some123

Hello

I’m a new Road biker and I’m trying to make a decision to buy my first road bike.
My budget is $700. I found 5 bikes that fit to this budget, So, I need your professional opinion to help me decide which one should I choose.

1- 2011 Specialized Secteur Sport Triple (Price: went down from 1049 to 699)
https://www.greggscycles.com/product/...le-72330-1.htm

2- 2012 Specialized Allez Compact (Price: 699)
https://www.greggscycles.com/product/...t-130913-1.htm

3- 2012 Trek 1.1 (Price: 659)
https://www.greggscycles.com/product/...1-123188-1.htm

4- 2011 Specialized Secteur Sport Compact (Price: 649)
https://www.greggscycles.com/product/...ct-72331-1.htm

5- Raleigh Revenio 1.0 (Price: 650)
https://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/road/revenio-1-0-12/

Since It’s my first road bike, so I’m not very familiar with many things in the bikes, so you opinion would be appreciated about which bike should i choose. Thanks

KoolAidnPizza

I have riden an allez for a few months. It's a good bike, but you will find yourself wanting to upgrade frames relatively quickly. They are a great frame though and are a good base

SlimRider

Your choice should be narrowed between either of the 2011 Secteur Sports.

If it were me, I'd get the triple ringed Secteur Sport, choice #1...

Mikeedgar

Spend your money on a great frame. You can always update the components as you go. I'd also suggest going used if this is your first serious bicycle. There are lots of gently used bicycles out there, bought by people who had good intentions and then never did much. My neighbor has a 15 year old bike and it still has the original tires (wouldn't be surprised if it was the orginal air as well. )

fishymamba

+1
It's a 9 speed, and for a beginner a triple up front can be useful. What kind of riding do you plan to do? Do you have lots of hills around you or mostly flat?

Mondo734

Have you ridden all of these and find them all to be equally comfortable and with the qualities you want in a bike? If all those personal things are equal I say go with the sectuer triple. It is always good to have lots of low gears especially if your a newish rider.

canam73

I voted Trek based purely on looks. I might see you riding and I don't like looking at Specialized frames. The Raleigh is ok (for me to look at).

some123

Alot of hills

some123

Trek frames better than Specialized frames ?!

antmeeks

Super helpful advice. Well, at least you're honest.

To the OP: I personally prefer Specialized bikes over Trek any day. (BTW, that Trek is a$$ ugly if we're judging just on looks )

I don't know anything about the Raleigh, so I won't comment on that one.

My preference would normally be for the Allez, which has more of a race geometry, but this model is only an 8 speed.

The 2 Secteur's have better components than the Allez, but the frame geometry is more relaxed & upright, more for touring.

But... I think for the money, and your stated skill level, the Secteur Sport Triple would be your best bet out of those choices: Good components, a more upright position for better comfort, and highly versatile gearing to help you learn and build skill.

roccobike

The only bike I wouldn't consider is the TREK. That aluminum fork will transmit a lot of road vibration, detracting from your ride. My preference is the Allez, but if you try the other Specialized or the Raleigh and you like them better, go with it.

fishymamba

Then you should go for the Secteur Sport Triple.

The triple will really help you on the hills.

And at this price range don't worry that much about performance, the bikes are pretty low level and you will not feel a big difference between them.

canam73

Curved top tubes are fugly. And when they arch into the seat stays it reminds of chop top mercs and thems fugly, too.

canam73

What's the point of spitting hairs on entry bikes? After riding for a year he'll figure out what he really wants and buy that.