Road Cycling - Almost rdy to Buy. Trek 1200 vs Spec. Allez! Plz Help

This will be my first bike.

LBS has been very helpful. They have me narrowed down to the Trek 1200 and the Specialized Allez. I haven't yet test-ridden either bike because I want to do both at the same time and the Trek 1200 comes with the clippy pedals that need shoes. They both cost the same, $829, and while that seems to me like a lot upfront, I can also see how if I buy a $650 Trek 1000 and wear it out I may end up buying a new bike sometime real soon. I don't know which version of the Allez that they have there but I think it is the Allez Sport.

Anyways I just need some words of advice... Do either of these bikes stand out to you as a better buy? I want to use the clippy pedals w/ shoes and they come installed on the T1200, while the Allez has those basket like pedals. Mike from LBS says they have pretty much the same components, and that the T1200 is a better deal since I'd basically get free pedals (no need to upgrade to clippys).

Both Are 2005 models. Fitting will be free. Lifetime warranty and service. I can do a 90 day same as cash financing on the Trek. I want to buy one tomorrow, if I can make up my mind by then.

Thanks ahead of time for any suggestions!

Most any cyclist will tell you that fit is the most important thing when buying a new bike. Test ride the bikes (or at least get up on the bikes on a trainer in the store) and see which bike feels most natural to you. When I bought my LeMond last year I tested a Trek at the same time and the LeMond instantly felt better to me. It just fit me better.

Both bikes are very high quality and will do most anything you need them to do unless you get pretty serious into cycling.

Any LBS that is worth anything will swap the clipless pedals out for you for a test ride.

Take both bikes out for a spin and see which feels best. Talk to the LBS salesman and get their opinion. If all else is equal, go with the Trek and support an American company.

Specialized all the way!

Specialized all the way!

Boooh!!!

I rode a Trek 1200 for 4 years untill I wanted a longer top tube. It was a great bike. In my quest to the perfect road frame (fit) I tried an Allez comp. Nice frame, but a very tough ride for my old back I really liked the Trek ride alot better.

As another poster suggested... you do need to ride the bikes.

Which model Allez is it? Since you say the components are very similar, I'm assuming it's the Allez Sport Triple. If so then I personally would lean towards the Specialized assuming both ride and fit satisfactorily. I think you will find that the Specialized is a bit more nimble bike. Then again, to some people, this translates to twitchy so it all boils down to how you think it handles for you. The pedals are really a very cheap upgrade. You can buy them aftermarket for about $30. Most bike shops give you discounts (the ones near me give you 20%) on accessories bought at the time you purchase the bike so if you want different pedals then don't sacrifice the frame and ride quality just because a bike has clipless pedals.

That is a good point khoun. I did find the Allez more twitchey than my Trek. I have always likes bikes that are more traditional, which is probbably why the Allez did not stay around that long.

That is a good point khoun. I did find the Allez more twitchey than my Trek. I have always likes bikes that are more traditional, which is probbably why the Allez did not stay around that long.

The Allez has a steeper head angle and both bikes have the same fork rake so it stands to reason that the Allez would be quicker/twitchier on the front end. I've test ridden both and that was my feeling too. Of course I liked the quicker steering so again it all depends on what feels good to you.

Thanks guys. I really appreciate all the help you've given me on this question and all the others I've asked the past few days. I will test both bikes tomorrow and see how I like em. I'll report back as soon as I've got a bike! Pictures too, likely! Thanks.

Buy the one that feels best - don't let the fact that the Trek comes with pedals sway your choice. You can always add clipless pedals to the Specialized next week, next month - whenever.

Okay - if you really like them both equally, then grab the Trek...
The most important thing is to ride both bikes before choosing.

Personally I say take your time. I bought a Trek 1000 just to get into the sport and it was the worst idea ever. It is now for sale and I am riding a cannondale R700. The specialized I one bought for my girlfriend and it is a great bike for the money and would personally buy that over the trek 1000-1200. That is just my 2 cents.
Davis

The LBS has you in their evil grasp... you cannot resist... buy, buy, buy.....

then accessorise :D

Personally I say take your time. I bought a Trek 1000 just to get into the sport and it was the worst idea ever. It is now for sale and I am riding a cannondale R700. The specialized I one bought for my girlfriend and it is a great bike for the money and would personally buy that over the trek 1000-1200. That is just my 2 cents.
Davis

How much do you want for your 1000?

Well its done! I got the Trek 1200. I tried out the 1000, a 60" 1200 with a lowered seat, and a Specialized Allez Elite (not a sport). The Elite was very nice, and had all 105 components, but was about $400 out of my price range, and also I did notice the steering was a bit finicky (nimble? lol). I liked the steering of the 1200 much better (despite being an extra 2" tall for me). They didn't have a 58" in-store so they're ordering one for me and it should be in next week sometime. I also got some shoes... I think they are Specialized (what model I don't know). The salesman (Mike) took $40 off the shoes for me and threw in some cleats. I'm pretty excited! I can't wait til next week!

Well its done! I got the Trek 1200. I tried out the 1000, a 60" 1200 with a lowered seat, and a Specialized Allez Elite (not a sport). The Elite was very nice, and had all 105 components, but was about $400 out of my price range, and also I did notice the steering was a bit finicky (nimble? lol). I liked the steering of the 1200 much better (despite being an extra 2" tall for me). They didn't have a 58" in-store so they're ordering one for me and it should be in next week sometime. I also got some shoes... I think they are Specialized (what model I don't know). The salesman (Mike) took $40 off the shoes for me and threw in some cleats. I'm pretty excited! I can't wait til next week!


great deal on the shoes, I love my Specialized road comp, mtn. comp., senoma, rockhoppers.
I would hope that they would give you the cleats that go with you pedals.

Well its done! I got the Trek 1200. I tried out the 1000, a 60" 1200 with a lowered seat, and a Specialized Allez Elite (not a sport). The Elite was very nice, and had all 105 components, but was about $400 out of my price range, and also I did notice the steering was a bit finicky (nimble? lol). I liked the steering of the 1200 much better (despite being an extra 2" tall for me). They didn't have a 58" in-store so they're ordering one for me and it should be in next week sometime. I also got some shoes... I think they are Specialized (what model I don't know). The salesman (Mike) took $40 off the shoes for me and threw in some cleats. I'm pretty excited! I can't wait til next week!

Hey congrats..welcome to the club. now get some pictures as soon as you get the bike :D
BTW...you're gonna love clipless>

Enjoy your new ride!

Brian