Road Cycling - Specialized Allez Comp 27

What do you Think?

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?orig=us&minisite=10020&san=03AllezComp27&bl=road&my=2003

I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY want it BAD!

Mike

Nice bike. :beer:
Do you want or need a triple?

RonH -

I suggest you come out to the Bay Area for a little riding. You might change your mind about rigging your bike out with a triple.

Hawkphoto -

Go for the triple. I changed from a double to a triple about two years after I moved to the San Jose area. I've never regretted the decision and can assure you that it never slowed me down and it really comes in handy on the steepest hills.

Steve

Originally posted by Hawkphoto
I REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY want it BAD!

Is there really any question after this statement?
what I think doesn't matter, you like it. . .

Marty

You're right Marty, but I am still openminded and am also considering other bikes. I just really like the way this one looks! Haven't riden it yet... Also, was planning on getting the double! I'm in pretty good shape now, from mountain biking (LOTS of climbing). What is your opinion on that? Yes, it is my first road bike, but I have some legs already built up... What's the gear ratio of the double in the highest gear? I'll get close on the MTB and feel it out (imagining lightness, agility, and aerodynamics - not to mention pride).

And, to fair (and open minded) what are the pros/CONS of getting the triple???

thanks guys,

Mike

Originally posted by Hawkphoto
And, to fair (and open minded) what are the pros/CONS of getting the triple???
First, let me be truthful and say that I am twice your age! So to me a triple is very welcome.

Since you are from the area, I will give you a bit of background on my riding level.On a group ride I ride with the Western Wheelers C+D group and the Alto Velo B ride. I cannot climb with the AV A ride or the Spectrum ride (I wish!) although I can hang in on the flats..

I know that I could do most of the climbs around here without the triple but they certainly would not be enjoyable. I ride mainly on the west side of the bay --- between let's say Los Gatos and north to Rt 92. --- and over to coast as far south as Watsonville and north to Half Moon Bay. I have not even attempted the toughest climbs (i.e., Alba and Jamieson) in the Santa Cruz Mtns. Primarily because I ride from door-to-door and infrequently use the car to get to a ride. So I've put off the climbs near Boulder Creek 'cause I need to ride back under my own steam.

I think the advantage that the triple gives you is the ability to set up a cross-range cassette (11/23 or 12/25) in back with a 39/52 in front that can be used for 95% of your riding. Then for those really godawful times when you really need it, you can bail with the 30-tooth inner ring.

The only disadvantages are somewhat less crisp shifting in the back (I think that you could prbably get away with a mid-length rear der.) and a small weight (0.25lb.) penalty. I have no problem shifting from the large to the middle ring. A couple of times I may have forgotten which direction I wanted to shift and shifted to the inner chainring instead of the larger, but that's about it.

Just my $0.02.

Steve

P.S. My preference is to spin up long grades rather than mash tall gears. I will stand periodically to give the various muscle groups a break now and then.

Well I am twice your age also and ride a double. It is pretty hilly here in N Ga and I have no problems at all. In October I did Cycle North Carolina which was very hilly the first couple of days and I made it. There were a couple hills I wish I had a triple but I managed and by this time next year they will be easier.

You are really the only one that knows for sure if you need a triple or even want a triple. The way I looked at it is if I got a triple I would never get to the point where I didn't need a triple. I do have a 27 on the rear though and that makes a difference.

Just my $.02 worth.

Gabiker -

Do you have 4 miles of this in your neck of the woods?

http://www.chainreaction.com/images/steep53.jpg

I'll take the triple, thank you very much! :D

Well, I'm still torn. Definately leaning towards the double though... I'll just have to test a few bikes out. Speaking of testing a few out, can you give me any recommendations on other nice bikes... sub $1700 price range?!

Please help a newbie (my legs are already shaved!) :D

Thanks,

Mike

Alright, I'll be the one to say it.

Don't buy the bike for the looks. Do yourself a favor and test it out for as long of a ride as they'll let you.

I'd spring for a few more spokes, but that's just my opinion.

As for the triple, I regret my purchase of an Ultegra triple. It can make you lazy. The only time I use the small ring is on monster hills (hills where if your drive wheel slipped you'd go down) ((hills that were not made for bikes)) and it's always on the large cog. I have never used it on any other cog. I consistantly encounter steep hills on every ride, and all can be done on my middle ring equivalant to a double gearing.

Have you ridden a double on all the hills available to you? Be informed.

It is a very nice bike.

Originally posted by Hawkphoto
Speaking of testing a few out, can you give me any recommendations on other nice bikes... sub $1700 price range?!
Mike,

I suggest you just visit your LBS and do some test rides. Most of the good shops will let you do an extended ride (i.e., more than around the parking lot) of at least an hour or so. Without naming names, I usually frequent some of the shops in the Cupertino and Los Altos areas. You can e-mail me if you'd like some specific names.

Steve

Steve,
I've been to North Eastern GA a few times and ALL of it looks like the photo. I havent a clue where those folks find ANY flats to ride.

ChipR

ChipRGW,

I did a little research and saw they do have some mountains in GA. I didn't realize that the Blue Ridge MTns, extended into GA. My bad, I've only been down I-95 which was pretty d*mn flat.. I'm curious about the the length and steepness of the climbs, 'tho.

Betcha they don't have any redwoods there!

Originally posted by SteveE
I did a little research and saw they do have some mountains in GA

Mountains? Those are hills.

Originally posted by Greg


Mountains? Those are hills.

Word. But your mountains are hills compared to the alps, so lets not get a big head ok???:crash: :D

It doesn't matter how high the mountains are the grades are usually pretty much the same. There is a Century in N. Alabama that the first 35 miles is a climb and most of the riders ride it with a double.

I just did Cycle N. Carolina which was very hilly and there was a girl there with a single speed and there were people with triples walking some of the steeper hills so it boils down to each there own.

SteveE,

No we don't have any Redwoods or Sequoias <spelling> and I must say both of them are quite beautiful. We do have some beauty of our own though.

Our highest mountain is about 5000 ft which is pretty small considering some of yours, but I'll take them.

Mountains, Hills, and Flats be Damned! You guys are cracking me up... So, I have a couple new questions...

1. What do you guys think of the Shimano 540's? (re: spoke count)

2. The LBS told me that Campy shifts in a 1/4 a rev., and Shimano in 1/2 a rev. (Don't know if I - A, care. or B, believe them in the first place)

3. Triple vs. Double: Been thinking about it alot! Rode a Triple today, 52,42,30 w/ an 11-26. I could go either way... I am planning on riding the bike A LOT, and FAR, and climbing ALL the local mountians (eventually). Is there shame in owning a triple?

4. I want a VERY smooth drivetrain and crisp, precise shifting. Will the Double be smoother throughout the range of gears than the triple? (This is one of my biggest concerns...) Also, I am 5'7", so I will be riding a short wheelbase, compact geometry (lots of crossover). I already own a mountain bike with its mucky shifting, I want a road bike's drivetrain to be ultimately smooth (read QUIET)...(very Quiet).

Thanks for all your help thus far...

And I would appreciate the names of a couple of the shops you were talking about... I'm from Gilroy, and work in San Jose)

Peace,

Mike

Here...

Northern Georgia (http://www.dahlonega.org/sixgapcentury/)

It's a little hilly.

Of course, to me, everything out of Florida is hilly, since the biggest hill I do is the bridge over the Intercoastal, near the beach.

North Georgia: It is like the Alps compared to south Fl where the highest natural elevation is 2 feet below sea level. But you do get to ride just about all year. :roflmao:

Originally posted by fubar5
Word.

Word :D

Word.

Hawk

ps: Can someone please answer my last post...? :crash:

Is there shame in owning a triple?

It used to seem that macho image counted more than common sense. But since several of the TT I pros were seen using triples in major tours this year (albeit in pretty unusual circumstances), perhaps the stigma has worn off a bit.

For anyone but a racer, choosing a triple seems like pretty much a no-brainer if you are in hill country, are a bit older (that's me), or just want more choice.

Cheers...Gary

I agree with Gary. I've got a triple and I've got hills all over the place. I think that it helps me out a ton when I need to get up the hills in my area. My advice would be to go for it. Besides that, the bike you are looking at is the bike that I've wanted for forever and a day!!!

Originally posted by SteveE
Gabiker -

Do you have 4 miles of this in your neck of the woods?

http://www.chainreaction.com/images/steep53.jpg

I'll take the triple, thank you very much! :D

WOW! All I have to say is where is that and I how do I get there. That looks like a dream road for me!!!

Actually I didn't answer the question < do you have 4 miles of these in your neck of the woods> That answer would be no we have many more miles than that.

Originally posted by Hawkphoto
Mountains, Hills, and Flats be Damned! You guys are cracking me up... So, I have a couple new questions...

1. What do you guys think of the Shimano 540's? (re: spoke count)

2. The LBS told me that Campy shifts in a 1/4 a rev., and Shimano in 1/2 a rev. (Don't know if I - A, care. or B, believe them in the first place)

3. Triple vs. Double: Been thinking about it alot! Rode a Triple today, 52,42,30 w/ an 11-26. I could go either way... I am planning on riding the bike A LOT, and FAR, and climbing ALL the local mountians (eventually). Is there shame in owning a triple?

4. I want a VERY smooth drivetrain and crisp, precise shifting. Will the Double be smoother throughout the range of gears than the triple? (This is one of my biggest concerns...) Also, I am 5'7", so I will be riding a short wheelbase, compact geometry (lots of crossover). I already own a mountain bike with its mucky shifting, I want a road bike's drivetrain to be ultimately smooth (read QUIET)...(very Quiet).

Thanks for all your help thus far...

And I would appreciate the names of a couple of the shops you were talking about... I'm from Gilroy, and work in San Jose)

Peace,

Mike

Mike,

1. I don't have any first hand experience with the 540's. My comment on spoke count reflects my experience that I want to be able to retrue my rim in case of a light shunt. The sixteen spokes on the 540's shown will not do this. My personal minimum is 28 spokes. People's opinions around here will vary.
2. A. You shouldn't care.
3. You've heard my opinion on my triple. I gave it to balance all the people urging you to go for it. I get looks and comments on club rides but my opinion is that I could honestly get by without it. Shame? No.
4. Ultegra will be smooth, quiet, and crisp whether double or triple.
5. One thing I know for certain is that Gilroy smells. :D

THANKS!

You guys have really helped me figure out what I want. I'm gonna get a recumbent! (just kidding). I'm off to the bike shop today at 12pm, got an appointment with the owner...

:D

Wish Me Luck...

Mike

Originally posted by geofflowery

WOW! All I have to say is where is that and I how do I get there. That looks like a dream road for me!!!
That's a picture of Alba Road in Boulder Creek, CA (near Santa Cruz). The photo came from the Chain Reaction Bike Shop web site (www.chainreaction.com). They have a very cool website.

I think I ****ed up! I rode a 2002 Trek 5900 USPS...

I don't think there's any turning back. It was night and day compared to the others, and it's on sale! I can get it for $3000! Should I go for it? couple questions...

1. Has anyone had problems with the OCLV frames, do they break if you crash, get fatigued, crack if you work on them, etc.?

2. Does Dura-Ace make a triple? This one had the Double, which I liked, but think that maybe I should play it safe w/ the Triple since this will be my ONE do everything road bike... What Do You Think?

3. How are the Rolf Vector wheelsets? minimal spokes, so what's the reputation?

Thank You!

Mike

I am neither ashamed or sorry i opted for a triple with the ultegra mech`s on my newish road bike
Heck, North or South directions from where I live, I would not get out the valley and I see guys walking Mtb`s up some of these hills.
So why be ashamed of a triple,
You would not buy a car if it could not climb a steep hill with its specific gearing so why have a bike if you cannot ride a steep hill with it.
So just go for the triple if you feel the hills are steep enough to be negotiated with such a gear

Originally posted by Hawkphoto
I think I ****ed up! I rode a 2002 Trek 5900 USPS...

I don't think there's any turning back. It was night and day compared to the others, and it's on sale! I can get it for $3000! Should I go for it? couple questions...

1. Has anyone had problems with the OCLV frames, do they break if you crash, get fatigued, crack if you work on them, etc.?

2. Does Dura-Ace make a triple? This one had the Double, which I liked, but think that maybe I should play it safe w/ the Triple since this will be my ONE do everything road bike... What Do You Think?

3. How are the Rolf Vector wheelsets? minimal spokes, so what's the reputation?

Thank You!

Mike

1. Can't comment on the frame.

2. Yes. Did you get a chance to ride the bike up a longish, steep hill? If you are comfortable standing on the pedals for long periods of time you may not need the triple. This is a question only you can really answer. Sorry!

3. Try checking out the reviews at roadbikereview.com

Hope this helps.

P.S. Take a deep breath and look at some other bikes in that same price range. You may find another bike that you like equally as well or better.

Well if you saw guys walking mountain bikes up the hills they would sure as heck be pushing a road bike even with a triple. In fact if there were a hill I couldn't ride on my mountain bike then I would have to go around it or stay off that route. :D

Firstly, Hawkphoto, I want you to find a bag of any kind and a comfortable place to sit. Hold the bag firmly around your mouth and breath for a while. Think of your happy place.

A smart shop owner would slyly introduce him to some Italian steel, mabey even a short spin.

The next post:
"I can get it for only $4,400.00!. Does Record Carbon come in a triple? What do you think?"

Get a grip, man. :D

Hahaha... :D

Alright, you've got a point! I've been breathing into my bag for over 24 hrs now, and have psychologically detached myself from the 5900 (for now...) hehehe.

I'm going to a larger, more reputable shop today (thanks to StevE) and plan on riding quite a few machines... especially ones in my initial price range.

I'd forgotten just how exciting, frusterating, confusing, and irrational buying a bike can become... (more-so for a road bike than a MTB).

You say the Campy Record is made of CARBON? HHmmmm... :p

Thanks Again,

I'll keep you posted,

Mike

Hawk -

I am sooooo jealous that you are going out for a test ride today! I am stuck here at home cooking tomorrow's turkey and I've got to baste the dang thing every 30 minutes. We're doing Thanksgiving at the beach with our next door neighbors so everything's got to be prepared today. Looks like the weather will be great!

Just walked outside --- the weather's perfect, about 67 degrees, no clouds, and no wind! I hope I can get out later on today for at least an hour or so.

Happy hunting!

OK! I've been all over the place looking at bikes... at least I feel I'm getting an education out of the whole experience. I rode the Specialized Allez Comp 18 today (the B&W striped one). It felt nice. Had good ride quality, the E5 columbus frame impressed me. It was nothing like Trek's low-end Alum bikes (which are god awful), but also was nothing like Trek's 5900! (which was god-ly). But, for the $1700 price tag, I could see myself enjoying the bike for countless hours in the saddle. It was responsive and smooth - but not QUICK! It lagged a bit in acceleration, but was very smooth... (I'm comparing the acceleration to the 5900 - which is 2x as much $$$). Also, the Shimano 540 wheels are heavier than I thought. The whole bike weighs 18.5 lbs. Maybe I can get the LBS to swap out the wheelset? What do you think of those wheels? Also, I think I'm gonna go for the double! The last 3 shops I went to were all steering me in that direction, I guess they do shift a little better too! So, what do you think about the Allez Comp 18? What do you think about the color scheme? I'm partial to the matte grey, but that only comes with the triple... I could pull off the zebra look, but I was hoping for a more refined looking road bike. My MTB is already LOUD as hell!

I Love the Klein bikes... I'm going to test ride a couple this weekend... Here they have a nice feel to them.

Mike