Road Cycling - The wait is finally over (new bike!)

Well, at long last I've got the new road bike -- a Specialized Allez Sport (27 triple). Got it home yesterday and took it for a quick 15-mile spin. Overall impressions are that a) this thing is fast! b) it's going to take a little getting used to the riding position and c) I hate these toe-clip pedals. The pedal problem is going to get fixed as soon as I get some SPD-compatible shoes to go with the Time ATAC Alium pedals I have ready to install. The road riding position feels different, but my last 1000 miles have been on a MTB so I'm not surprised that it feels a little weird. The LBS spent about half an hour checking the fit, and the Wrench Science measurements agree with what I have, so I should have a good starting point and just need to put some miles on this thing to get used to it.

Here's a pic of the new ride:

And here's a shot of the sexy Shimano 105 posterior... :D

WOW !!

And I really dig the flashy colors :)

I am sure within 100 miles it will feel a part of you - for sure !!

Congrats !!

SHWEET!!!!!!

nice ride man, good luck!

nice ride, the position is different but you will get used to it within a few more rides..

lots of roadies like look style clipless over the spd because of the larger cleat, I actually own two pair of shoes, one with spd and the other with look for the road bike... but then again it's what you like that matters :)

I'm just curious why did you go with a triple instead of a double crankset?

Super sweet looking ride! You are going to luv her!!!!! :)

Originally posted by VegasCyclist
I'm just curious why did you go with a triple instead of a double crankset?
It was already on the bike? :D But seriously, I had a few criteria I wanted to meet; I wanted a carbon fork and at least Tiagra/105-level components... double vs. triple wasn't really an issue. Since the terrain around here is flat as a pool table the granny gear probably won't get used much, to be honest.

Hi,
Conratulations, I'm still waiting, 10 days until I get the wheels, tho. Gonna be a happy camper the day the refund check comes.

Originally posted by late
Hi,
I'm still waiting, 10 days until I get the wheels, tho. Gonna be a happy camper the day the refund check comes.
Ya, the waiting is the killer... have you got something picked out?

Hi,
I picked up a Airborne Carpe Diem frame this summer in a warehouse clearance, it's a 2000. Since then, I have been buying a piece at a time. It's going to be a touring bike. The wheels are black Mavic CXP33 rims laced to DA hubs. The drivetrain will be Ultegra.
but the gearing needs to be a little lower;think I'll swap some rings. Hope I like it.

Late, that sounds sweet! I don't think I'd have the patience to piece one together...

Hi,
neccesity is the Mother of patience. I can tell you it's been an education.

Originally posted by VegasCyclist
nice ride, the position is different but you will get used to it within a few more rides..
I finally got another chance to ride today and went out for 25, and yes it is feeling better with each ride as we get used to each other. The ride was spoiled a bit by a misbehaving front derailleur, but a trip to the LBS after the ride fixed that (cable adjustment). I'm starting to build more trust in the bike; what I mean is that when I first saw it and felt how light it was (especially the front wheel) I thought to myself "I'm gonna crush this thing!" since I go about 205-210. The bike is holding up just fine and the wheels are staying pretty true, even after whacking a couple of good-sized rocks I didn't see, so I'm getting a little more comfortable with it. The last road bike I had was a heavy old Schwinn, and my other current bike is a Trek 4300 MTB (at 30+ pounds), so this new bike is quite an adjustment -- the acceleration of this thing is incredible!

Yeaah, boooooy.

Just wait 'til in the zone, effortlessly buzzing along at 25 mph with a tailwind! (Just be sure it's on the return leg of your ride! ;))

Really sweet ride Grendel. Love the looks of it. Almost makes me want to be a roadie! ('scuse me while I go slap myself) ;)

Grendel,

Congrats on your new bike.
Is that an '02 Allez Sport? How much did you pay? Just curious.


OF

Originally posted by Dirtgrinder
Really sweet ride Grendel. Love the looks of it. Almost makes me want to be a roadie! ('scuse me while I go slap myself) ;)
Don't fight it... come on over to the 'Dark Side'... :D

Originally posted by ohsfan
Is that an '02 Allez Sport? How much did you pay? Just curious.
Yep, it's an '02. It was the last one the LBS had since the '03 models are coming in so I got this one for $679 (their list price for it is $999).

Originally posted by Grendel

Yep, it's an '02. It was the last one the LBS had since the '03 models are coming in so I got this one for $679 (their list price for it is $999).

WOW AND DOUBLE WOW

A great bike and a sizzling price. You really got your money's worth!!

Originally posted by Grendel

Yep, it's an '02. It was the last one the LBS had since the '03 models are coming in so I got this one for $679 (their list price for it is $999).

Nice price!! I saw one for $1040 in September. I ended up buying an '03 a week later for $800. Go figure. I wish I got the deal you did though. It would've paid for my Eggbeaters!

OF

Wow man, that is pretty! Have a great time on that bike!