jclark

I post this same question in the Clydes forum and was told I may find more help here. I've been lurking for a while. I've been riding for fitness for about 2 years. I started on a Walmart MTB and upgraded to a Giant Revel II. After putting 1000 miles on the Gaint, I switched to a Trek 1.1 alpha in September of 2011. I put around 500 miles on it, I was up to 20 mile rides at about a 17 mph average. In November, I was in a substantial crash on the Trek which left me with a fractured shoulder blade. The short story of the crash was I hit a neighborhood dog, 1.5 mils from my house at 20 to 22 mph, lesson learned and the dog is fine, but my Trek is trashed. I was able I started riding on my Giant and now I got the itch for a road bike again. I talked with 2 LBS and found a Jamis Ventura Sport and Specialized Allez in my size and I plan on looking at them this week. I was wondering if anybody has any experience with either of these two bikes and any pro's or con's of these two.
I noted these two bikes particularly because they are in stock my frame size.
Thanks

Jason

mprelaw

Everyone's different. Some will tell you that the Allez has aggressive, race-styled geometry and handling, whereas others will tell you that it has all-day comfort and predictable handling. Just depends on their own individual benchmarks.

Ride each of them before you decide. Most of us can't decide for you, as we have our own opinions.

canam73

Fit is the most important thing to consider. Even if they are the same 'size' there will still be some subtle differences.

Also, being comfortable with the shop is a good thing. See if one is more willing to work with you on set up and/or swap out a saddle or stem if you don't like the stock.

I would also look at the gearing. Do you need or want a triple crank?

RedC

If Suwanee County has a leash law the dog owner's insurance should be paying for your new bike

mprelaw

For 2012, I think that all of the Allez models come with compact cranks, except for the Apex which has a 52/36 crank. Not sure on Jamis, although I believe that I saw that the Ventura Sport also comes with a compact crankset.

hollowmen

Like a broken record, fit is paramount.

My first road bike was an Allez, and I loved it. In fact, I still use it as a commuting bike.

stapfam

Try the two and as many others as you can-One will say buy me.

Jamis are not well known over here and one of my neighbours bought the Ventura Sport on my recommendation and asking on BF about it. I am surprised at the quality of it on spec for the money and the neighbour is well pleased with the way it rides. That is a yes for the Ventura.