Allez Triple and Allez Double, whats the difference?
 

I've got a triple and my friend is buying a Double, they have the same MSRP, so whats the difference?

This is a trick question, right?

I dunno maybe im showing my ignorance in posting this?

one has a double crank, one has a triple

Looking at the specialized website for the Allez double vs. triple:

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=21888

and

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=21893

There will probably be a color difference, otherwise the difference is in the gearing. All other features - handlebars, geometry, brakes, wheels, etc. etc. are the same I believe. And even though the gearing is different, the same "grade" of parts is used for each, therefore the cost is the same.

The double has two front chain rings with 53 and 39 teeth, and the 8 speed rear cassette ranges from 12-26. The triple has three front chain rings with 52, 42 and 30 teeth and the same rear cassette. This means the triple will have significantly lower gearing for the uphills 30X26 vs 39X26), with very little difference in the high gears for faster speeds (52X26 vs 53X26).

[edit - of course I meant to type 52x12 and 53x12 there!]

Of course, the derailleurs and shifters will be slightly different to accomodate those gearing differences, but they will be in the same "grade" of quality, assuming the two bikes are the same level in the Allez line. The difference will also result in a slightly higher weight for the triple.

Triple vs. double depends on you and the riding you do. I personally would like the triple gearing because of hills I ride in and the difference in weight would be insignificant. Some prefer the shifting of the double and the slightly less weight because they have no need for the low gearing.

Hmmmm I never shift off the largest front gear, and keep the rear on the 3 smallest ones, does this make me weird?

yes

I feel like I go faster when I'm on those gears....

You haven't learned how to ride yet.
Or you have legs like Lance and only ride flat 25 mile routes in under an hour.

+1.0x10^10

3-2=1

The LBS I got my Allez Elite from swapped out the triple crank for a double crank for free and with no probs. Part of the good customer service they do. Plus I was buying it from them so I guess I should expect good service to make a customer happy. :)

Although now that I moved from Texas to California I bought a compact crank for all these stinkin' hills!!

I used to be a masher like you... but for long distances a nice cadence in the 80rpm range works very well for me. I can conserve energy and save my legs to go longer.

Sounds like you ride in pretty flat areas? Also, how fast are you pedaling? Some people like to pedal slowly, but I've found that it is more efficient if, for a given speed, I use lower gears but pedal faster. My sweet spot seems to be the 85-95 rpm for pedaling. Some people I ride with pedal even faster.

My 2006 Specialized Allez Sport Triple has a 9 speed cassette on the rear, not an 8 speed. I do not see my exact bike in the "catalog" on the Specialized web site for 2007. Mine also came with an adjustable angle stem that seems to be missing until you get into higher price ranges. I think MSRP was $990, but "usual" selling price at the LBS was $750.

I live in KY where its pretty hilly, If I get on a big hill I knock it down to the middle ring but not very often at all. I avg about18-19 mph and my cadence stays around 80. I also squat about 400 lbs so that might have something to do with it. I just feel like I'm peddaling like crazy and not going fast if I try any other gears.

used to be?!?!?

Yea, the strong legs could have a lot to do with it. I have skinny legs and am old, so I use all of the low gears on my triple.

It sounds like you should consider a double next time you buy a bike. Have fun!

3-2=1
da

:eek: Then you really do have legs like Lance. I think 80 is actually at the bottom of the acceptable range, and your muscles make it possible.

I've only been riding for like a month and a half so I guess I got room for improvement:D

Do you always go down hill?

No they are rolling hills, nothing too extreme though