rhyscheng

Hi guys, I am getting a new bike mainly for triathlon, criteriums and road races. My 2 options are as follow:

Specialized Tarmac SL3 Sport 2013
Shimano 105 10 speed
Carbon fibre frame fork seatpost
External cable routing
SGD$2500

Specialized Allez Comp 2015
Shimano 105 11 speed
Aluminium frame
Carbon fibre fork
Mostly external cable routing except the rear brake cable (which I was told that the internal routing allows the housing to go through the internal cabling)
SGD$2400

Both have the same geometry, so the main consideration would be ride quality (my LBS do not have test rides).

And if you were wondering about the wheels, I do not intend to use the stock wheels since I will be using my Fulcrum Quattros.

Thank you in advance!

thisisbenji

Being that they both have the same group, I'd probably go with the Tarmac.

Typically I lean towards the Allez, but that's only when both bikes are being sold for full retail.

It would be even better if you could find a higher level Allez at a discount.

Lazyass

I don't see that bike in the 2013 catalog.

rhyscheng

apologies! i just found out that it's the 2013 SL4 Tarmac Sport Mid-Compact. i had the wrong idea that the SL3 was 2013.

rhyscheng

apologies! i just found out that it's the 2013 SL4 Tarmac Sport Mid-Compact. i had the wrong idea that the SL3 was 2013.

Lazyass

Ah. Well, I'll be in the minority but I would get the Allez. Newer version of 105 and I prefer alu over carbon anyway. The Allez is a sweet frame.

Sheik24

Gonna go with Allez as well. Aluminum will hold up better and the 11-speed 105 is the bomb.

floridamtb

$2400 for aluminum? I bought my Madone 4.5 (carbon fiber) for less

Team Sarcasm

Imo, the Tarmac easy. 10sp 105 works great and 100$ more for a full cf bike? I would do that all day long.

The 1 gear difference is not worth the alloy frame. If the Allez was 1700 or so I would say Allez.

mcours2006

Both seem a bit pricy to me, but if I had to choose I'd take the Tarmac. $2400 for a aluminum frame and 5800 seems too steep. If the Allez had 6800 it might be a toss-up.

Lazyass

SGD, not USD.

rjones28 

I have the new Allez frame. It is sweet and I love it. But if I could have gotten the Tarmac frame for $100 more I would have bought it.

Campag4life

Tarmac and don't look back.

Team Sarcasm

Hey OP, what is your fitness level? As in are you new to biking or just new to the forum? (or both?)

If you are new to the sport (it's addicting if you like it...) you may want to look into an entry level bike like a basic allez to get started. Then when (or if) you decided you like biking dump money into a nicer bike.

That will:

1. keep costs down just in case you decide you don't like biking because you do take a nice little hit on resale
2. if you decide you do like biking, when you upgrade you will have a second bike (the old one) for bad weather.

Just some thoughts if you are new to the sport.

rhyscheng

looks like most people think the tarmac is the way to go. i thank you all for your valuable input

i'll most probably go for the tarmac unless someone changes my mind. in the mean time, please continue to provide your inputs.
the only color of the tarmac available is the one in green (not what i initially wanted but i can live with it)

cheers

Team Sarcasm

Dont forget pictures

rhyscheng

I have been riding seriously for about 10 months. Most people doubt me but I went from riding for fun to racing seriously in 5 months. My fitness level skyrocketed after I started training at Athlete Lab. I now train with groups riding avg 35-45kph. If I do not consider the time frame, I would consider myself an experienced rider.

But still, I thank you for your feedback

rhyscheng

newbie101

The Allez is a great riding bike, but the ride quality of the tarmac is vastly superior: far more comfortable, by a very wide margin.

I love the sharp reflexes of the allez but the ride harshness is difficult to overlook.

rhyscheng

that would be why i go for the tarmac. i've heard of the harsh ride of the allez despite the carbon fork.

LGHT

Tarmac without a doubt. I just got a 2012 SL3 w about 50 miles on it with all ulltegra and it shifts so much easier and nicer than 105. Plus if your racing you will appreciate the tarmac so much more as it's a "race" bike and the Allez is more of an entry level cruiser.

Slackerprince

What's with Specialized doing Cannondale-like colors?

S

rhyscheng

that was what i thought when i saw the actual bike at the concept store. i would prefer the typical specialized colors (red white black matte).

nastystang

tarmac all the way. If you go aluminum you will think about the carbon. That 10 speed 105 is pretty nice stuff.

TheRef

I wouldn't buy from a dealer that doesn't allow test rides... just my 2 cents.