Road Cycling - Looking for new ride "04"

Hi All
I'm looking for the best bike for the money 1000 to 1200 range.I've got a GT ZR4000 w/mavic cosmos hubs. My new options are Specalized Allez eltie, Trek2100,or Specialized Roubix. I'm leaning towards the Allez because of the sealed bearing wheels/ carbon seat post & fork the only thing it doesn't have that the others do is rear carbon forks.Do you think this is a big deal in the overall package?

Later,
Robin

I would'nt get it because it has a carbon seatpost and sealed hubs. Some say the rear carbon works,others say not. I've read it doesnt do much if anything. I would or would'nt get a bike because of the rear carbon. How did they feel and fit when you rode them? Whats the warr on them? Double or triple or does it matter? I think they are all pretty nice.

I would'nt get it because it has a carbon seatpost and sealed hubs. Some say the rear carbon works,others say not. I've read it doesnt do much if anything. I would or would'nt get a bike because of the rear carbon. How did they feel and fit when you rode them? Whats the warr on them? Double or triple or does it matter? I think they are all pretty nice.

It's got a triple,I can't ride anything yet.The weather around here has either been -5 to 20 degrees or snowing.I have a triple now.I want my upgrade to be all around I figure the sealed bearing hubs would be equal to my cosmos if not better because it has less spokes,there flat and the rims are more areo dynamic.What do you think?

Robin

Hi All
I'm looking for the best bike for the money 1000 to 1200 range.I've got a GT ZR4000 w/mavic cosmos hubs. My new options are Specalized Allez eltie, Trek2100,or Specialized Roubix. I'm leaning towards the Allez because of the sealed bearing wheels/ carbon seat post & fork the only thing it doesn't have that the others do is rear carbon forks.Do you think this is a big deal in the overall package?

Later,
Robin

I have an '03 Allez Elite Aluminum Triple, 2000 miles on it. I'm happy with it but am looking to replace the Alex 330 wheels-popped spokes on the back wheel twice and had it go out of true one other time. If the '04 has the same wheels (and I think it does), I'd consider upgrading the wheels (I've been considering the Cosmos, by the way). The Roubaix is a pretty cool looking bike though, and might be more comfortable for longer rides. If you're racing, the Allez might be the bike for you.

Also, the Allez Elite comes in a steel frame. I didn't ride one, but in retrospect I should have.

Thanks for the reply .So the 330's popped spokes ! I'm going to have to check that out!Thanks I ride some rough roads that wouldn't be good.
Later,
Robin

If the roads are that bad,aluminum might not be the best way to go in that price range,

I have a 7005 aluminum frame now it holds up fine.In some of the areas I ride in they get alot if snow so they put down that rough pavement ,but it's such a good road I ride it any ways even though I hate the rough ride.
Later,
Robin

Robin,

Last month I was considering the exact same bikes as you plus, the Trek 1500 and 2200. My LBS had all 5 in stock, in my size, on sale, and it was warm enough to test ride them. The Elite and 1500 were priced at $1000, the Roubix and 2100 were $1200, and the 2200 was $1500.

I took each of the bikes on a short test and immediately eliminated the Elite (it just did not fit right) and the 2200 (This bike has Ultegra shifters. It did shift nicer then the 105 shifters, but not $500 nicer).

I spent the next hour riding the remaining 3 bikes. All three bikes were fine, and I could not find any difference in ride or comfort between the 1500 with an Aluminum frame and the other two with an Aluminum / Carbon frame. The quality of the Trek bikes seemed slightly better then the Specialized, so I eliminated the Roubix. The primary difference between the 1500 and 2100 is the frame. The remainder of the key components are identical, however the 2100 has upgrades including a carbon seat post and clipless pedals which are probably worth the extra $200.

I felt both remaining bikes fit very good, and cost wise both were equivalent deals. I ended up purchasing the 1500, for lack of any other reason then the 1500, in the team paint scheme, was the sweetest looking bike in the shop.

During the brief warm spell we had earlier this month, I was able to put 100 miles on the bike and am very happy with my choice.

First the 1500 is a recreational bike as the 2200 is a performance bike. Big difference in frame material. 2200 has better wheelset,seatpost,bars,stem,bb just to name a few. I'm not a trek guy but i would start at the 2200 and go up,not down from there. I would look at felts if you can.Better bang for your buck and just as good a frame.

First the 1500 is a recreational bike as the 2200 is a performance bike. Big difference in frame material. 2200 has better wheelset,seatpost,bars,stem,bb just to name a few. I'm not a trek guy but i would start at the 2200 and go up,not down from there.

I agree completely, but as a recreational rider there has to be a limit. Why stop at the 2200? Why not get a 2300 or 5200 or 5900? Now we're up to $4 or $5,000 bike. When I went to the bike shop I was prepared to spend $1500. After riding the bikes, there was no doubt that the 2200 was a better bike. I didn't think that it was worth 50% more then the 1500 - for me (a recreational rider).

I agree completely, but as a recreational rider there has to be a limit. Why stop at the 2200? Why not get a 2300 or 5200 or 5900? Now we're up to $4 or $5,000 bike. When I went to the bike shop I was prepared to spend $1500. After riding the bikes, there was no doubt that the 2200 was a better bike. I didn't think that it was worth 50% more then the 1500 - for me (a recreational rider).
You didnt ask about the others or you would have gotten a different answer. What is a recreational rider? 100 miles a week?

I agree completely, but as a recreational rider there has to be a limit. Why stop at the 2200? Why not get a 2300 or 5200 or 5900? Now we're up to $4 or $5,000 bike. When I went to the bike shop I was prepared to spend $1500. After riding the bikes, there was no doubt that the 2200 was a better bike. I didn't think that it was worth 50% more then the 1500 - for me (a recreational rider).


Hi NW NJ Biker,

Thanks for the reply.The 1500 would be a down grade for me !I want my new bike to be an upgrade to my old bike in as many aspects as it can.Right now I have a 7005 aluminum frame 105 derailer tiagra flight deck w/mavic cosmos wheels. Thats why the allez eltite /roubix and 2100 trek looks good to me .I want the lightest frame I can get with a comparable wheel set plus I want to add speedplay pedals to the mix.MAybe even a new seat the ones they give you aren't any good.It's good to know though that you likeed all of the rides that each bike gave you .I'll be able to check them out myself soon.

Thanks again
Robin :D