Originally Posted by
NoviceJohn
+1. I bought the base Allez last year and I rode the hell out of it before school started. Now I may ride once every two or three weeks when I have time. Regardless, I love my bike despite of what most people may think of the Claris group set. it works fine for what I'm using it for. If I'm still into cycling a few years from now, I may invest in a bike with a tiagra or 105 set and carbon fork / frame.
Last weekends brevet I rolled in on the bike in the picture above with two hours left AFTER I walked most of the hills because my small chain ring died (my fault, loose bolts). There were at least 25 guys on carbon roadbikes who DNF and all complained how hard it was. Not the bike unless you're into racing.
Claris works fine. The gaps in the 8 speed cassette are annoying but what can you expect? Its 8 speed. You can have wide range or a tight group but not both.