Spesh Allez Elite V Trek 1.7???

[In trouble]

Afternoon all, I have just joined this Forum, as I am on the hunt for a decent road bike with the view to occasionally commute, and also start to take part in races etc.......Thats the intention anyway.

I have up to £1000 to spend (thanks to cycle scheme) and have been looking at Specialized Allez Elite, and Trek 1.7.

Both bikes appear to offer a good all round spec, however the Trek offers Shimano 105 group set throughout, although has no carbon seat stays, the Spesh has carbon seat stays but is mainly Shimano Tiagra.

I'm off to ride both tommorrow at the bike shop, but I'm trying to weigh up the advantages of each, and as a complete novice on road bikes (I have a Kona MTB, which is very good) any advice either way would be appreciated. Both bikes are the same price, so cost wise there is no difference, it all comes down to quality, but I'm looking for quality of ride as well as equipment.

 

[rich p]

I suspect that you'd find both acceptable. They're both highly rated form the money and I doubt that 105 to Tiagra is much difference in quality - possibly an ounce or 2 in weight.
It should come down to which you find most comfortable which is the acid test after all. Do they both have carbon forks?

 

[In trouble]

Yes they both have Carbon Forks. I kind of have the feeling that i am arguing with myself over proberbly very little between the two to be fair. And that only due to a lack of Road Bike knowledge at the moment.

I do want to take part in races or triathlons eventually, although not at such a competitive level to win, but to still work hard, and have fun doing them. i am due a test ride with both tomorrow, so i fancy that'll be the clincher.

 

[andyfromotley]

i think there is virtually no difference between these bikes they are both highly rated. I bought an allez 3 years ago and i love it.

Try and take each for a test ride and choose the one that feels most comfortable i guess.

I dont think you'll regret buying either.

Andy

 

[andyfromotley]

DOH!, you were a step ahead of me!

 

[In trouble]

Spesh Allez Elite gets it, mush smoother on gears, more comfortable when riding, and looks darn nice.

 

[In trouble]

That should be 'Much'

 

[andyfromotley]

good for you, let us know when youve done a few miles on her.
andy

 

[jonboy51]

I had the same amount of money and went for the Felt z65 (www.tredz.co.uk). Looked like the best choice for me and has mostly Ultegra components. Trouble is the shop had sold out of the z65 so they offered me a z35 for the same price! Its a downgrade on some components (i.e. shifter and front gears are 105) but its got a full carbon frame. Very happy with it indeed!

 

[rich p]

I defy anyone to distinguish between 105 and Ultegra in a blind test.

Wait for it!!!

 

[Keith Oates]

It's written on the parts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[rich p]

It's written on the parts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes Keith, but in a blind test it would have to be written in braille