Alexandria

Hi. I am planning on getting myself a new road bike, and so far, I have stopped on a crossroad between these two. They are similar somehow, but I would like to hear from specialists which one is better on the mechanical and quality side.

A Scott Speedster s50 (1029$)

https://scottusa.com/ca_en/product/70/795/speedster_s50

And a Specialized Allez Double

https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=21888


Or maybe you know other bikes worth not more than 1100$, and that are quality made by known brands?

\Thanxx

hmto

Mechanically not too much difference in parts, both using mix of Tiagra and Sora as well as proprietary parts. The Scott has a third ring which you might or might not need. Also is 9 speed versus 8. The Spec actually lists a carbon post!
Most importantly if you can, ride both to see which "fits" you better. Only you can decide once you get on.
Have fun.

ChunkyB

If you're going to spend $1000+ on a bike, you should definitely be getting 105. Check the 2007 models at your LBS and check craigslist and other classifieds. You should be able to get a much better deal than this.

As far as the comparison, they look pretty similar. If you're a beginner, you might consider getting the scott because it has a triple crank. The fit is most important as they will both be quality bikes.

AbsoluteZ3RO

for less than 1100 you can get last years spec allez elite. I'd go with that. I like the Scott bikes at the high end, but prefer many other brands at the lower end.

Alexandria

i thought of a 105, but the least expensive I found was a Specialized Intl' compact

https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...sp?sid=07Allez

for 1500$ at my LBS

Alexandria

by the way, where are they assembled/made?

AbsoluteZ3RO

You really wont find any bikes at the 1100 price point with 10 sp 105 except from BikesDirect or used.

some other manufacturers have 105 9sp stuff.

Chris_F

What brands are available at your LBS?

lesdunham

Of the 2 I like Scott but know friends who ride both and they are happy.

If you know your frame size, a little about components, and can wrench competently then bikesdirect.com should be a viable option. If not then going to your lbs is probably a smarter choice. Just depends on who takes the bike out of the box, assembles it, and fits it to the rider. Many frames are made in the same factories around the world. Just painted and badged as brand x. Beyond that they don't have seperate sales of Shimano or wheels, ie one quality of products for lbs and a lesser quality for online sales stores.

I purchased my Moto Immortal Force last year and now 3,000 miles later it is still great. New tires, brake pads, and minor adjustments since then. From BD you will get the bike in the box you select for a decent price and quick enough. They are no frills, no customization, and minimal customer support. But after receiving your bike in 1 hour you can be riding and happy with your purchase. For $1,200 +/- you can have all carbon and Ultegra.

It is your money and your decision. Do what is right for you. Ride and be happy.

ThinLine

Taiwan and/or China.

ChunkyB

I feel bad for Canadians lately, because the canadian dollar is just as strong as the american dollar, but they still have to pay marked up prices. I lived in Montreal for 2 years, and the american dollar was never worth less than $1.30 canadian. Manufacturers really should adjust for such a huge swing in dollar value.

By the way, how's the weather in Montreal these days. I'm guessing you have to make your own biking season because the normal person's biking season would only last about 6 months up there.

Alexandria

What about a Cannondale R700 2006, with 105 levers, ultegra rear derailleur, truvativ elita crankset, Shimano R550 wheels, carbon fork, Aluminum CAAD 8 frame. worth 1500, on special for 1200 at my LBS? All brand new. Is it still made in china or handmade in USA?

Yeah, Its pretty cold down here in mtl. im not going to ride this winter, because im not THAT professional, and its already around -3. As for normal 6 months season, yeah, I mostly do my km's during summer, doing circles around the island. But I need a bike for my next years ride from mtl to quebec city. And then join a club

ChunkyB

A few guys that work with my Mom made that ride 2 years ago, and they loved it. I hope you enjoy it too. Your post makes me miss Montreal. What an awesome city. Stay warm up there, and count down the days until you can ride outside again.

Where do you usually ride around there? You mentioned doing circles around the island. Do the bridges off the island have anything for bikers?

800over

Friend of mine has the Allez elite and loves it. But for the pricing you're looking at you should check out an 07 Trek 1500. Full 105 w carbon post etc. and I got mine for 1050 CND. Lots of sizes available around. Trek doesn't have it on its website anymore but try this https://trektoronto.ca/itemdetails.cf...ogId=39&id=452

I have one and I love it. And you should still be able to get the Discovery colours if you don't like the red.

Alexandria

Well. theres the Green Road, which goes through the whole province, actually, I ride ON it in montreal, but it leaves to east, and north. Apparently bikers are trying to make the municipality to clean bike roads in winter. But the prob is that in montreal, officially, the bike road is opened from april 2 to november 6. So they would have to change that too.

Hmm. I really have to think of which to chose now. Well, at least, they are all red XD thats what I need. And im actually thinking of placing a front Aerospoke wheel on it, just for the fancy part =P.

elgalad

I have a Speedster S50 frame with a mix of 105 and Dura Ace (long story). It is an excellent, very stiff frame. I can't speak for the specialized, but the Speedster frames are identical across the whole range, with the components being the only difference.

I can tell you from experience that you can quite easily get a Speedster frame below 16 lbs without spending ridiculous amounts of money.

I'd put the speedster frame as being comparable to a CAAD9.

Chris_F

I have a five or so year old Cannondale R600 with almost exactly the same components only it's a CAAD5 frame. I love the bike and would gladly spend $1200 for another. That CAAD8 is a decent step up from the CAAD5 so I suspect it's a great bike as well. I believe all the Cannondales are still made in the USA. Both of mine have Made IN USA stickers (though does that mean the frame could be made in China and the bike assembled in USA? Don't know.)

It's an aluminum bike with all the good and bad that implies. It's stiff, light, and fast (for it's price). Mine feels perfect for climbing hills and the feeling of connection between the pedal and road is so direct that when you stand on the pedals the bike surges forward feeling like it's threatening to bolt out from underneith you and ride up the hill by itself. Others have said aluminum bikes are too stiff and uncomfortable. Mine is fine on long rides but it is a little "buzzy" in that you can feel vibration through the pedals (the front fork and saddle absorb this well). The only downside with my bike was the cheap wheels it came with, but I think the Shimanos on this one should be better. I replaced my wheels and it absolutely transformed the bike (good idea for later upgrade BTW).

I'd say it's a solid bike that I'd recommend to a friend. I see the CAAD8 frame goes away next year, though that's not a problem since the frame should last you forever and components are always available and replaceable. That could be the reason for the sale.

EffSizzle

I got my CAAD8 for around $1100, all 105 except for the RD which is Ultegra. Keep shopping!!!

AbsoluteZ3RO

I'd say it's about fit and feel at this point. The Scott, Cannondale and Specialized bikes are all pretty good at this price point. Get the one that feels the best, or at least get the one the looks the best

If it matters to you, the Cannondale will probably hold it's value better than the others. I've watched Cannondale bikes with low miles go for almost retail prices on ebay. It's rediculous what some people will pay for a used bike.

Yes that Cannondale is still made in the USA. It should be plastered all over it. Is that a good thing or a bad thing for a Canadian?

Alexandria

Its a good thing. because its tough to find a NON chinese bike here, since Americans keep all quality stuff for them, and export all chinese sH!eep.t* here =P. I would have went to States to get a bike, but I dont want to get arrested on the border.. for not.. declaring etc

Chris_F

I think the poster is talking Canadian dollars.

ThinLine

All Cannondales high end stuff is handmade in USA in Bedford Pa. Usually says so on chainstay horizontals.
CAAD frames are of excellent quality with a stiff yet snappy feel.

Looking to purchase a SystemSix w/ campy chorus soon and dream about it on a daily basis.

Trek also is all USA made on their high end stuff 5.1 and above in the madone series.

ricebowl

In San Francisco, the scott s50 costs the equivalent of $564 Canadian. Unless things are radically different in the canadian bike market, I'd say the S50 for $1029 is overpriced.

My S30 with 105 was US$1000 two months ago, prices should be even better now.

Alexandria

********************?? dude. then why the hell are they keeping the prices so high up here??!!!! >_> not fair. But I wonder... if I buy a bike in the states, will I get arrested on the border? lets say, an s30?

AbsoluteZ3RO

I'm speaking from ignorance, but can't you just have them ship it to your house?

Or, buy the bike here, ride it a bit while you are here so that it looks used, and take it home in the trunk. How would they know you didn't always own it. You could have brought it to the US for a riding vacation.