An Allez or?

[WhaleOil]

I've been putting a few bucks away every pay period.

When I get to the 'seemingly unobtainable' 200# I'd like to treat myself.

The Specialized is certainly more affordable, and we'll have to see what the new models bring. I recall when I bought my 7.5FX I was 'certain' I wanted a road bike. The LBS put and Allez on a trainer and I hated it. Then the FX and my cadence picked right up and it was just a more comfortable position for me. I'm thinking it was my gut but plenty of Clydes ride road bikes.

Now down to money. I can afford a Specialized Elite Compact Allez but not much more.

I don't know what the Trek equivalent is but I'll just have to ride them. That's the bottom line isn't it?

Any words about the Allez and comporable models?

[UniversalFrost]

Well, I have an 07 Allez Elite Triple that I got a month ago from my LBS and I love it, plus I saved big $$$ compared to it's original price tag. A comparable bike would be a CAAD8 or 9. Try out a bunch of bikes before you buy and make sure the LBS gets your correct measurements and adjusts each bike accordingly so that you have a good fit to the bikes. Make sure to check the craigslist and your paper before buying and if you buy from your LBS see if they have any 07 or 06 models left for a hefty discount.

My Allez is perfect for those that have a long trunk and shorter legs, while the CAAD's seemed to have too short of a top tube and the same for the fuji robaiux and the others I tried out.

JOE

[WhaleOil]

Thanks Joe, also a VFW life member. 9288961

My LBS is very good to me. I haven't bought thousands of dollars per bike but I keep my lbs supported. I will and they will be happy to let me try whatever I'd like.

Thanks man!

[Mr. Beanz]

Trek Pilots have a sloping tube like Specialized. So does the Lemond but you'll have to hurry if you want one!:D.The Pilot is a slight more upright model, tall headtube. My wife has the womens model and loves it. Some say cause it's not exactly a race model it's a tad slower. I'd bet money that it isn't. She flies on the thing! Had me worried a few times that she'd drop me.

[Mr. Beanz]

Also check out Motobecane. I saw some in a shop, wow, nice! But they had big huge weld beads. Looked durable. Not sure what the geo is but they were far less than Tek and Specialized when I looked.

[WhaleOil]

Beanz, I know a few guys at the LBS ride Specialized. I don't particularly like the large tubes. I 'think' they look heavy and really not 'sexy' at all. Not that sexy adds or detracts from or to the ride but you know what I mean, You have to like the looks of it. I just don't like those fat tubes.

[WhaleOil]

Beanz, I know you're a climber. My need to improve. What would you recommend as an entry level road bike and a climber?

[UniversalFrost]

My Allez has a larger tube (the A1 frame), but is not heavy in the least compared to many of the other road bikes out there and actually lighter than a lot of the other aluminum bikes. The front carbon fork and carbon seat post and stays help to lighten the load. Also, if you decide on the Allez get the LBS to measure your rear end (i.e. your butt) and make sure that your seat is right for your rear end. The alias saddle is great,but make sure you have the right size saddle and if it is not bid or small enough get your LBS to get the right size for your rear end.

[Mr. Beanz]

Climber? Hehehehe, I try!:D..........My opinion is something very stiff like a Cannondale. I have one but a Caad3, overbuilt according to many. But it is superstiff. Not sure it he modern Canni's are as stiff but IMO, I'd go for a Canni.

I had a Lemond Tourmalet ($1000) model, 6066 tubing, smaller diameter than the Canni. It flexed too much. I never stood to climb knowing this. Never sprinted hard while standing but it still snapped. I honestly think it just flexed too much.

The replacement frame is aluminum and carbon. Still small diameter tubing and still on the flexy side. Bike is comfy and smooth but still scares me to stand up and crank, it's the $2k model. Doesn't flex as much but still some. So IMO, for the moeny, I'd go with a Cannondale or similar. Never ridden a Specialized roadie so not sure how they handle a load under our weight.

If you had the money, which I know I don't, I'd go with a Kuota (Mark Adam has one). I've ridden with him up some mtn climbs. When he stands to sprint up a climb, watch out! He really moves and the bike sounds solid! But I think his bike is in the 3k range.

I picked up my Canni on sale, full Ultegra for 1K. Upgraded as parts wore. Now DA equipped. Not as smooth at the Kuota I'm sure, but still climbs well and very stiff. Which stiff has never really been a problem for me at my weight.

If you save enough pennies, go with Kuota. If you're a poor guy like me, try a Cannondale. If comfort oriented and on a budget, try a Lemond, just don't stand:D

My wifes Pilot is carbon. Has a huge BB area so I think it would be fine under a load. The Roubaix look nice too. Different look from the S-Works. I don't really care for the S-Works look myself but have seen some real pretty Roubaixs.

[WhaleOil]

Thanks UFrost. That big tube to me looks like weight although it isn't. Rest assured if I'm gonna spend 1K, and that's a lot of $$$ for me it'll be right.

I've got a B17 Brooks on my FX, I think the break in period is greatly overdone. I also have a Brooks B67 on my 4300. The one with springs. Awesome. The 4300 is my grocery getter and around town bike, also, the one I've put the most miles on just 'dickin' around'.

[WhaleOil]

I'd like to stick with Trek or Specialized, Why? Because that's what my LBS carries and they've ALWAYS been good to me. Really good as far as prices go.

In addition, when I started going to the LBS they didn't treat me as a lard ass that was going to buy a comfort bike and they'd never see me again. They treated me like a human. Astounding. They've also invited me to their spinning classes on Friday nights and given me alternate routes for training for the Prouty (they're digging up the road and repaving). My LBS is great!

[fordfasterr]

Well, I have an 07 Allez Elite Triple that I got a month ago from my LBS and I love it, plus I saved big $$$ compared to it's original price tag. A comparable bike would be a CAAD8 or 9. Try out a bunch of bikes before you buy and make sure the LBS gets your correct measurements and adjusts each bike accordingly so that you have a good fit to the bikes. Make sure to check the craigslist and your paper before buying and if you buy from your LBS see if they have any 07 or 06 models left for a hefty discount.

My Allez is perfect for those that have a long trunk and shorter legs, while the CAAD's seemed to have too short of a top tube and the same for the fuji robaiux and the others I tried out.

JOE


How dare you compare a race bike to an entry level 9spd with sora components?

[UniversalFrost]

well, I compared the caad 8 and 9 to the allez elite because that is what they had used that was in the same price range (under 1500) as my allez elite. I went with the allez elite triple because while it only had 105 rear and tiagras all around (now has 105's all around). I like the way it fit me better and anyone can upgrade components. Also, all the caad owners say that their frames are the best aluminum frames out there, but I have to disagree. the E5 and A1 frames from specialized are rather robust for those of us that are larger and they combine the carbon seat stays, seatpost and front fork then throw in the geel zertz's to help with the ride quality.

Personally, I am 6'1" 225 and raelly like to climb and the allez frame feels more solid compared to the Caad frame. I actaully thought that the caad8 i tried had a "bouncy" frame and was only rigid when no weight was applied to it. so, go try out the bikes and if you think that the caad won't handle your weight then try a giant, fuji, felt or of course the Allez.

[Pinyon]

Fit is the most important thing. Price should only determine which model of components you end up with. Not what brand or type of bike frame. Get what fits and feels good first. Test ride lots.

I personally liked the Trek Pilot, Giant OCR1 and OCR2, and if money was no option, than I would have gone for a full carbon Lemond or Orbea. All of those fit me well. There were plenty of "decent" bikes that did not fit me or how I ride well. That includes the Giant TCR series, Felt (in general), and I did not like the way that Schwinns fit me at all. But then...I ended up liking the Allez Elite Compact the best. It just fit me better, and I prefer that "stretched out" position (old-school thing, not "race" thing).

Be picky about fit. As long as you stay away from X-mart bikes, the bike should last you a great long while.

[Mr. Beanz]

I'd like to stick with Trek or Specialized, Why? Because that's what my LBS carries and they've ALWAYS been good to me. Really good as far as prices go.



Don't forget that Lemond is Trek. But as far as a climbing bike for a big guy, I'd say it's abit too flexy in the price range mentioned. I've seen full carbon Zurichs for $2100 and a Buenos Aires for $1300 though!:thumb:

[jaxgtr]

My CAAD9 is so much more stiff in the BB than my Allez Comp was, but the Allez was a very nice bike. The CAAD9 works much better for me though.

My Allez is perfect for those that have a long trunk and shorter legs, while the CAAD's seemed to have too short of a top tube.
JOE

I would agree with this a lot. I always felt cramped on my Allez.

[Tom Stormcrowe]

I lean toward the Allez (for obvious reasons). It's scary fast, too and VERY snappy handling.

[WhaleOil]

I'm gonna start dropping $500 every 2 wks at the LBS. They won't think that's odd for me. Then when the time comes I'll ride a few and decide what I like.

[WhaleOil]

I didn't get the obvious reasons Tom, is that the crash bike?

[Tom Stormcrowe]

I own an Allez, and yeah, I crashed it :eek: Fortunately, the damage is VERY minor. I scuffed the right brifter.

[WhaleOil]

So, before you crashed it, did you like it? As a road (weight loss bike) ?

[Bigboxeraf]

I loved my Lemond Versailles that I had for 5 days. That being said If it wasn't for the great price I got on the lemond I would have gone with the allez. Now I ride the couch:(
but i think my next bike is going to be the Kestrel RT700 or the evolve:

[WhaleOil]

What the hell is a brifter?

[Tom Stormcrowe]

I love the bike. :D It's like poetry in motion.

Edit:A Brifter is a Brake Lever/Shifter as an integrated unit.

So, before you crashed it, did you like it? As a road (weight loss bike) ?

[WhaleOil]

gotcha, first time I tried it at the LBS I said What the hell it that?

[roadnoob412]

Hi all,

I don't post much, but thought I could chime in here as well for what it's worth. I bought a 2008 CAAD9 R5 back in January and just finished my first MS150 (180 according to MY numbers...) on it. I have to say I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to things like frame flex and all that good stuff. All I know is what does and doesn't feel good with regard to comfort, and this bike is pretty comfy for me. I only wish my handlebars were a bit higher up. I know this would give me a more upright riding position, but I'm no racer at 6', 235lb. The components are pretty nice, and what I really enjoy is the super quiet ride. That's what really sold me (I know, what a dumb reason to buy a road bike). With tailwind, I'm almost dangerously quiet - it's spooky, but that's what I like. I also rode the Allez and just didn't get as comfy on it. To each his own though. My LBS sells Specialized, but the Cannondale just felt right. In the end, buy what makes you happy and comfortable. Good luck!

[Bigboxeraf]

Yeah. I loved the Versailles it was comfortable and when I got the seat adjusted properly It was very easy breathing in the dropped position. I have a huge gut and a long torso on stubby legs the bike fit me like a glove. Bear in mind I only put 35 miles on it so I can't attest for it's climbing or stiffness all tha much. plus it was my first road bike.

[jaxgtr]

Hi all,

I don't post much, but thought I could chime in here as well for what it's worth. I bought a 2008 CAAD9 R5 back in January and just finished my first MS150 (180 according to MY numbers...) on it. I have to say I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to things like frame flex and all that good stuff. All I know is what does and doesn't feel good with regard to comfort, and this bike is pretty comfy for me. I only wish my handlebars were a bit higher up. I know this would give me a more upright riding position, but I'm no racer at 6', 235lb. The components are pretty nice, and what I really enjoy is the super quiet ride. That's what really sold me (I know, what a dumb reason to buy a road bike). With tailwind, I'm almost dangerously quiet - it's spooky, but that's what I like. I also rode the Allez and just didn't get as comfy on it. To each his own though. My LBS sells Specialized, but the Cannondale just felt right. In the end, buy what makes you happy and comfortable. Good luck!

Rotate the bars up a little or try a 10 deg stem. I ride with a 17 deg stem and it make it a lot more comfy.

[jaxgtr]

I loved my Lemond Versailles that I had for 5 days. That being said If it wasn't for the great price I got on the lemond I would have gone with the allez. Now I ride the couch:(
but i think my next bike is going to be the Kestrel RT700 or the evolve:

I guess I missed something, what happened with your ride?

[WhaleOil]

Now bear with me, this will be my first 'road bike' in years.............

Riding a Trek 7.5FX now and found the 32 tires squirrelly :) at first.

The thought of 25's or less is absolutely scary! Why not just ride on rubber bands? lol

But I'm ready!

[jaxgtr]

Then try 28's. :lol: It's all a mind thing. Once you try the smaller tires you will wonder why you were worried about it to begin with.

[Tom Stormcrowe]

I'm riding on 26's, and frankly, they rock! 110-120 PSI and they grip and roll like razors. (except if you hit some sand....:eek:, or an animal, or whatever it was that made me lost it Saturday night). Great cornering too. I an't describe the difference to 32's except to say it's a good difference.

Now bear with me, this will be my first 'road bike' in years.............

Riding a Trek 7.5FX now and found the 32 tires squirrelly :) at first.

The thought of 25's or less is absolutely scary! Why not just ride on rubber bands? lol

But I'm ready!

[WhaleOil]

C'mon Tom! Don't give me that Jane Austin crap about poetry in motion and all that bs.

Did you like the bike and why?

[Tom Stormcrowe]

Did, and still do! The bike is quick, responsive, and just plain terrifyingly fast! Final Drive gearing is 53:12, and basically, especially after your 4300, the bike will feel like you went from Ol Bessie the plowhorse, to Shaitan, the Arabian Stallion. :D The bike does have very aggressive geometry though and even with the stem flipped up, if your belly is larger, there could be comfort issues. Your mileage may vary. All I can suggest is to try one out, for a few miles, not just around the parking lot. You'll either immediately fall in lust with it, or not....

Mine is a triple, by the way....I'm a Clyde, after all and need the low gears to climb.

EDIT: An Allez is your basic race bike, with an emphasis on race. Not quite time trial or track geometry, but a compromise between those and a distance bike.

[WhaleOil]

That's what I want to hear baby!

[jaxgtr]

The bike does have very aggressive geometry though and even with the stem flipped up, if your belly is larger, there could be comfort issues. Your mileage may vary.

+ 1 big belly here. I found this had a lot to do with my feeling cramped on it.

[heckler]

i feel (personal opinion) you get more "bang for you buck" with fuji, giant, felt. for $1200 (allez elite) you should be past the tiagra parts. That said i have fierce LBS loyalty too, since you have a 7.5 FX (nice bike) i would say save more so as to notice a bigger difference in the new bike to old.

[jaxgtr]

Have you checked for any close outs? I got my CAAD9 on close out and it is all 105 with an Ultegra RD for the same $1200. Might want to keep looking to see what you can find. I've seen some Jamis close out on the steel bikes for $700-$800

[UniversalFrost]

yeah, the brifter was hard for me to get used to also (my mt. bike has old school shifters). I could down shift no problem, but then I was like how the hell do I up shift? had to ask the 18 year old dude at the counter how to up shift. He looked at me like I was an idiot (last road bike I rode had the shifters down on the tube) and said to hit the brake levers in the same direction as i hit the shifter. Man I felt like an ass, but when I told him about the tube mounted shifter I was used to he had the deer in the headlight look and had no clue.

Oh well.

JOE