Road Cycling - What do you guys think?

Of this for my racing bike?

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2003/bikes/allez_elite_d.jpg

A triple? on a race bike.

Why not a triple? Depends on what kind of races, his age, his fitness, all sorts of things.

Triple bashing is interesting........

Not bashing,asking.Use them myself.rarely.Maybe he did not pay attention to the pic he was using?

It LOOKs nice, but there is more to a bike then looks and style... what are the specs? :)

It would look faster if it was red


;)

It WOULD BE FASTER if it was orange.

It would be faster with a jet engine on the back!

As for tripple why not? I can see no good reason not to get a tripple if buying a new bike.

Originally posted by Kev
As for tripple why not? I can see no good reason not to get a tripple if buying a new bike.

Although I have not tried newer triples (2002+), it's been my experience that road-bike triples tend to shift not as smoothly as a double. This is not to say that people should avoid the triple for racing (didn't some run triples in the mountain stages in the Vuelta?) but could be one reason why some riders prefer to stick with a double and creative cog selection.

To get a double I'd have to go up about 400 dollars and get the a Zebra striped bike. I think showing up on that would be worse than showing up with a triple. I looked at some treks buuuut I don't like them as much, and I really like the Specialized geometry. However, triple or not, that crank is uuuugly! If it looks as bad in real life as it does in pixels, I may try to replace it.

Joe, it's all 105 except for the crank. Do you think I should fork over a few hundred more and get Ultegra?
The way I see it, I'm not a racer yet, and I'm not really an Ultegra level rider yet. So I'll wait a while, then try to get something higher end.

For the price, I think you would do better buying a Trek or Cannondale. Both made in USA, not Taiwan...

I think you would be better forking over the extra to get a merlin cielo, but I realize that is not reality either. From what you have said, it does not sound like you have ridden any of these bikes yet. Go for some test rides before making any decisions.

:) Yes take some test rides,My lbs has let me take several rides even on a Trek 5900 to much $ for me so I got the 2200,They were very helpful.But if you like the bike and it fits good go for it. all that matters is how you feel,and buy the way nice bike got smoked by one this summer in the hills.

It would be a lot faster if it was Celeste.

Everyone knows that if you want to go fast you must buy a yellow bike. Only Lance can win on a ride that is not yellow.

isnt that specialized sequoia line or something? thats a pic of their sport-touring models i believe. if you are racing, you shouldn't need a triple, but good if you are tired in a hilly area when training. lose those tires too - too thick

OH - but all in all i am jealous and wish i had it. sorry not to mention the positives!!! :D

I looked this up...its not the sequioa, its the Specialized Allez Elite 27. Nice bike, man! If it fits, go for it!

I have ridden the Allez actually, and a similar Trek, I like the Specialized much better.

I had a Specialized way back when, when they had their M2 tubing....I loved the way the bike rode and handled. It had Ultegra parts (you'll never have to worry about those parts). Buy whatever feels best!

The 105 group is good. And, since you're starting, it's definitely good enough. It should last you, too. And, since you said you like the Specialized geometry...why not! Go for it. :)

Just try not to knock it down to that granny gear too often, okay? ;)

Originally posted by velo

Just try not to knock it down to that granny gear too often, okay? ;)


Whateeeeeever. I'm going to kick butt using the granny gear. All you macho people think the big ring is tough, HA!!! Try spinning the granny!

Velo, do you think a computer with cadence would be a good investment??

Originally posted by fubar5
Velo, do you think a computer with cadence would be a good investment??

I used to have a computer with cadence. To be honest, I never used it. Once you get used to riding at certain cadences that are comfortable (or not comfortable), and recognize them, that's all you need. I don't think it's a necessary training tool.

FWIW,

I just bought a '03 Allez Sport 27. I absolutely love it, although it is my first road bike (can't compare to others). It has a 105 rear derailleur and a Tiagra parts everywhere else.

I would've liked to move up to the Elite, but I was already at my max for price ($800). Then again...I probably wouldn't have noticed the difference (at least initially).



OF:beer:

Look's Fast enough to hang on my back:D