Spesh Sport v Elite

[wilko]

I am going to upgrade my Sirrus Sport for a proper road bike this spring. I like Specialized bikes and I'm thinking of getting a Secteur. I won't be racing, not so fussed about out and out speed, but plan to do some longer miles. Do you think the Elite is worth the extra £300 or so over the Sport, or is the latter a better bet. I have a budget of £1000, but don't want to spend for the sake of spending

 

[accountantpete]

If you are planning longer journeys then the carbon framed boardmans at the same price as the elite are worth a look.

 

[Broadside]

I have the Secteur Sport and am very happy with it 600 miles in. The Elite gives you Shimano 105 running gear, Tektro brakes and better wheels. The Sport has a mix of Sora and Tiagra gears, unbranded brakes and Alex rims. The real difference on the Secteur's is when you jump to the Comp which gets carbon seat stays with more Zertz inserts a-la Roubaix.

If you are set on Specialized as you seem to imply then I think it will largely come down to the amount you will actually use it. The Sport is a great machine and very comfortable but if you are really going to churn out the high mileage then maybe the upgraded components of the Elite would be a worthwhile investment.

 

[speshy]

i have a 2009 allez elite that i bought last month.... great bike!!

 

[ChrisKH]

I have the Sport. Great bike which I am upgrading parts on. However I wish I had waited a few months and saved up for the Elite or Roubaix. 'Nuff said.

 

[potsy]

I have the Sport. Great bike which I am upgrading parts on. However I wish I had waited a few months and saved up for the Elite or Roubaix. 'Nuff said.

What bits are you upgrading Chris? I have the sport too and will probably upgrade later this year.

 

[Damaged Hero]

I have just bought the Secteur Comp,rides beautifuly.A great bike for the price,looking forward to putting the miles in when the weather sorts itself out.Very impressed with the Secteur range.

 

[wilko]

Going to go for the Elite. It's within my budget and hopefully won't need to be upgraded. Might have trouble sourcing one though as stock seems pretty low everywhere in my size. (54cm). I might even go to a Specialized concept store, we have one in Bristol not too far away, and get myself fitted!

 

[ianrauk]

Wilko, I have a Secteur Elite.
What height are are you? I am 5'9" and a 56" fits fine.

 

[wilko]

Wilko, I have a Secteur Elite.
What height are are you? I am 5'9" and a 56" fits fine.

Ian, I'm 5' 8". I have a Sirrus Sport at the moment and it's a 54 which seems to fit me ok. I assume the road bikes are the same sizes? My concern is that my saddle on the Sirrus is pretty much level with the bars if not slightly lower. I see most roadies with their saddles considerably higher than their bars. My bike is comfortable enough as it is, in fact it was pointed out to me that it's the geometry of my bike, more sit up and beg, that determines the saddle height.

 

[ChrisKH]

What bits are you upgrading Chris? I have the sport too and will probably upgrade later this year.

Wheels just done. Saddle in the post. There's a separate thread for the wheels if you search on my username.

 

[ChrisKH]

Ian, I'm 5' 8". I have a Sirrus Sport at the moment and it's a 54 which seems to fit me ok. I assume the road bikes are the same sizes? My concern is that my saddle on the Sirrus is pretty much level with the bars if not slightly lower. I see most roadies with their saddles considerably higher than their bars. My bike is comfortable enough as it is, in fact it was pointed out to me that it's the geometry of my bike, more sit up and beg, that determines the saddle height.

Make sure you try before you buy. I'm nearly 6' and could have got either the 56 or the 58. I went for the larger but had to change the stem. Plus the larger of the frames gave me less if a drop between saddle and bars and whilst it's not exactly sit up and beg it is more comfortable and less stressful on the back. A sporty tourer probably would have suited me just as well.

 

[ianrauk]

Like Chris above I chose the larger frame after having a choice of either a 54" or a 56". And I changed the 110" stem to a 90". I have it set up as Chris describes, as a Sporty Tourer rather then full on low down racer style

 

[potsy]

Wheels just done. Saddle in the post. There's a separate thread for the wheels if you search on my username.

Ah yes remember seeing it now.I got an upgrade on the wheels R500-RS10's due to a warranty issue,only thing I'm not keen on is the front mech not exactly silky smooth especially when changing up.not too bad on way down.(Sora)
Would also like a comfier saddle but am perplexed by the sheer choice of them and don't want to spend£50+ to find out it's no better than what I have.