Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Specialized Secteur question

By way of introduction, I am 55 YO, 5'9", 220 lbs. and buying my first bike in 20 years. My LBS has analyzed and measured and come to the conclusion that the best fit for me and the type of riding I want to do is a Secteur. I am comfortable with the bike and the recommendation but need to decide between the Secteur Sport at $850 and the Secteur Elite at $1300.

Is the Elite worth the extra $450?

The Elite certainly comes with much better components and wheels than the Sport. If I were buying I'd pick the Elite, assuming it was in my budget. That said, do these differences matter to you? Can you feel a difference when you test-ride the bikes back-to-back? Are you willing to pay $450 for a tad less weight, smoother shifting, and (potentially) increased component longevity?

The Elite certainly comes with much better components and wheels than the Sport. If I were buying I'd pick the Elite, assuming it was in my budget. That said, do these differences matter to you? Can you feel a difference when you test-ride the bikes back-to-back? Are you willing to pay $450 for a tad less weight, smoother shifting, and (potentially) increased component longevity?

I agree the $450 buys you MUCH better components. I would buy the Elite.

Assuming you can afford the Elite, what you get in increased quality in the gruppo and wheels are easily worth the $450 difference in price.

Just got the Secteur Elite. It's a great bike. The 105's are nice than the Sora/Tiagra mix on the sports. I'm glad I went for the better quality.

btw 55yo, 5'11", 260 lbs. Took up riding last year after 20 years.

I just got the secteur sport and am happy with it. I spend most of the time on the hoods when I commute, and my weekend roadie has 105's. When I get whatever thousands of miles I get out of the sora/tiagra mix, I will move the 105's over and put ultegra or durace on my roadie.

Assuming you can afford the Elite, what you get in increased quality in the gruppo and wheels are easily worth the $450 difference in price.

I just purchased the Elite today. This quote was repeated to me by 4 different people and when it came down to it at the LBS I justified the extra expense, even though it was reach budget wise. I hope it is worth it, can't imagine it isn't. Good luck in your decision.

Thanks to you all for your guidance and input. After spending the better part of Thursday test riding these as well as the Allez, I went with the Secteur Elite and am well satisfied with the choice.

Woo Hoo! Now post us some pictures of it!

Forum rules dictate that whenever you ask for advice on purchasing a bicycle you are obligated to post a picture (the more the better) for the rest of us to drool over. Failure to do so will result in us releasing the flat tire gnomes on you.