Fifty Plus (50+) - The bike search narrows

Although it could easily change again, I seem to be settling in to the idea that my next bike will be a more modern, lightweight road bike. I'll never retire my steel bike, but I think I'm ready to give aluminum with carbon fork and stays a try. Here are the current front runners.

2007 Specialized Allez Comp (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=21894)
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d195/GonzoDawg/bicycles/th_AL_Cmp_Dbl_GL_RedWht.jpg (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d195/GonzoDawg/bicycles/AL_Cmp_Dbl_GL_RedWht.jpg)

2008 Specialized Roubaix Compact (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=33108)
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d195/GonzoDawg/bicycles/th_Roubaixcompact08.jpg (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d195/GonzoDawg/bicycles/Roubaixcompact08.jpg)

BMC Streetfire SSX (http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=11302&category=)
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d195/GonzoDawg/bicycles/th_streetfire_SSX_A.jpg (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d195/GonzoDawg/bicycles/streetfire_SSX_A.jpg)

It's hard to get rid of the bug isn't it.

BluesDawg, I don't own carbon, only steel, but it does seem to be quite popular...why not a full carbon bike?

On looks alone, I like that Compact. :)

On looks alone, I like that Compact. :)

Its NOT WHITE :eek:

BluesDawg, I don't own carbon, only steel, but it does seem to be quite popular...why not a full carbon bike?

$$$$

Its NOT WHITE :eek:

Actually, the white '07 Roubaix just like DG's is another possibility. Especially if I can get a good deal on a 2007 now that the 2008 models are starting to come out. I want a compact crank, but if I could save enough on a closeout, I could add the compact crank of my choice (SRAM Rival).

My biggest question is whether I want the Allez or the Roubaix. I think either can be set up to match the dimensions of my current bike. I'm not sure if the geometry of the Roubaix might seem too slack. I have a friend with an Allez in my size that I can borrow for an extensive test. The only Roubaix models I know of locally are full carbon.

For a couple hundred more bucks, you could get into an all carbon LeMond Versailles...but be sure not to test one unless you are ready to spring for the extra bucks.......

I found the Roubaix to be a fabulous bike in spite of the dumb color, but the Allez Comp seemed to me to be a little aggressive and twitchy for everyday riding........

All fine choices. I think your assessment that 07 models will come down in price as the 08 models hit the floor is a good one, and the closer you get to the end of the season the better the deals are likely to be.

But they've all got gears :eek:

Richard

I've been trying to decide which bike I'm saving for also. I kind of had it narrowed down to the Allez Elite triple and the roubaix, 07 model. After seeing the color choices of the 08 robaix's, I'll have to make sure I get an 07 or look for another model. I know fit is more important than looks, but hey, why can't I have both. FWIW, I think those colors lack any zing.

BluesDawg,

I was down to the very same three bikes plus the Cannondale Synpase Carbon. I went with the BMC because I felt it had better acceleration and climbed better than the rest. It also felt better. I have not regretted that decision for a second, it is a fantastic ride. I did upgrade the saddle to a Specialized Alias and changed the seatpost to a Ritchey CF.

The coolest thing is nobody else has one and it's not white.

Doesn't matter which bike, just make the color matches your new jersey...

I will politely ask you once to delete that abomination.

I will politely ask you once to delete that abomination.

Some folks just don't have a sense of humor.

For a couple hundred more bucks, you could get into an all carbon LeMond Versailles...but be sure not to test one unless you are ready to spring for the extra bucks.......

I found the Roubaix to be a fabulous bike in spite of the dumb color, but the Allez Comp seemed to me to be a little aggressive and twitchy for everyday riding........


I can't get the deal on a LeMond, so the price difference would be a lot more than a couple of hundred.
I might be able to stretch to the '07 Roubaix Elite (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22192), but I'm not convinced that I want a Roubaix or that I want carbon. The base Tarmac model is a few hundred more still.

As for the geometry, I think the Allez may be more like what I want from this bike. I'll still have the Bridgestone for all day comfort. This bike will be primarily used more aggressive rides of 30 to 50 miles with lots of hills.

Some folks just don't have a sense of humor.

We all have our limits. :)
Thanks.

I've been trying to decide which bike I'm saving for also. I kind of had it narrowed down to the Allez Elite triple and the roubaix, 07 model. After seeing the color choices of the 08 robaix's, I'll have to make sure I get an 07 or look for another model. I know fit is more important than looks, but hey, why can't I have both. FWIW, I think those colors lack any zing.

I tend to agree with you about the colors. The '08 Allez Elite Compact looks really nice, but I'm concerned about the lower spec on the frame of the Elite vs. the Comp. I don't really know how much difference there is between the A1 aluminum and the Columbus E5 SLX, but I suspect it is significant.

BluesDawg,

I was down to the very same three bikes plus the Cannondale Synpase Carbon. I went with the BMC because I felt it had better acceleration and climbed better than the rest. It also felt better. I have not regretted that decision for a second, it is a fantastic ride. I did upgrade the saddle to a Specialized Alias and changed the seatpost to a Ritchey CF.

The coolest thing is nobody else has one and it's not white.

This bike probably would not have caught my eye without your posts about your bike. I guess you were able to ride all of them, something I may not be able to do. How does the BMC compare to the others in smoothness and road buzz, since it is all aluminum while the others have carbon stays?
I do like the idea of having something nobody else around here has.

All fine bikes. Do you do your own maintenance/repairs? If not, then the competence of the shop should enter into the decision. If you do, then it's a matter of which fits best. I wouldn't be too concerned about the "harshness" of aluminum. My Reno rides fine for me, and only has a carbon fork and seatpost. As it's my only road bike, I don't have much to compare it to, but the way a frame is made, tubes butted, etc., will have a factor in how well the bike rides. I've had other riders tell me that a carbon bar can really make a difference in how much vibration gets to you, but too expensive for what little riding I get to do lately.

In my town, October/November is when we see the best markdowns on stock that hasn't sold.

This bike probably would not have caught my eye without your posts about your bike. I guess you were able to ride all of them, something I may not be able to do. How does the BMC compare to the others in smoothness and road buzz, since it is all aluminum while the others have carbon stays?
I do like the idea of having something nobody else around here has.

Yea, I was lucky, I got to ride them all in the same day, from the same LBS. One of the things that suprised me about the bike was that even without the carbon stays I didn't feel alot of difference compared to the bikes with the carbon stays. I think the strange design of the flange in the area where the tubes meet really works. I even found very little difference as compared to the all carbon Synapse and it was alot better than the Cannondale CAAD8/CAAD9, which I also rode. The longest ride I've done so far is about 40 miles and it was fine, didn't beat me up at all.

The next one in their line, BMC Roadracer has the carbon stays, but I think it's about 300.00 more. They didn't have one of those in my size so I didn't get to ride it.

In my town, October/November is when we see the best markdowns on stock that hasn't sold.

The markdowns come from the companies, so they generally hit everywhere at the same times. It seems to vary according to when the new models are released and how many of the old model are in the warehouses. The '08 Allez bikes are already being delivered and prices on '07s are already starting to drop. The longer I wait the deeper the price cuts, but the more I risk not being able to get what I want. I'm giving the guy at my shop a list of the bikes I'm interested in so he can keep looking at what is available in my size and color preference. He'll warn me when it starts to look like they are running out.

This bike probably would not have caught my eye without your posts about your bike. I guess you were able to ride all of them, something I may not be able to do. How does the BMC compare to the others in smoothness and road buzz, since it is all aluminum while the others have carbon stays?
I do like the idea of having something nobody else around here has.

On the ALL aluminiun frame. My Boreas has all aluminium and the Forks and seat post are C.F. Can't change the forks for a comparison- but I did put on a solid Alloy Seat post and forget it. That C.F.Post takes a heck of a lot of the road buzz away. And as to the Different bike to others-Hopedale tried the bikes and settled on the BMC as the one for him. That was through choice of ride and not on Reputation. Same with mine- Rode several- Bianchi- Giant and even a low De La Rosa. Never got to ride a Full C.F. though as that was out of my range.

Do not be put off by Full Aluminium.

Do not be put off by Full Aluminium.

Remember, I've been riding on a good quality lugged steel frame for the last 15 years. I'm put off by the idea of any aluminum. But I'm willing to consider anything. Hey, it has to be better than the crit geometry Cannondale I had in 1991, right?

If you are basing your pricing on the MSRP listed you can probably move up one level for those prices. If it was my choice I would get the BMC since the components on all three are pretty much the same and I think that the BMC is prettier and not as common as the Specialized.

Remember, I've been riding on a good quality lugged steel frame for the last 15 years. I'm put off by the idea of any aluminum. But I'm willing to consider anything. Hey, it has to be better than the crit geometry Cannondale I had in 1991, right?

I'm a steel person, too. I love* steel... everything about it. But I have this aluminum bike that is becoming more and more important to me. There are days when I just need* that ride on the aluminum. It is so much fun. I think if you go aluminum, you'll find out that they compliment each other really well. You'll know just which one you feel like riding on a certain day, and you'll ride them both equally.

If you are basing your pricing on the MSRP listed you can probably move up one level for those prices. If it was my choice I would get the BMC since the components on all three are pretty much the same and I think that the BMC is prettier and not as common as the Specialized.

I'm basing it on what I would have to pay. I'll be getting a big discount as a member of the MTB racing team sponsored by my LBS. That is why I'm so limited in brands to choose from. Specialized is their only major brand, but BMC is distributed by QBP, so basically any bike shop can get them.

A lot of the decision will come down to test rides. That is harder since it is a small town shop that doesn't sell a lot of bikes over $500, so not a lot of floor stock. Riding a BMC is going to be especially difficult to arrange, but I'm going to see if I can find one somewhere to try.

Well good luck I think all three are very nice bikes and the one that feels most comfortable is always the best one. If your LBS handles a lot of Specialized you may have better luck in case you have any warranty issues with those rather than the BMC. Discipline on the $ is the key, but it is tough, when I was looking at the Tarmac Pro the LBS has a beautiful Tarmac SL in my size only $500 more but I held my line on the price. Ended up with the Scott because it felt better than the Tarmac though.

A lot of the decision will come down to test rides. That is harder since it is a small town shop that doesn't sell a lot of bikes over $500, so not a lot of floor stock. Riding a BMC is going to be especially difficult to arrange, but I'm going to see if I can find one somewhere to try.

That test ride is the final choice- and the bike Will grab you and say I'm yours.

Seems I'll need to cool down this search for a while. A visit to the LBS today revealed that most of the '07 bikes I'm looking at are already sold out nation-wide in my size. :( By the time I'm ready to pull the trigger, I'm sure I'll be looking at '08 models only.
Also, I was wrong about any shop being able to sell BMC bikes. I assumed that because they are in the QBP catalog, but actually they require a dealership arrangement, so no go on that.

The good thing about this is that I won't have to hurry the selection in order to take advantage of a sale. I'll have more time to decide what I really want and more time to save up to get a better bike. I'll still get the team price.

Sorry to drag everyone into a false rush. I'll blame it on all the new bikes 50+ers have been buying and the excitement of the TdF. Back to my normal slow, quiet investigation mode.

Don't get the white bar tape on the Allez. Or the saddle either for that matter.