Road Cycling - Specialized Allez E5 SLX comp ...OR... Cannondale R2000

are these two bikes basically on the same level? the Specialized comes in at around $2000, and i'm guessing the Dale the same??? both ultegra equipped

Secialized bike
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=02AllezSLXComp18&bl=road

Cannondale bike
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/03/cusa/model-3RR2D.html


if you had a choice...which would you pick???

i've been looking into compact frames and although i really wanted a Giant, i'm almost convinced the large size will be too big (59cm top tube) and the medium (55cm top tube) would be too small. i basically need a 57.5cm top tube which is available in both the 58 size cannondale and the 58 size Specialized.

which frame would you rather have for possible upgrades in the future? CAAD7 or the Compact SLX (wish i had money for the S-Works, but don't, arghhhh)

i have ridden similiar bikes by each maker, although not the real ones where i'm sure i'd see more of a difference. Allez A1 elite, and Cannondale R600.

please let me know your opinions, which bike YOU'D rather have, or any other bikes comparable in price, performance, weight, etc...


THANKS!

which frame would you rather have for possible upgrades in the future?
Sounds like you intend to keep it a while. I have serious reservations with the "cartridge-bearing-drops-into-frame" type of headset that appears to be used on the Allez there. Cannondale's "hiddenset" at least won't let the bearing rock on the frame, and it's a Campagnolo. The other parts look to be at least on a par with the Specialized, and the Ksyrium SL's are considerably lighter than the Shimano WH-R535's. Specialized is offering a triple-crank option, however.

I worked at a Schwinn dealership during their last couple years before they got bought by Pacific, and the drop-in-bearing headsets proved to be tempermental. Thankfully (?) we didn't sell too many. For those of you who happen to have such a Schwinn, your dealer can get replacement bearings through Cane Creek, last I knew.

Chris King has an illustrated document showing some of the potential issues with the different non-traditional headset designs, if you're curious: http://www.chrisking.com/pdfs/Int%20Headsets%20Explained.pdf

The Cannondale.If one has to live with an integrated HS,I'd rather have the campy one. Take the CK article FWIT.They are promotimg their own 'better mousetrap'.

Originally posted by mechBgon

Sounds like you intend to keep it a while. I have serious reservations with the "cartridge-bearing-drops-into-frame" type of headset that appears to be used on the Allez there.

its not that i would plan on keeping it "that" long, but i just figured these two bikes would be in my price range and suit my needs. i just graduated from college where rode and raced competitively, and plan to keep training...only problem is i'm kinda limited on the funds for now :) hehe. thanks for the input guys...anyone else, please chime in :)

Heh..we have a R2000 in the shop right now

Took for a spin...great ride. Definitely out of my price range (being the poor high school student hehe) but that's the one I would go for simply because I like Cannondale - quality stuff!

another option.buy a caad 4 frame, and build it yourself.Same rear trianngle as the caad 5 and 6 but no funny HS or BB.check www.gvhbikes.com

CAAD 7 because of the frame and better wheelset. Everything else is equal.
535's are "OK" wheels- Ksyriums are great wheels. SSC's are better but for $2k retail, I'll jump over the C'dale.