IANative

Brand new user w/ my very first post!

I've been a recreational/fitness rider for about a year now. I'm 42, always been active, not overweight, and it pretty decent shape. I have a Specialized CrossTrail Sport, and my current riding is about 80% park district trails and 20% suburban blacktop. My park district trail riding is probably 70% asphalt, 30% crushed lime. I total around 100 miles/week right now.

I'm considering making the move to more serious road cycling, with my eye on and event such as next year's RAGBRAI. I'm currently considering two Specialized bikes, the Allez and the Secteur. The Allez is shown as a Road bike, and the Secteur as an Endurance Road bike.

My cycling is primarily for fitness purposes, building up to the occassional century or annual event such as RAGBRAI. Comparing ONLY the two Specialized models mentioned above, which would you recommend I get, and why? Thanks!

FactVord

It basically comes down to Secteur (105 Compact Crank Set /w 25c wheels) vs Allez (SRAM Apex /w 23c wheels). Since you're plan to go for longer distances, I'd recommend Secteur for you.
I was faced with a similiar situation a few months back and chose Compact set, but if I had to do it all over again, I would have gone with the Double crankset since I only do RR with shorter distances and mass sprint finishes.

tagaproject6

For the purposes you have mentioned, I would go with the Secteur.

cyclezen

cross bike, compact crank - ride the same stuff as now with a crosswheel set, and with another -not expensive- wheelset you can have fully road bling wheels...
best of both worlds.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...sid=09Tricross
https://incycle.com/product-list/cyclocross-bikes-pg201/
there's a lot more out there...
I know 2 guys who regularly ride all hammerfests on their cross machines - never off the back.

IANative

I'm not yet knowledgable enough about the components to understand the impact of the difference in the cranks mentioned (just like I don't understand the significance of aluminum crown & steerer vs. alloy), although I do understand the significance of the different tire widths. I've been able to infer that doubles seem to be intended more for racing and sprinting, whereas triples seem intended for longer, endurance rides. You (and tagaproject6) recommend the Secteur, and I believe I understand how that would benefit me on long rides and/or multi-day events. However, would I be sacrificing anything on my (intended) normal 20-30 rides? I don't believe I would, but I'm curious to hear from more experienced riders.

tagaproject6

The Secteur would benefit you on the longer rides without sacrificing anything on shorter jaunts. It offers a more upright position and constructed/designed to absorb road vibrations. The difference with the Allez is the more agressive riding position.

Doubles and triples are a matter of preference and the type of hills you will be tackling. As a beginner, you can tackle steeper and longer hills easier due to the wider range of gearing that a triple can offer. As you get stronger, a compact double is usually in order or even a standard double. Double cranksets/chainrings are usually lighter.

tagaproject6

Google Sheldon Brown, good reading for the beginner

PhotoJoe 

It is my understanding that the Secteur is a more upright, relaxed riding position than the Allez. The Allez would have the handle bars lower. Also, the general frame design of the Secteur is designed to be more comfortable over long rides, where the Allez would be more lively, and less comfy for a century.

Also, in the Secteur line, only the Comp model is made with the E5 aluminum. I have never ridden one, but many here say it is by far a better ride than the A1 aluminum of all the other Secteurs. In the Allez line, only the Elite and Comp are E5 frames.

Mike F

A compact double has smaller chain rings than a standard double. This is good if you live in hilly areas and want a little ease in pedaling. The Secteur has a less aggressive frame geometry than the Allez. You are positioned higher for a more comfortable ride as opposed to a more aggressive geometry designed for racing where you are more bent over from the seat to the handle bars.

tagaproject6

I have to disagree as I have both framesets with SRAM Force componentry and they ride the same. The E5 frameset is a little lighter.

Steve B.

The major thing you want to maintain is clearance for wider tires then 23 if you are riding gravel/hard pack. In some circumstances, 23mm may not give you a lot of flotation and control on sketchy surfaces as well as needing to run higher tire pressure to avoid pinch flats, which makes for a harsher ride. A bike designed around a 23mm tire may not have the clearance to move to a wider tire, and you may want to look at what's the maximum width tire you can run on each bike

Note that RAGBRAI is not a good test for versatility in tire sizes, as it's all on good paved roads and you can get buy with a 23 without issues. The test is gravel and I like 27-28mm as minimum for a lot of conditions.

Which why a lot of folks like cyclo-cross style bikes as they can run 23mm tires for RAGBRAI and up to 36mm for all kinds of other stuff. Very versatile all round bikes.

As to front gearing ?. A lot of bikes these days are equipped with compact cranks that have 34/50 chainrings, vs. 39/53 on standard road cranks. Fewer teeth in front allows you to make better use of all those small toothed cogs in the rear, like the 12-13 and 14 that you might not ever use on a true racing bike with 39/53 unless you were hustling down a hill at 40mph. Or if you find yourself riding long steep hills all the time (like RAGBRAI can sometimes be) a triple in the front gets you better low gearing. Your call as to your own needs. I keep one carbon road machine with a compact double crank and a steel road bike with a triple for out of town hill riding.

SB

IANative

Steve B, similar to your two bike solution, my intention would be to keep my CrossTrail Sport for anything other than smooth pavement.

I believe the Secteur is calling my name, although it may have to wait until next season due to a bathroom remodel. In the meantime, I intend to continue to work on my endurance w/ my CrossTrail Sport, and watch the TDF '11!

Thanks for all the replies, and please keep them coming.

sakonnetclip

If you're in Hawkeye country head up to Northtowne in CR and test ride both. I know the owners well and it's a great shop /end shameless plug.

Don't wait because of a bathroom remodel. That's a long-term investment...you need to be riding on the road tomorrow...a lot of nice road riding in eastern Iowa.