Road Cycling - Trek 1500 / Allez Elite / R600 = ?

Yes, I'm another newbie. These 3 models are all at the same price at the LBS. I know the test rides will make a big difference, but in terms of components, wheels, etc, does one of these stand out above the others? I don't want to have to spend too much dough on upgrades. Thanks!

I looked at these models about one year ago and bought the Allez. I think that Specialized gave better components for the money. Good luck!

honestly, i was in a very similar predicament as you a few weeks ago. Trek 1500, 2100, Specialized Allez Elite, Cannondale R600 and R800. I had to stretch a little, but I ended up deciding on the 2100. I had to stretch a bit more to get the 2200, but that's another story.

The 2100, for the price has a very nice frame imho. CF fork, cf seatstay, and the rest aluminum, but also comes with a cf seatpost. The components i believe were a mishmash of tiagra and 105, with the rear deraileur being the 105 and fd being tiagra. I was convinced the 1500 would be better for me initially due to price, but if you can squeeze by, i would highly suggest the 2100. In comparison, the specialized and cannondale are all aluminum frames i believe. With closeouts going on, you might be able to get your lbs to budge on the 2100 price closer to your pricerange as well :) good luck

melloboy

you're comparing apples and apples. the trek and cannondale have pretty much identical components - mostly shimano 105, ultegra rear derailleur, tiagra front, no-name brakes. the specialized (i just got one myself) has almost all 105, no-name brakes. from my limited experience, i'm guessing the wheels on the cannondale are probably the hardest to retrue. the allez comes with a carbon fiber seatpost. the trek comes with caged pedals. it's all going to come down to which one rides the best for you and the paint job. look at the felt f70 and f60, too. good value for your hard-earned dollar.

It all depends on what type of riding you'll do. Last year, I bought my 1st road bike. I went into a trusted shop and talked to the owner for about 2 hours! He walked me thru components, features and let me test ride some bikes. I wanted the TREK. He said in his opinion, it had the best components for the money. I didn't know enough to realize how much of a difference it would make. I'm glad I went with the TREK. I looked at the Cannondale.......not a smooth ride; didn't ride anything Specialized so I can't say anything about that. I know that TREK puts out a great product and stands behind their manufacturing. I've had no problems with mine. I had to wait a few weeks to get it, 2004 was the year they re-did the 1500, so I had to wait for one.

Next year's models are already coming out, so they may cut a deal on this year's models. Never hurts to ask!

Also, if you belong to a local bike club (it's a minimal charge and well worth the fee when you consider how much expertise there could be in a group that large) some shops will give a 15-20% discount on clothing, shoes and stuff.

I SAY GO WITH TREK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just went through almost the same thing. I looked at a R600 and a Allez Elite. I couldnt look at the treks because I was shopping closeout sales and the Trek closeouts were long gone. I ended up choosing the Allez Elite. Got it for 850.