Originally Posted by RobbieTunes

When people want a bike, and I give them the rundown, and they still want a new one, I can finally point to something out there that's new and affordable and will help my LBS stay in business.

There are some who think the new steel Allez will be a great #2 bike for some buyers and entry-level for others. That's fine.

The possibility exists that it becomes an entry-level buyer's #1 bike, and then that person goes C&V for $200-$300 for their #2 bike, which is pretty cool. Now we've got a rider and a C&V fan.

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The price is going to help a lot of people rationalize their purchase. I know of at least 4 women who'd like to get into road riding, do not want a "used" bike, but would be very interested in the new Allez. My bet is that 2 of them will buy one. And my bet is that their spouses will be 1) glad they didn't spend $1200 and then 2) decide since they only spent $600, another $300 for a C&V bike to ride along on is justifiable.