trek or specialized

[aml]

i'm afraid its another what bike thread...

my 1st choice of bike was the trek 1.5 2010. however after talking to my lbs
they have offered me a 2009 specialized allez elite for £800 (the original price was £999. i have also seen that the 2010 elite is also £800 but only has the tiagra gearset where the 2009 has 105...

can anyone please help me out???

 

[Kestevan]

Try them both out for fit.

I've said it before but I'm convinced that some peoples body shape suits the Trek geometry, and some the Spec.

The difference in price/kit will pale into insignificance if one works for you and the other doesnt.

 

[Banjo]

Completely agree with Kestevan.Test ride both before deciding. If going for the Allez personally I would buy the better spec 09 model.

 

[postman]

09.Rip his arm off.

Beg him to take your money.

Need anymore advice

 

[GrasB]

Yeah don't look at the group set feel the frame. After 6 years & 40'000 miles or so about the only original part of my Marin is the frame excluding forks! Why? Because the basic frame geom & rigidity is right for me, thus I don't want to change the frame I just correct the issues I have with the bike when things wear out.

I'd also look at what models the frame of the target bike shares, if you get a frame which is the highest spec variant you'll generally find that it's had a few compromises made for cost. Conversely if you've got the lowest spec variant you know that you're paying proportionally more for the frame so any upgrades will more likely be felt.

 

[accountantpete]

I've never been one for picking the best fit - you can always adjust so many things to suit. I'd go for the 105 specc'd bike personally.

That said -you could get a really good second hand bike off eBay for what you are paying.

 

[aml]

09.Rip his arm off.

Beg him to take your money.

Need anymore advice

you think its that good a deal???

my lbs is getting the bike made up for tomorrow, then he's getting me on the turbo to get it set up..
after your advice i'm hoping its a good fit..

 

[Willo]

I'm certainly not qualified to judge on the technical aspect, but when buying my bike recently I looked at a few options. I was initially making my choice by putting the specs up against each other on paper, and had more or less leaned away from the Allez because the group set seemed to have been downgraded in the 2010 versions. However, after sitting on both a Trek (1.2 I think) and the Allez, I found the Allez much more comfortable for me and it just felt much more natural to ride. I'm sure there's others who have found the opposite true - as Kestevan says it's down to indvidual fit.

 

[Banjo]

I dont wish to complicate the issue but have you seen this offer from Tredz.I looked at one the other day and it is a beautifull bike.The frame is so beautifully finished it looks more like a moulded carbon fibre than welded aluminium.

The sepecial edition 09 model has Ultegra groupset and is £850 http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Scott-Speedster-S30-Triple-Ultegra-Ltd-Edition-2009-Road-Bike_27240.htm

 

[ianrauk]

totally agree with Banjo, what a very nice specced bike for the price.

 

[dubhghall]

Definately try both bikes first as a few months down the line the money is forgotten! Spending more for new stems and bars etc should be a last resort. When I bought a new road bike I tried heaps and in all honesty they all felt great compared to what I was on.
If both feel good I would definately go for a 105 specced bike over Tiagra - 10spd and is arguably "better" built. The Spesh is definately a good deal.

Let us know . . .

 

[aml]

well works now done for the day and i'm off to my lbs in half an hour...

lets see what i return with!!!!!!!

cant wait

 

[Banjo]

Will we be treated to a picture of bike and owner grinning like a cheshire cat?(Or maybe dripping like a drowned rat if he rides it home :-) )

Whatever you return with best wishes for lots of happy miles.

 

[aml]

well i'm now the proud owner of a 2009 spesh allez elite!!!!

the bike felt great on the turbo, sadly its chucking it down at the moment so
it had to go in the back of the car..

now the fun begins. only ever had mtb's before so a little care at first, and then lets see how much more speed i can get from it!!

couldnt get a pic of me in the shot, but trust me when i say i AM grinning like a cheshire cat...

 

[aml]

Will we be treated to a picture of bike and owner grinning like a cheshire cat?(Or maybe dripping like a drowned rat if he rides it home :-) )

Whatever you return with best wishes for lots of happy miles.

thanks banjo. , i'm looking forward to getting out on the road just as soon as this rain stops.