Road Cycling - Completely confused. Giant OCR1 or Specialized Allez Elite?

I thought I had my choice made up. I was going to get a Giant OCR1 2004. Now I'm thinking the Specialized Allez Elite might be the better choice. On top of that, a LBS has a Buenos Aries 2003 for $1300 on sale. $1300 is a bit more than I was thinking of, but I would still consider it. The Giant comes with an almost complete Ultegra groupset, the Specialized is 105. I'm more concerened with buying the better frame than I am the components though. I'm coming frrom an old Trek 1000. I know I will need to test each bike out, but any help regarding these bikes will be most appreciated!

Cheers,
MacMan.

Any other suggestions? Seeing as how I'm confused, you may as well just confuse me more!

I thought I had my choice made up. I was going to get a Giant OCR1 2004. Now I'm thinking the Specialized Allez Elite might be the better choice. On top of that, a LBS has a Buenos Aries 2003 for $1300 on sale. $1300 is a bit more than I was thinking of, but I would still consider it. The Giant comes with an almost complete Ultegra groupset, the Specialized is 105. I'm more concerened with buying the better frame than I am the components though. I'm coming frrom an old Trek 1000. I know I will need to test each bike out, but any help regarding these bikes will be most appreciated!

Cheers,
MacMan.

Any other suggestions? Seeing as how I'm confused, you may as well just confuse me more!

I am currently in the same situation. There's a lot of stuff in that price range, My choices were the Allez Elite for $1090 or the Cannondale R600 for $1099. I went with the R600 because I've had more people than not tell me with the cannondale you get a better frame, and less on the components and with the Allez Elite your getting better components but less on the frame. Plus I like the traditional geo frames better

So you may want to check out the R600, it has an ultegra rear derailluer and with 105 components on the 2004 model.

I thought I had my choice made up. I was going to get a Giant OCR1 2004. Now I'm thinking the Specialized Allez Elite might be the better choice.
Cheers,
MacMan.



I own an '04 Specialized Elite and love it. It has the full 105 group (cranks, brakes, shifters and all). This is my second bike, upgrading from an 04 Motobecane Mirage Steel frame, with older Sora components.

I am in love with my Specialized. Light, responsive and looks great. The '04 Elites come with the carbon 2 fork and a carbon seat post that thas a vibration absorbing gel insert. The ride is a bit more harsh than my old steel bike, but the speed increase more than makes up for it.

I haven't ridden a Giant, but the web site info indicats that the two bikes you mention are pretty similar. I'm new to cycling too, and for me, the Specialized is perfect.

Good luck!

Specialized sucks. :D

Both Giant and Specialized are quality bikes. Ride them both and the one you smile more on is the one you should buy. 105 and Ultegra are both good groups. If the two bikes are the same price and you smile the same amount on them then go for the one with Ultegra. You also can't go wrong with the Lemond. My personal preference is Cannondale, but you will give up a lot in components to get on one, though you should be able to find a good one in the price range of the Lemond.

What are the prices of the Giant and the Specialized?

What are the warranties like on the bikes you are considering?

All different so ride each in the same day,twice if you have to.Dont worry about 105 or ultegra,both good.All of them have good frames from top companys so test ride.

Thanks for the replies - though I'm curious as to *why* Specialized "sucks"!

The prices for the Specialized and Giant are a shade over $1000 USD for both bikes at my LBS. The groupset for the 2004 R600 is a 105 mixture, so are you saying the other components are somewhat lacking? I agree that the grin factor will probably determine the outcome. I've also been told to take a look at Fuji ... as if I didn't have enough to contend with!

Thanks all,
MacMan

As a recent Fuji Roubaix Pro purchaser, I'd suggest you look at what Fuji offers in your price range.

Sorry to add to your confusion. But you can be sure of one thing: You probably won't go wrong with any of the bikes you're considering.

Enjoy the dilemma.

Specialized sucks. :D

I have an '04 Elite, and went through the same decision as you (between OCR1 and Elite). I choose elite because it felt good when ridding it and it was $100 cheaper than the OCR1.

I have absolutely no complaints about the bike, it has been a great starter road bike.

Macman I think if my memory serves me correctly, the specialized allez elite, is like one or two models below the E5?? I have a 2003 E5 and just love it!!..So I'd say go with the specialz if it fits you and you like it. I think that this one guy that I ride with here, he has an allez and like his very much also..


Benjamin

Macman I think if my memory serves me correctly, the specialized allez elite, is like one or two models below the E5?? I have a 2003 E5 and just love it!!In the UK at least the Elite is the next model down from the Comp (which has an E5 frame). I've just bought a Comp and am pleased generally with it.
I'm curious as to *why* Specialized "sucks"!Specialized often brands third-party accessories which really aren't so great. Apparently some of their inner-tubes are horrendous. Most, however, reckon Specialized offer great value for money.

There probably isn't much difference between the Elite and the OCR. Ride both and choose the one you prefer, assuming the costs are approximately equal.

Specialized sucks. :D UM....Excuse me, Specialized is the best Bicycle Company on the face of this planet.

I'm receiving my 2003 Giant Tcr1 tomorrow but it seem's http://www.supergo.com/index.cfm has some good deals at great prices and new with excellent components.Might want to cross reference reviews of these bike model/year at http://www.roadbikereview.com/Homecrx.aspx
Good Luck..

UM....Excuse me, Specialized is the best Bicycle Company on the face of this planet.
Which planet do u live on?They are ok but that statement is a bit of a reach.

I have 2000 miles on an '03 Allez Elite (Aluminum triple). I'm happy with it, as it fits well. I had some problems with the rear wheel-popped some spokes and it went out of true once or twice. You might want to see about upgrading the wheelset (I weigh 185 lbs if that helps). Most of my rides are 20-30 miles.

However, I would very seriously consider the Lemond Buenos Aires. I really like that bike and probably would buy it over my Allez Elite, even considering the price difference.

I have 2000 miles on an '03 Allez Elite (Aluminum triple). I'm happy with it, as it fits well. I had some problems with the rear wheel-popped some spokes and it went out of true once or twice. You might want to see about upgrading the wheelset (I weigh 185 lbs if that helps). Most of my rides are 20-30 miles.

However, I would very seriously consider the Lemond Buenos Aires. I really like that bike and probably would buy it over my Allez Elite, even considering the price difference.
The frames are sure different.

Thanks for all the replies - I was away up in Wisconsin for the New Year. In fact, I went to a bike shop in the local town and had my mind made up for me! There was a brand new 2003 Trek 2200 on sale for $1175. I managed to ride it out the store for an even $1000. Perfect size for me and the test ride round the town felt great.

Thanks again!
MacMan

Thanks for all the replies - I was away up in Wisconsin for the New Year. In fact, I went to a bike shop in the local town and had my mind made up for me! There was a brand new 2003 Trek 2200 on sale for $1175. I managed to ride it out the store for an even $1000. Perfect size for me and the test ride round the town felt great.

Thanks again!
MacMan
Thats great.

I also had the same confusion. My choices were

Giant OC1 - $820
Specialized Allez Elite - $950

Even with a $130 difference, I felt that the ride on the specialized was better. The specialized has 23mm wheels as compared to 25 mm on giant and the test ride psi was 115 on specialized and 105 on the giant. In spite of these the ride on the specialized was better. Further, the 2005 model has a columbus SLX steel frame and zertz gel inserts in the forks also. Me being very fussy about comfort, I think I would be going for the 2005 allez elite for $1050. I still have to wait until end october to buy it though. Would post pictures of it.

Is my decision right?

Both Giant and Specialized are quality bikes. Ride them both and the one you smile more on is the one you should buy. .
?

I agree very much with this statement, & is exactly what I did. The Giant made me smile, but for you it might be the Specialized.

I recently broke the frames on both my Specialized road bike and my Giant mtn. bike. Giant was pretty shady about their warranty, while Specialized was much better.

I won't buy another Giant.