TheBUNKY

For a guy getting back in the saddle for recreation purposes only, my hobby is golf, which one of those listed above do you guys think?

Everyone in town rides either Specialized or Trek, so I am leaning towards the Scott Speedster s40. For my budget there is quite the gap between the Allez (MSRP $770) and the Speedster s40(MSRP $849 quoted from LBS, not their site) or Reno (MSRP $879).

There isn't a Lemond dealer in town, but I bet my local Trek dealer could get one, no? If so, I may go with the Reno. He doesn't advertise the LeMond brand, so I'll have to check.

Looking for something with Tiagra or better derailleurs, carbon fork, decent wheelset and double but compact chainring. I like the idea of a 50t over a 53t and I'll only need two rings. My singlespeed has my legs in decent shape, plus I don't want the usual rub you see with a triple.

The budget is $900. I'll need an odd size at 49cm (XS).

Your thoughts and feedback are greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Bunk

ttopaz

They are more or less same level.
I would select s40 or Reno over Allez as Allez has Sora shifters. Reno has slightly better wheels than s40.
So, as expected, higher price usually gets better bike.

Skaog

all I can add is the S40 Frame is nice for the money. My s2 frame is very nice.

TheBUNKY

Thanks for the feedback guys.....

Brueg

I have the 07 Reno and am very happy with it, but not much experience with road biking. My LBS is very good and that probably made the most difference.

TheBUNKY

Still torn with the decision. I am going to look into Voodoo cycles Oshun and Avalou, steel frames.........yum. Also probably the Giant TCR.

I am hoping to get a deal, but I don't want to be known to my LBS as "that cheapskate".....

yogi13

Don't worry about it; they'll make plenty off you in maintenance...parts upgrades...cycling clothes and accessories...and when you decide to upgrade to a midrange road bike in a year or two.

BTW, you don't mention what type of riding you are planning to do. The frames you've been mentioning have pretty aggressive geometries, and may not be the best thing if you're mainly going to be doing a casual weekend ride every so often. For instance, you might want to look at a Giant OCR that will give you a more upright and relaxed position rather than a TCR.

FWIW, I ride a specialized allez expert, and love it, but all of the bikes you've mentioned are pretty good entry level machines.

ttopaz

Just pick one that fits and ride! Any of them will be fine for recreational purposes.

af2nr

Yeah that's what I thought too, that was 2 years and 4 bikes ago...I still hit the sticks but the "hobby" has changed. Get the most you can afford out of your choices. Also with your size check on leftovers from previous years that may still be available. I have found that the smaller and larger sizes are easier to get better pricing on as there are fewer buyers...

TheBUNKY

Thanks again for the feedback.

After last weekend's round on the course, golf may become my secondary hobby.

I'll be doing road riding. Alone at first until I get my legs back, then hopefully group rides and races if I get the nerve up.

What's the deal on these closeouts? The last time I was in one of our LBS's here, one of the guys was looking up prices on closeouts. I assume he's getting these prices from his distributor, right?

af2nr

Yeah that's right. When I was looking the shop tried to lead me to a bike out of my range because they had it in stock in my size. When that didn't work they said they would have to see if they could "still" get the bike I wanted in the size I needed. They called and said it was available and passed the savings on to me that they got, which they really could've not done and I never would of known any different. Also one of the guys I ride with got a 06 bike through the LBS two months ago, for substantial savings over the MSRP of the bike last year. Good luck and you may notice the golf being better due to having another outlet, at least I did!

TheBUNKY

Well...........I blew my budget out of the water and went with an 07 Allez Elite. I'll post pics after I pick it up. I had to go out of town to get someone to work with me on price and it paid off. The bike was only about $50 more than my budget limit. Plus I got a free fitting.

Now it's time for pain!

NameGoesHere

I love my 2005 Scott Speedster S1. Don't know the differences, but I'd say you wouldn't hate the Scott. Everyone around here has the Allez (or Roubaix) and they're good... but like I said, everyone has one. I don't know why but I just can't be satisfied with Lemon d.

af2nr

Congrats on the bike! Now just try and find a place to let your golf clubs get some rest while you put the miles in...