dhfd

I'm doing some research before getting my first road bike. I'm considering the 2005 models of the C-Dale R500, Trek 1500 and Specialized Allez Elite. Anyone have any experience or opinions, suggestions regarding the bikes, and what (if any) parts you upgraded before or after purchase? I included the links for them for the info on their components. thanks in advance!

https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/05/c...del-5RR5T.html
https://www2.trekbikes.com/Bikes/Road...1500/index.php
https://www.specialized.com/SBCBkMode...ev4hbc2.j27010

jazzy_cyclist

On paper, they look similar. They all have Shimano 105 components. I bought a C'Dale R600 ('04) which is similar as well (mine is a double - these look like triples), and so far I've been very satisfied. But I'm still learning about a lot of the gear subtleties and what the implications are in terms of riding. I'd say that any of these bikes is a good start if you're new to road biking. If you knew specifics of what you want, then I assume that you wouldn't be posting here in the first place. These are all popular mainstream road bikes, and no one is going to consider you an idiot if you buy of them.

At the end of the day, it's what it feels like to ride those bikes, so plan on taking several test drives. My guess is that these bikes are going to differ mostly in the way that they handle (and this might be subtle to you). I suspect that one of them will "reveal itself" to you in the process. Make sure that you test them climbing hills, turning sharp corners, descents, stopping, and standing on the pedals.

My .02

Grasschopper

Well I am assuming these are all in the same price point (I know the Trek and Specialized are so I assume the C'Dale is). With the C'Dale you are getting a US made frame and are paying for it by getting lower grade components. If Made in the US is important to you get the C'Dale. The Trek is made in Taiwan and assembled in the US. If I were buying I would probably go for the Specialized. I have ridden the Trek and the Specialized and I liked it better. Never been a fan of C'Dales even though they are made less than 150 miles from my home. Always thought they were too stiff and uncomfortable to ride. That said my 61 yr old father rode his R600 cross country so they can't be TOOOO bad.

LapDog

Let the differences in ride show you the way. Many people think C-Dale is too stiff, which is not really true. Others will tell you the Specialized frame is too soft and spongy....which is also not true. It all comes down to your own personal likes and preferences. If are going to race and be competitive, go for the C-Dale. If you like more of a comfort geometry, go with the Specialized. If you can't tell the difference, get the Trek just like eveyone else!

T E X

Go and ride them and see wich one you like.

Rushfan

Not sure I agree with this. I have an '03 Specialized Allez Elite, and the geometry is not "comfort." I had a bad experience with the wheelset, Alex 330s, and eventually replaced them with Mavic Open Pros. Per a Specialized rep, Alex wheels are machine tensioned, Shimano wheels. Supposedly, these wheels are better, but I'll never get them again. Otherwise, I'm happy with the bike.

As for which for you, get a pro fitting and find out which one fits you best. Then get that one. As for upgrades, I'd consider upgrading the wheelset to meet your needs.

ba ba

Hi, I spent a year or so saving up for my road bike, and a few weeks ago did the dirty deed and bought a 2005 Specialized allez elite. Now, I'll tell you why I am disappointed with it.

I use a Polar HRM that logs my bicycle speed, cadence, HR data, tec. so I knew my exact performance on my 2002 Raleigh C30 hybrid, as well as on a friend's 1988 Cannondale R300 (frame too big, down-tube shifters, all original equipment).

My performance on the 2005 Specialized ALLEZ Elite has been the same as it had been on the 1988 Cannondale. When I get motivated, I want to change my 2002 Hybrid's size 38c tires for a pair of 25c or 23c tires and see whether IT will out perform the 2005 Specialized also!

On the other hand: maybe I'm not yet used to 53/39 gears? Both the hybrid and the old Cannondale use other ratios. Maybe I'm not yet used to the new seat? Personally, I'm not convinced either of these would cause such a lack of difference in performance.

PRACTICAL ADVICE: If you're going to spend what is for you serious money on a bike, and want performance, do serious test rides in comparable conditions, BEFORE you buy or order the product.

AS FOR ME: Is there a lemon law on these things? Have I just been suckered by Hype over BYke?

ciao.

dhfd

I appreciate the input on these bikes, I was told when considering a bike to first look at the frame and then wheelset, is there truth to this? The wheels on the C-Dale are really nice compared to the others, which makes me favor the R600, they're Gipiemme T3. Hopefully this weekend I'll be able to get in some test rides. thanks again

my58vw

It all depends on what kind of qualities that you like in the bikes. I can not ride the specilized, I do not like the gemometry at all. I was between the cannondale and trek too, actually a R3000 that was dirt cheep vs my 2100. (yes the price point is way different but that is not what we are considering. I felt that the cdales geometry was not to my tastes for afirst time road rider and I went for the trek 2100 for the ride. The cdales are a little stiffer than the treks. It is all about how you feel about the bike.

Speaking of components, my jekyll is a cdale and it has excelent components ( shimano XT) but the crappiest wheels. The frame is the real cost of a cdale and you have to go higher and higher to find the good components in the bike.

Good luck with your decision...

IcySmooth51

Well, to offest all the anti Specialized I happen to be very satisfied with my Allez. True, its not built for comfort (then again im young, good shape and have no back problems, ect.) But I don't find it uncomfortable under longer rides and I happen to like the agressive geometry when I try to push myself (I did a few longer testrides with Iron Horse and Trek). I do notice a big difference in handeling with different manufacturers, they seem to have different ideas of what's best. But back to your question, all the bikes are of the same quaility and compnentrty so I vote for go with what fits best and feels best. Only real way to find out is testride, I'm sure glad I did my homework there.

Iron Chef

The Specialized looks like a girls bike

amishspin

I have an '04 Allez Elite. Can't imagine how clear-coated, brushed aluminum looks like a girl's bike, but hey, you're entitled to your misconception. I think it's a pretty sweet looking bike, but then I'm biased.

Anyway, I didn't go looking for this bike, but it ended up being availabe for a good price (day before the LBS was taking their '04's to a swap meet). I had ridden my previously confirmed choice (OCR2), so I rode the Allez for comparison and liked it. Upgrade to 105 for less $$? Since it fit and I liked the ride, it seemed like an easy choice.

I'm not sure about picking up a new bike and expecting all of your stats to improve right away, but I'm more of a newbie. I could definitely tell the difference from my ancient bike in a number of ways. Is a bike a lemon if your times don't get cut?

Everything has worked fine for me, but maybe time will tell on the wheels, etc. I am a larger rider so maybe I'll do some damage to them. I did get different brake pads, as the stock ones suck. This bike may not be for everbody, but it is certainly not a "buyer beware" item.

Iron Chef

The top tube is sloped like a girls bike. That way people get get their leg over the top tube.

amishspin

Oh, I see. Isn't that just how all compact frames look?

IcySmooth51

I like the looks of compact frames to regular geometry myself. (try telling one of the many professionals on Specialized that they ride a bike that looks like it's for a girl)

phillybill

I was looking at the same bikes recently, But a Giant OCR1, Trek 1500 and the Specialized. The all have their good qualities, but at the end of the day I really liked the Trek for it's overall feel and ride. (Of course I used to ride a 1200 for a number of years so maybe I'm biased). Did not like the specialized that much, I will probably go back for the and the Giant seems to tight, I would probably go for the Trek

incipit

The LBS warned me about the Gipiemme T3 wheels... he said they are CONSTANTLY having to true them up and most larger riders end up upgrading them shortly after. But then again I'm about as Clydesdale as they get!

SJP

I think they are all pretty much the same.
I like the look of the Trek with the traditional frame over the compact frame.
You need to ride each of them though and see which one you are most comfortable on.

itwonder

My wife test rode the Allez, a Canondale R700, Trek 1500, and Trek 2100 last weekend. She hated the Allez; said it was a butt buster, not very responsive, and the fit was all wrong. She found the Cannondale to be stiff, not uncomfortably so, and very responsive. She found the Trek 1500 to be less stiff, and less responsive, than the Cannondale, but still a good ride. the Trek 2100 was smoother than the Cannondale, and equally responsive. At the end of the day, she wants the Cannondale or a Trek 2100.

I'd suggest looking for a leftover 2004. You can often find a higher end bike, like an R700, for the price of an R500. You'll have to call around, but shops with good deals are out there. You mgiht also look at Lemonds.

Iron Chef

Yes it is.

The good thing about the Allez is that Specialized offers it in 7 different frames sizes. Giant I think is just starting to do the OCR in 5 sizes. The old days I think the extra nut room was just a way builders could get away with only having to offer 3 or 4 sizes in their Chinese bike frames.

I would get a Specialized over a Giant. If I went with a compact it would be a Specialized Roubaix if it would fit me well. But I won't. I'm too used to boy style frames.

Kdog

As you can see from my title, I am a newbie. I am going to get my first road bike this weekend. My wife gave me a gift certificate to a LBS. I really don't (and wife probably will not like it) want to spend more than $1000. I've been also looking at these similar bikes. When shopping for a bike, I've read that priorities would be (1) good fit (2) frame (3) components. I've been thinking of getting a '05 Trek 1200 because it fits my budget. Is the Alpha SL Aluminum frame good for a newbie? I've been reading about people raving about the steel frames. I know that I will need to test ride a lot of bikes to get a good feel, but just wondering about opinions ahead of time. I don't need to get an '05, I will consider an older model if it fits, feels great with a good cost.

I am getting a road bike mainly for fitness and also to take long trips on the country roads 30+ miles. I will not be using it for racing. Would a Trek 1200 be good for this? Is there another sub $1000 bike someone would recommend? Mostly, I have been looking at Treks, Specialized, and C'dales that would be around $1000. I've glanced at Jamis as people mentioned them for steel frames.

Any input would be appreciated! I can't wait to get my first road bike and head out on the road!!

dhfd

The other bikes I was considering have Alex wheels, and Bontragers, anyone have experience with those wheelsets? Seems like the main thing to do is get a good frame and wheels and then go from there. Is there truth to that statement?

Grasschopper

Well I think the statement is probably very true. I got a decent frame with what I now know are crappy wheels and I am looking to change and it isn't cheap. Hey at least I will wind up with a backup set of wheels.

I would like to know about Alex too. The ALX-400 wheels interest me but I can find no reviews on them. From what I have read about the Bontrager wheels they are good. I was looking at the Race or Race Lite. The Select seem heavy.

dhfd

I did check out the Trek 1500 and Specialized Allez Sport and Elite; overall it seems they're pretty similar to the 05's. When do shops generally clearing out the previous year's bikes?

Grasschopper

Right now. The '05 are on their way in and the '04s should all be on sale. '04 roadies are 20% off in my area right now.