bettz777

I am just getting into cycling and really excited about it. I have only ridden a road bike once before, but loved it despite the bike not fitting. I live across the street from a very nice bike shop with knowledgeable people who have basically recommended I get started on either a Kona, Specialized, or Scott with shimano 105 group components. I don't plan to enter any competitions, at least not until I get into the sport for a while, and my job that I start soon will have me working 60-80 hours a week. I plan to be cycling on a stationary trainer most of the time, and hopefully get out on the road once a week probably on Saturdays. I'm in great shape, but just really green in cycling.

I'm serious and know that this is something I want to get into for the long-term. I've basically decided to get a Specialized and the bike shop ordered me the 09 Allez Sport Compact Double for $1,300 (no obligation to buy and I am trialing it tomorrow). Budget isn't really a constraint, but I don't want to get ripped off or buy something out of my skill level. However, I don't want to go cheap and then have to upgrade in a year when I get some experience. The other option for me is to go with the regular Allez Double or Triple in the $850-900 range. The bike shop seems to think the 105 components are worth it if I am really serious about getting into the sport (which I am). The frames are identical I believe. Any advice on whether I should shell out the extra $400 to get into the 105 level or should I stick with an intro bike and save some cash? Also for a beginner with moderate leg strength and intentions to build much more strength, should I be looking at a double or triple? Triple is easier for climbs right? I am moving to San Fran soon, so I will be climbing a lot of hills...

Thanks so much for helping out a newbie like me.

f4rrest

I bought the Allez Triple last year, being very much in a similar situation as you are now. It works well enough, and I'll probably stick with it for another year or two. BUT, I wish now I had purchased 105 level with a road double. The compact crankset will work fine in San Fran. You can always swap out the cassette to change to higher or lower ratios as needed (unlikely though).

YOJiMBO20

How soon are you moving? You might want to wait and buy the bike once you move, as many shops give you a year's free maintenance. But if you need it now, go for the 105. Upgraditis can get expensive.

RacerOne

Go for the 105 if you can, you won't be disappointed.

zeo_max

So if budget is not a concern why not go for the Allez Elite Compact Double, for about $1600. You get a lighter frame, E5 aluminum, as opposed to A1 aluminum on the Allez Sport, which is the same material they use to make the Hardrock.

PaulRivers

The Allez Sport is much better for the long term. It's 105 components are *definitely* better than the Sora components the base level bike comes with. Components above 105 are much higher priced with little to no performance difference. And if for some reason you want to upgrade to better components, you can mix and match 105 with Ultegra and Dura-Ace, whereas it's *much* more difficult to do so with Sora components (for one thing, 105 and above are all 10 speed while Sora is...8 speed I believe?).

Another factor is the wheels - the base Allez comes with "Alex S500" rims which I've never heard of, while the Allez Sport comes with "Mavic CXP22" rims which are reputed to be very reliable.

If someone wanted to start biking and really really wanted to get into it the Allez Sport is what I'd recommend. Bikes below that point are to crappy, bikes above that point have severelly diminishing returns.

P.S. Most of the threads I've read from people who rode the Allez Sport vs. the Allez Elite seem to agree that there's no difference in ride quality, and a very marginal difference in weight between the two. I think that was mostly just from test riding, but...fyi.

palu

Yeah, definitely wait until you move. If you have issues with the bike, your new LBS won't be able to help you out without $$$. Plus, for any warranty issues with the bike, it's much easier to go through the place where you bought it from (in my experience).

I say for right now, buy some cheap singlespeed and get trained for those SF hills!

StanSeven

Yes, this is good advice. Doubles shift much better and crisply. If you have hills, stay with a double in a compact.

bettz777

Thanks for all the help guys. Only 7 posts and I'm already sold on the sport compact. palu mentioned buying out in SF, but I don't move til August and I really don't think I can wait that long. If I buy now I will have about a month and a half with my current LBS who is sure to get me in the right fit and help if any issues right away. What kind of issues should I be concerned about, that having an LBS you bought from would take care of, but not having one would get you in deep water. Other than minor maintenance or tune ups that don't cost that much?

f4rrest

I'd be concerned about any factory defects and typical break-in wear, such as wheels needing to be retensioned a bit. Get it now, ride it a lot, and have it re-checked before you move.

bettz777

Thanks for all your help f4rrest, much appreciated.

YOJiMBO20

Fixed.

I'm not egotistical at all.