Mcleod90

budget is right around 600-700ish, i plan on commuting to work everyday about 6 miles round trip and then working my way up to long rides on the weekends. i live where there are a lot of wide open country roads that go a long way.

i was just looking at the trek 1.1 and the specialized allez. i am going to go to my lbs in a week or two but i was just wondering if you guys had anymore options

i am 6'1-6'2 about 280

TrojanHorse

I don't know where you live but buying a used bike is perfectly reasonable... Craigs List and ebay are littered with bikes in or near your price range that would be much higher new.

Allez is a nice bike - it's basically an AL Tarmac, so if you want a racy bike, that's a good one.

If you're commuting though, you may prefer a cross bike (basically a road bike with bigger tires) that you can perhaps put panniers on. They work great for weekend duty too.

Axiom

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digibud

The Allez has a pretty tight racing geometry if I recall correctly. Frankly, I'm not sure you'll find anything new in that price range that will be great. I'd be looking at used in that price range. I picture commuters with fenders and some kind of rack. When I commuted I had to bring good clothes to change into but my commute was longer. If it's only 3 miles to work maybe you can wear your work clothes and get away with no panniers. I don't see the Allez as much of a commuter bike. I'd prob be looking for something like a Surly LHT that could be used for commuting or distance riding. A touring bike would give you more flexibility than a racing type bike.

youcoming

I don't understand why some get tied up with commuter bikes. Any bike can be a commuter bike, I use a roadbike to commute, throw my stuff on a backpack and away I go. Get the best bike you can afford, new or used. Keep in mind you may pedal choice and if you want or need riding clothes.

bassfreq

My trek bike kept up with my winter weight (230) without having to adjust much else (was worried about my weight and the wheels). If you plan on commuting you might be better off looking at a cyclocross as TrojanHorse suggested, because they're more likely to have the eyelets for racks, better clearance for fenders, and often can support disc brakes. For commuting such a short distance you might even be fine with a flatbar or hybrid rather than a roadie, which would be (1) much cheaper and (2) leave you budget room for clothing for that commute. Something like a GT Transeo 3.0 or 4.0.

What's your goal here? Will this just be a commuter bike, or something else?

bassfreq

Point taken. Folks can also commute on a pocketbike, but it doesn't mean it's ideal for the job. If (and the OP can only confirm) all he's doing is commuting, then why wouldn't he get the best bike built for that purpose?

PhotoJoe 

I don't know about racks on it, but I found the Giant Defy line to be my favorite when testing a BUNCH of bikes. Less aggressive than the Allez yet still fun. YMMV.

side_FX

The Allez is a nice bike, but don't forget about the 1.1 or 1.2 from Trek. Look around and you might find some pretty sweet deals on a 2011 1.2. I really like that bike and I am this close to pulling the trigger on one.

wvridgerider

Surly, I have a cross check and dont regret buying it. Mount fenders and the commute is a lot better. Steel has a fantastic ride, I am 6'1" 270 lbs. I have had a lot of bikes and this is by far the best. I had a Trek Pilot 5.9 and this rides just as good. I have two wheelsets, have 28's mounted on one and 37's mounted on the other. You can ride anywhere you want.

floatsinwater

I would go for a Specialized Secteur instead. Its basically the aluminum version of the Specialized Roubaix, just like the Allez is the aluminum version of the Tarmac. Its got a more comfortable frame geometry than the Allez, which is pretty important for new riders. A lot of new riders try to get a racing frame with an aggresive fit and get injured when they find out that it doesn't work. Most new riders are still stuck in this mentality so the Allez nonetheless outsells the Secteur, which means cheaper prices for you!

Another reason for the Secteur is that they can easily take 28mm tires, since they're based off bikes that ride on cobblestones. 28's can be a very tight fit for an Allez depending on the tire. I think 28's would be much more comfortable, and consequently leading to a much more enjoyable ride for you.

jc650

Im a bigger guy 602 270 and I wanted a road bike as well and I was betweeen the Specialized Allez and Secteur. I went to check them out at the lbs and the Secteur's geometry being a bit more relaxed for endurance riding was a much better fit for me. I really have no reason to want to be more crouched over than I am now. I love the Secteur and Im already doing 35 plus miles after only a month with no complaints about being uncomfortable. Good luck with whatever you pick.

psalm

I got my CAAD8 at 6 feet 315 pounds right at your price range. I test rode quite a few bikes, Felt, Giant, Trek and even the Specialized Allez, the Cannondale was the most comfortable for me.

Mcleod90

Wow thanks for all the replys.

To answer some of the questions, I will be able to leave my work clothes at work so I don't think I would need a rack.

I plan on eventually doing a bi Athlon in the future

I also live in northern California so there are plenty of nice places to ride once I get good at it that is why I was looking at a "racing" style bike?

Fletch521

Go on CraigsList and shop for an 80s Trek...

I got two of there for $50.00 each.

IMG_5157 by Fletch521, on Flickr