etape or Allez
 

Quick question, which would you prefer? Similar prices, similar quality.
(actually, I can save about $250 with the eTape, but curious about your opinions on each)
JP

Well, being a LeMond rider I would say the Etape...but that is bias. In spite of that the LeMond is a nice bike for the $...I love my LeMond.

Cheers,

Brian

They're completely different bikes. What kind of riding are you doing?

I have an Allez and I love it. Solid, sturdy bike and for the price it is great.

Which Allez are you considering?

Allez is a great bike!!

I'll be doing weekend/weeknight rides of beginner length to get in shape. I definitely want something I'm not embarassed about and can grow with me as my strength increases.
In my area, I've heard great things about Specialized, but the eTape is about $250 cheaper (only new Allez's versus close-out eTape's)
I'd be considering the basic Allez double or an equivalent eTape

bump

There is no bike to be embarrassed of as long as you can keep up. Personally, i would look for a used Cannondale CAAD or E5 Allez off Craigslist or Ebay for a first bike.

The current Allez frames are more like the ones in 2004 than the better ones of 2006-2007.

Full Disclosure: I have an Allez Elite but I'll be unbiased as possible. I think they'll both suit your needs well, but the components on the Allez seem to be better since it's Sora/Tiagra vs. 2203/Sora and the Allez is 9 speed vs. 8 speed. Personally, I don't like Sora or 2203 shifters since they have the thumb shift. The Lemond looks better though with it's red/white color scheme if that matters. The $250 price difference makes it a tough choice because of the component difference. I'd go for the Allez but I think that's my bias talking.