crazyskillz07

Specialized Roubaix Compact $1900 vs. Specialized Allez Elite Compact Double $1550

These are the two bikes I have been considering. I am extremely new to biking. I hate to ask the newby questions but I was hoping some of you could point me in the right directions for information or ask me some questions I may have not considered to help me choose. I live on Long Island (NY) and I will be using the bike mostly for rides about 25 miles or so.

Thanks for any help anyone has to offer!!!

NathanC

Caad-9.

Tapeworm21

Two completely different bikes made out of completely different materials. It should have an easy answer depending on what type of riding you intend on doing.

plasticmaam12

+1
Specialized terms the Roubaix an "endurance road" bike.
They call the Allez a "competetive road" bike.
They are designed for different uses.

crazyskillz07

I will not be racing any time soon. I am looking to go for 25 or more miles a ride. Possibly with a club if I find one. Would that mean the Roubaix?

sdean911

I just bought a Roubaix frameset because of the taller (or longer) head tube. It gives you a more upright position and I love it. You can always go down into the drops if you want to mash the peddles. I also love the carbon fiber frame. If you are new to biking you need to consider your flexibility and whether or not you can comfortably ride a road bike for any distance. If you are not comfortable the bike will end up collecting dust in the garage. See about test rides. My LBS offered to let me take a bike out for the afternoon.

Good luck, Greg

bbattle

Get the Roubaix.

crazyskillz07

Thanks everyone. I'll be leaning more towards Roubaix now. I sat on the Allez at the lbs and felt very comfortable. I will have to give them both a test ride next time I go and see which one feels better. Quick question. Is the CAAD 9 intended for racing like the Allez?

George

+1

jhmiller

CAAD9 is an excellent ride and would be my preference, but for your purposes the Roubaix is the better option. The Cannondale is targeted more towards speed and agility than comfort over long distances.

rodriguez24

I purchased my Roubaix two weeks ago. I love it. I chose it because it is an "endurance" bike. I was already doing 60 mile rides with a MTB with slicks (which was horrible), so it was a logical choice IMO. So I agree with everyone else, make your decision based on how you will use it. In the end its just a tool, you still have to pedal...so you probably can't go totally wrong. LOL

cdubb

I don't think that Endurance Road versus Competitive Road really matters in terms of what the bike will be used for. Insted, think about them in terms of you and your body. The Roubaix will have a more relaxed riding position, but that doesn't mean you can race on one. The Allez with have a racier riding position and geometry, but that doesnt mean you have to race it. Try both bikes back to back and get the one that is more comfortable for you in terms of your flexibilty and position.

kimconyc

CAAD9 - cheaper than both, laterally stiff, vertically compliant.

























Otherwise,
Roubaix.

kbtommy

I've got the Roubaix Elite and I love it. So my vote also goes to Roubaix.

That said, cdubb is right. Try em both and see.

crazyskillz07

So I just left the bike store and had the guy order me and specialized allez elite double compact. I rode the bike around for a few minutes and it felt wonderful. I tried the same bike in and 54 and 56 and the 56 felt perfect. I'll have the bike in a week!!

05Allez

Great to see you followed everyone's advice :-)

You really could not go wrong with either one.

Pharmr

you'll love the Allez....it will be everything you need and more....congrats!!!

crazyskillz07

I was going to say the same thing. I really would have went with the CAAD9 5 but he said he could no longer get my size for whatever the reason was. I realized that I would still need money for a helmet, pedals, shoes, survival kit etc. so I did not go with the Roubaix which would have been over 300 dollars more but this particular bike shop offered a interest free card for 12 months which makes it eaiser for me to afford it as a college student. I'll post pics as soon as I get the bike!!!!

klages

grats on your new purchase. good work thinking smart and taking into account the extra cost of pedals etc.

you'll love the quality of the allez!

just make sure you get that bike paid for in 12 months. i'm pretty sure once the 12 are up the finance charges/interest are added on the balance and are added up from the day the balance began. could be a big sticker shock.

ride hard and enjoy the bike!

cdubb

Congratulations on your new bike!