]

Next year I'm planning on taking the leap into longer distance riding, with the intention of doing a few 60+ mile rides. I figured now would be a good time to get buying (2010 models reduced and before the VAT goes up). I've had a good look around, and short listed these two:
Peugeot
Specialized

I prefer the looks of the Peugeot, but I'm not a vain person, so if the Specialized is far better then I'd be happy to compromise! I've had a ride on both and didn't really notice any difference, but as I'm not used to road bikes they both felt pretty odd!

So, in a nutshell, any reason why I should pick or avoid either of them?

Cheers peeps!

The biggest difference I see with just a quick look is the Pug is a tripple and the Allez a compact double; the former should make hills slightly easier.

 

[yello]

Can you ride them and see which you prefer?

Me, I'd probably go for the Peugot but that's mainly because I'm a bit of a poser and would prefer to be different. I suspect the sensible money would say the Specialized - it has a good reputation.

Edit: shallow drops on the Peugot, I like that both style wise and comfort. Something else for you to perhaps consider.

 

[accountantpete]

Basically Peugeot were huge back in the 70's and 80's and the bike represents a rather odd comeback - leather saddle etc.

Specialized are far more established in the modern cycling world and have a proven track record -I would also anticipate it would be easier to sell this bike on should you ever want to get rid.

For me the clincher would be the spec of the Peugeot - I haven't got a clue what "Potency" is and the bike has "tires" - suspect that the retailer has lazily copied some naff translation supplied by Peugeot which doesn't impress me that they are overly keen on selling the product.

 

[raindog]

For me the clincher would be the spec of the Peugeot - I haven't got a clue what "Potency" is

Stem - and you're right, that's sloppy translation.

I'd go for the Peugeot - nice looking bike that, and you'd have lower gearing which might be nice if you intend to do some serious climbing.

 

[2Loose]

Much better pedals on the Pug.
It is good to see another bike...I had one early eighties that I remember fondly.

 

[PaulSecteur]

If you are planning on doing longer rides how about considering and "Endurance Road" bike, rather than a racer as you have linked to?

Endurance road bikes are similar to racers, but with a bit more relaxed geometry, and a bit more comfortable as your body isnt so horizontal as you ride, but you can still get on the drops and tuck in if you want to.

The name that springs to my mind when I think endurance road is the Specialized Secteur (Ali frame or the Specialized Roubaix with a carbon frame but thats £££s). Also worth a look at the canondale Synapse range too.

 

[Sittingduck]

The wheels on the Pug look out of place to me. Quite like the look of the frame and bars though. For me it would be the Spesh - better rims and bike who is happy with what it is!

 

[e-rider]

Peugeot have made some truely awful bikes over the years - I'd not buy one that's for sure.

At £800 you're spoiled for choice really. Specialized make very competitive bikes below £1000 so you'd not go far wrong but you need to decide what gear range you want/need etc. Changing at a later date will be very expensive.

So, forget the Pug, and look at loads more before deciding. Don't base you choice on £100 discount either!

 

[island andy]

One thing about bikes is it helps to have an emotional attatchment to your bike, I don't like Bianchi's for some illogical reason so wouldn't be happy to own one. My first mountain bike, a Claud butler was a bit crap I suppose but i loved it, had many adventures on it and eventually I realised what I really wanted in a bike through riding it. There's very little crap out there now, it's a very competitive market and duds are rare, buy what you really desire because you'll keep riding it and maybe in a year or two start dreaming of yet more expensive bikes !!

 

[mark barker]

Thanks for the comments folks.... I'll try to get down to the shop again over the weekend and see if I can get out on the bikes again for a slightly longer trip. Sounds a bit daft but as I've not been on a road bike before its hard to tell what feels "right". The Peugeot didn't feel as twitchy when I moved around on the bike, but that might be because it was the last one I rode so maybe I was just starting to get used to the way they handle.

I hadn't thought of endurance bikes, so I'll take a look at those too... All this choice is too much!

 

[Aperitif]

Purely on the two choices, I would have a dab at distance with the Peugeot...it looks like a nice bike with helpful gearing for someone embarking on longer, hillier, mountainous? rides!

 

[kfinlay]

I'd not consider the Pug as too much of an unknown and you don't want it to break many miles from home.
The Specialised is popular because it is widely recognised as being very good. The Allez is more racey while Secteur is more relaxed, it just depends on which would suit you better. Evans have some good deals on just now and I'd go for a slightly cheaper 2010 spec and upgrade the wheels and tyres (or at least the tyres as the originals are simply awful). Other stuff such as the drivetrain can be upgraded when it (eventually) wears out.

Suggestions

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/secteur-sport-2010-road-bike-ec019550

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/allez-sport-triple-2010-road-bike-ec019408

Not many sizes left but have a look around as you may be lucky enough to still get something.

HTH

 

[krushavik]

I like those suggestion myself will go to my local Evans and have look. Cheers

I'd not consider the Pug as too much of an unknown and you don't want it to break many miles from home.
The Specialised is popular because it is widely recognised as being very good. The Allez is more racey while Secteur is more relaxed, it just depends on which would suit you better. Evans have some good deals on just now and I'd go for a slightly cheaper 2010 spec and upgrade the wheels and tyres (or at least the tyres as the originals are simply awful). Other stuff such as the drivetrain can be upgraded when it (eventually) wears out.

Suggestions

http://www.evanscycl...d-bike-ec019550

http://www.evanscycl...d-bike-ec019408

Not many sizes left but have a look around as you may be lucky enough to still get something.

HTH

 

[Norm]

If you are planning on doing longer rides how about considering and "Endurance Road" bike, rather than a racer as you have linked to?

Definitely +1 to this one, Mark. Nothing against bikes aimed at the faster end of the spectrum but your goals are for 60+ miles in a day, something like the Secteur will be more appropriate, IMO, than the Allez.