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Road Cycling - which bike would you choose???

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lclark

02-17-04, 07:55 AM

I'm purchasing my 1st road bike. I am looking at a 2003 Cannondale R600 for around $1000:
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/03/cusa/model-3RR6T.html

a Specialized Allez Elite triple for around $1000 as well:
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=6007&JServSessionIdroot=ajef718ohb.j27002

I also came across a 2002 Cannondale R2000 for around $1500:

Description
Frame: 6061 T6 aluminum
Fork: Cannondale Slice Prodigy Si
Component Group: Shimano Ultegra...
Geometry: 73.0/73.5
Top Tube: 56.0cm
Chainstay: 15.9""
BB Shell Width: 68mm English
Seatpost Diameter: Unspecified
Handlebar: Cannondale butted, 31.8mm
Pedals: Not included
Saddle: Cannondale Competition, titanium rails
Seatpost: Cannondale Competition
Tires: Continental Grand Prix 3000 kevlar
Weight: Unspecified

Can anyone share any info that might make this decision any easier for me. I have no preference of bikes as I have not had a road bike before. Thanks in advance

djbowen1

02-17-04, 08:13 AM

i own the 2003 R600, it is a very nice bike with a good frame. Some of the components are less than perfect but can be upgraded.

spazegun2213

02-17-04, 10:07 AM

SPECIALIZED!

I'm bias, right now I'm upgrading my sport to with DA this and 105 that and throw in some Ultegra here. The Specialized bikes are great and the parts are good. Their frames ROCK! but thats just my opinion.

good luck whatever you get.
-Ross

sidewinder

02-17-04, 11:23 AM

I'd definitely take the Specialized Allez Elite if you can find one.

A short while ago, I was in the market for an R 600, a Specialized Allez Elite, or a Giant OCR 1. Because of the components, I settled between the Specialized and the Giant.

Not a single dealer I called in Arizona stocked an Allez Elite. My lbs had an '03 OCR 2, he let me ride. I liked that so much I ordered the Giant OCR 1, with a 6061 frame, mainly Ultegra components, and Giant' own Xero wheelset.

This has turned out to be a very nice bike with carbon/composite fork and seat post. Curved chain stays and seat stays. Very smooth. It's very close to the same geometry as the Specialized.

They're all good bikes. Good luck with whatever you end up with.

Avalanche325

02-17-04, 03:40 PM

I have found that you get a little more for your money component-wise with Specialized.

Gonzo Bob

02-17-04, 04:46 PM

I'd get a Specialized Allez Elite CrMo

RonH

02-17-04, 06:24 PM

Since both bikes have a triple chainring I'm guessing you live where there are lots of hills.

shokhead

02-17-04, 06:57 PM