huskertko

Ok, I may have $2000 to spend on a new bike that fits me. In that price range, the components will be 105's which is better than the Tiagra that I have now, but I am torn between a 2010 Felt Z5 and a 2010 Specialized Allez Comp Compact. The Felt is a carbon frame, while the Specialized is an aluminum frame with carbon fork and seat stays, but the Felt is right at $2000 while the Specialized is $1500. I do like the Felt bike shop better than the Specialized one, as well as everyone around here seems to ride Specialized or Trek, very few Felt riders. Would the comfort of the LBS for Felt be worth the extra $500?

My usage is recreational riding, triathlon, but no real crit racing or such. I am 6 foot 210-215 pounds. I just bought some Mavic Aksium Race wheels to replace the AlexRims that were on my bike originally, but both above bikes have MAVIC CXP-22N Aluminum Rims, so I don't know if either set is considerably better than the other.

My question is, is it just a toss up between the two bikes or should I consider the carbon bike for a little more money?

stapfam

If the LBS suits- then take their advice.

I ride C.F. and lightweight aluminium. If given a preference it would be the L/W Aluminium. The C.F. seat post and forks give a very comfortable ride that is not normally associated with Aluminium bikes. BUT- there is a proviso. C. F. is made in many different forms. Some of it is just a bike or parts made out of C.F. It can be heavy- not be as flexible as you think it should be and may not ride well. And Aluminium can still be a very harsh ride.

Only way for you to check out what suits you is to test ride. Both manufacturers have good names but The Felt has a bit more going for it. Test ride and find out what is good for you And on the Aksium wheels- For your weight you made a good choice. I use them as my winter wheels and they will take your weight with no problems

But on the Mavic CXP rims- they are not bad- but what hubs are fitted to each bike? Rims are only part of a wheel but my favourite wheels are hand built CXP33 rims- 36 double butted spokes on 105 hubs. Not lightweight but they are light and give a comfortable ride and are indestructable.

huskertko

Ok, basically decided on either a 2009 Z35 Team Issue or a 2010 Z5. They are basically the same bike, with same components except the 09 has a shimano 105 crank and the 10 has a FSA Omega Compact crank. The other difference is I can ride the 2009 home on Monday, but would have to wait for the 2010 to be ordered.

Decisions, Decisions.

stapfam

Both bikes the same? but I would not mind betting that the 3.5 has a few "Better" bits fitted. I wouldn't be waiting.

W Cole

I got my 10' Tarmac for 1950 OTD. The Allez comp has better components but I would (did) rather invest $$ in a frame than components.

TinyCycler

I ordered a 2010 Trek, and it only took a week and an extra $25 shipping for it. The LBS hadn't planned to order any so soon so they charged me shipping. It wasn't much considering I got a much better looking bike than the 2009 model.