Road Cycling - Specialized Allez vs. Allez Sport

For a novice's entry-level road bike, are the differences between the Allez (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=5975&JServSessionIdroot=chs5yqrcds.j27003) and the Allez Sport (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=5965&JServSessionIdroot=chs5yqrcds.j27003) worth the additional $200?

For a novice's entry-level road bike, are the differences between the Allez (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=5975&JServSessionIdroot=chs5yqrcds.j27003) and the Allez Sport (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=5965&JServSessionIdroot=chs5yqrcds.j27003) worth the additional $200?

check the specs.. i would suggest you print out the specs on both bike and compare them side by side. this way it'll be easier for you. from what i can see, the allez is the entry level one using some sora components like my entry level sirrus. the sport has much more better components, plus it'a 27 speed vs. a 24 speed. so u'll be better off with a 27 speed one for ease of upgrade later on. for the extra $200.. it's worth it.

The main differences, as far as I can tell, are the 105 derailers, the carbon seatpost, the higher-end wheels, the shifters (they are the nicer kind, without that little thumb button, I don't know what they are called), and the extra 3 speeds.

Alternatively, I could get a Cannondale R600 discounted to $850...

For a novice's entry-level road bike, are the differences between the Allez (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=5975&JServSessionIdroot=chs5yqrcds.j27003) and the Allez Sport (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=5965&JServSessionIdroot=chs5yqrcds.j27003) worth the additional $200?
I have the Allez Elite and it rides GREAT the only thing on the bike I don't care for is the wheelset but thats no big deal for me with a bike in its price range.. listed for $1100 and I got it for $750.

the sport is LOTS nicer, and if you plan to keep and upgrade your bike, the aport is the way to go. its great for the beginer and has good components for the price. You do NOT want sora if your going to ride a lot. I love my sport and it was worth all 750 i paid for it. the 03 are still nice if you can find one of them you could get it for a great price.

good luck

For a novice's entry-level road bike, are the differences between the Allez (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=5975&JServSessionIdroot=chs5yqrcds.j27003) and the Allez Sport (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=5965&JServSessionIdroot=chs5yqrcds.j27003) worth the additional $200?

It's worth paying that extra $200 for the better wheels and fork. If you buy the Allez and later on wanted to upgrade to better wheels you probably end up paying at least $300.

But then again, if you're just looking for something entry-level and later on plan on getter a completely new and better bike, you can save the $200 and get the basic Allez, it's just a matter of preference and how long you plan on using the bike.

The Sport sounds good -- I am now deciding between it and the Cannondale R600, which I can get marked down from $1100 to $880. It is a REALLY sweet bike. It doesn't have the carbon seatpost, but it has Ultegra derailers in the back and a SWEET frame.

It really just comes down to what feels better; I am test riding the R600 later this week. At that price, it will be hard to say no. It's a beauty, too...

The Sport is awesome, too, of course. I can't go wrong. I can just go righter.