Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Specialized Allez Double! Emergency question

Ok. I looking to get a specialized Allez double or a motobecane phantom cx (bikes direct). for long distance riding, which is better. Obviously, the motobecane is a cyclocross and can handle bigger tires, fenders, rack. but what about the specialized? I can't find any information on it. Up to what size tires does it use? For long distance riding, does tire size matter much (are wider tires more durable)? can the specialized take fenders/rack?

this is my first decent bike, so please bear with me. Thanks for the information! I just need to know really soon because the person selling the specialized (for $600, brand new) is leaving in a couple days. Thank you so much in advance!

I own a Spec. Allez and while I love it for what it is, I'm not sure it's what you're looking for. Long distance to me is 75 to 100 miles. I really don't know what that is to a long distance rider. And I'm doubtful it can accept fenders and a rack.

The Allez is built more for speed than anything... Although it does have carbon seat-stays, carbon fork and carbon seat post. These things help with the comfort factor on longer rides.

Tire size does not matter as far a durability goes. There are very durable tires in the standard roadie size. Look at the Specialized Armadillo's.

Hope this helps ya!

How "long distance" are we talking about?

I'd use an Allez for anything up to a 300km brevet or double century. Maybe even a 400km with a big 'ol Carradice seat bag on it.

A set of 25mm Gatorskins and some SpeedEZ clip on fenders, and you'd be set for some rippin' fast distance, even in crummy weather.

well, i'm thinking of using it as a commuter bike in boston and then for the summer, I'm going to try riding it home to texas. of course, it won't be the entire way (will be using the train too) but looking at maybe, 80-100 miles a day. the only thing i was concerned about with the thin tires was their ability to cope with different types of terrain. Granted, i would be riding on the road the entire way but there would undoubtedly be places with gravel or dirt or whatnot. thanks!

well, i'm thinking of using it as a commuter bike in boston and then for the summer, I'm going to try riding it home to texas. of course, it won't be the entire way (will be using the train too) but looking at maybe, 80-100 miles a day. the only thing i was concerned about with the thin tires was their ability to cope with different types of terrain. Granted, i would be riding on the road the entire way but there would undoubtedly be places with gravel or dirt or whatnot. thanks!

How much weight are you planning to carry? If it's more than maybe 10 lb, the Allez would not be the better choice - narrow tires, "racy" geometry and component selection would be very limiting.

SP

yup. I've already come to that conclusion. Now i'm just trying to decide between a Mobecane Fantom CX or a used Trek 520.

yup. I've already come to that conclusion. Now i'm just trying to decide between a Mobecane Fantom CX or a used Trek 520.

If you're going for hauling touring style loads for long distances, day after day, go for the Trek 520.

Think weight, bulk, also what proportion of the time you'll be loading it up.
If you regularly commute, shop, do recreational rides, and plan to go camping with it - get a tourer. It will be stiffer and steadier with a load, and the back end will be long enough that the panniers there won't annoy you.
If you commute, do group rides on a Saturday, like to ride fast or far, and will only be carrying rain gear and a change of clothes (or very light / compact camping gear) - go a lighter bike.

Also watch for toe overlap if you're mostly using it for commuting. It is a real pain in traffic, or start-stop riding where there are hills. It is less of a concern if you're doing long miles on an open road.