mikeman715

Which is a better bike?I will be buying a 2006 so they are both around 900 right now.What are the major differencs and which has better components?Thanks

AbsoluteZ3RO

I'm having the same issue, only with the 2007.

Seems like the 1500 has a better drivetrain, and the Allez Elite has a better frame (carbon seatstays).

mikeman715

Haha I meant 2007 as well.The 1500 has a carbon fork though...hopefully somebody can help us out.

AbsoluteZ3RO

the Allez Elite has a carbon fork as well.

grossi

Don't the 1500 and Allez Elite both have full 105's?

If I had not got a deal on my Wilier, I would have gone for the Allez Elite Double for sure. So, my vote goes to the Allez (in white )

Also, I'm pretty sure that the 1500 comes with 9speed cassette whereas the Allez comes with a 10 speed and the STI shifting. I dont think the Trek 1500 comes with those. But I could be wrong.

Nonetheless, I would say go for the Allez. I personally like it and I know a few people that own Allez's and other Specialized bikes - they love their bikes and have had absolutely zero problems.

I don't know how much of a help I was, but goodluck deciding on your bike!

AbsoluteZ3RO

the 2007 Allez Elite has Tiagra components.

You are right, the 1500 comes with 9speed cassette, which I believe is the Older 105 (the new 105 is 10 speed right?). I also read somewhere that the Tiagra is essentially the same (or as good as) the old 105, so it may not be that big of a difference.

I'm leaning towards the Allez Elite for several reasons:
1. Carbon Seat Stays
2. I like the look of the bike better
3. The dealer is within 3 miles of my house

I'm just not convinced that those are reason enough to choose over the Trek.

fprintf

The 2007 Trek 1500 Double has 9 speed 105 components. In order to get the 10 speed you need to upgrade to the 1600. I like my 1500 an awful lot, knock on wood it has been virtually flawless (well, except a minor squeak from the front skewer) for ~500 miles.

grossi

I'm pretty sure the Allez Double and Triple are the bikes fitted with Tiagra components. I just double checked for you... the Allez Elite Double has full 105 10-speed componentry. Also, I forgot that it has the Zertz inserts as well.

Here's the website: https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=21899

ChrisAN82

I got my '07 1500 with Ultegra RD and crank, and a 105 FD. Not sure if this was a non standard set up, but its been working great for me so far!

chinotex

I love my Trek '07 1500. is niiiice.

AbsoluteZ3RO

the LBS told me a bunch of the Red ones shipped with the Ultegra rear derailluer

beeballman

I have had my Trek 1500 for two months now and love it!

elemental

I was trying to swing a bike in that price range this spring (came up short on $$$$), and I found the Allez Elite Double to be the best in the price range. Nice drivetrain, great carbon rear end to take some bite off the aluminum. I say get the Allez- they look so good in white.

s4one

Hey Grossi,

How did you get that info for the Allez elite? When I first clicked your link it shows that its all 105s but once I click the allez elite double its back to the Tiagra parts

Get the Elite, it has stronger wheels, I dont know the name of the setup but its built differently than normal wheels.

seminole13

I rode them both and they are both outstanding entry-level bikes. I went 1500, but I think you could flip a coin. . .

Sage23

Alright, Specialized's specs seem to be all messed up. Both the double and triple show a mix of 9 speed and 10 speed components . . . . I don't get it.

In any event, the answer is to ride both and choose the one that fits you and feels better. Personally, I didn't find, in all of the bikes I tested, that carbon seatstays really seemed to make a difference. Thus, I would go with the 1500 because the components are better. But fit is the most important factor!

Disclaimer: I just picked up a 1500 and I'm really liking it . . . even though I've already had a flat!

grossi

Really? That's weird. I just went straight onto the Specialized website and clicked on the Allez Elite Double and that's what it gave me. For me, it's always shown it with the 105 parts...

jimples

I bought the Trek because it was a better shop, but the Specialized was awfully nice. At the low end, you really have to go with whatever is going to set you up with a better experience, since the bikes are so similar.

s4one

Grossi,

The 2007 model has Tiagra parts, the 06 has 105s i believe.. correct me if im wrong.

grossi

I can't seem to find this info regarding the Tiagra's... I'm looking right now in the Specialized 2007 catalogue and looking at the specs for the "Allez Elite" and it comes with all 105's.

I don't know if you're wrong and I don't know if I am!!! This is confusing... I guess the solution is for the OP to just check on the bike lol.

You are right about the 2006 model though, I know for sure that it has full 105's. You're right.

mikeman715

Which bike has a better set of wheels?I like the look of the treks better.

Flak

I cant speak for the rest of the bike, but i have 1500 miles on an 07 allez elite frame and it rides very nice. Carbon stays and fork with the gimmicky (no idea if they do anything really) zertz inserts. Nice frame.

AbsoluteZ3RO

I was wondering if the Zertz Inserts actually do anything. It's not really the point that is selling me on the Allez Elite, but if it does something, then I guess it's a bonus.

intence

Is there a price difference between the two? I know a lot of shops have some good deals on the 1500 right now, but I haven't priced the Allez Elite.

bbgobie

I've been test riding a buncha bikes this weekend.
Haven't hit the Allez yet, but I rode a 1200 and 1600. The 1600 with the carbon seat stays was more compliant, but for me both were smooth enough as I usually MTB and can live with some vibration.

I also rode the Cannondale Caad 9, and although new to Road biking, I think you guys owe yourself a test ride. I thought the frame was a lot stiffer than the Treks', and just as compliant as the 1600. I also think the frame was better engineered when you look at the shaping of the tubing. I can't wait to ride an Allez to compare it to the Caad9, but if you guys are saying its a toss up between the two, the Caad9 is gonna be my next bike!