Giovanni

To start off, Im a noob. About a month ago I decided to purchase a road bike. I am still really new to all this, but thought I had made an alright decision. I decided to get an '08 allez comp.
Then today I spotted this (iron horse triumph comp) for under half the price of an allez comp:




Frame: SEMI-COMPACT BUTTED ALLOY ROAD FRAME, 1 1/8" INTEGRATED HEADTUBE
Fork: CARBON W/ ALLOY STEERER
Rear Shock: N/A
Front Derailleur: SHIMANO TIAGRA
Rear Derailleur: SHIMANO 105
Shifters: SHIMANO 105 DUAL CONTROL STI
Brakes Levers: 105 STI, PLUS TEKTRO CYCLOCROSS
Brakes: TEKTRO ROAD
Chain: SHIMANO HG-73
Crankset: TRUVATIV ISOFLOW ROAD POWERSPLINE
Cassette: SUNRACE 9 SPEED, 11124
Bottom Bracket: TRUVATIV POWERSPLINE
Headset: INTEGRATED ALLOY
Saddle: SELLE ROYAL VIPER
Seat Post: ALLOY MICRO ADJUST
Handlebar: ALLOY OVERSIZE
Grips: BLACK
Stem: TRUVATIV XR OVERSIZE
Tires: VITTORIA ZAFFIRO 700X25MM
Wheelset: ALEX 32H ALLOY BLACK W/ MACHINED SIDEWALLS
Color: RED




Now Im wondering why its half price with the same components? and what is the difference in a comp and a double? sorry for the noob questions, I have no idea what I'm doing.

Jynx

Specialized is a better name so they can charge more. You made a fine choice.

humboldt'sroads

exactly. be happy.

KevinF

A "compact" crankset means that the two rings in front are smaller (i.e., have less teeth) then a "standard" double does. i.e., "standard" doubles have two rings, which usually have 39 and 53 teeth. "Compact" doubles also have two rings, which usually have 34 and 50 teeth. The usual affect of this "tooth reduction" is that you get low-end bail-out gears that aren't physically possible to get on standard doubles.

There's a little more to it then that -- i.e., the real affect of what happens with a compact is also dependent on exactly which gears are installed on the rear wheel as well, but the jist of it is that you lose a gear or two on the high end and get them back on the low end.

Compact's aren't inherently superior to doubles and double's aren't inherently superior to compacts. The topic is discussed around here about twice a week -- do some searches if you want the mind-numbing arguments for and against them.

big john

You didn't say if you already got the bike. Are you reconsidering because you haven't bought a bike yet?
I'm sure an Iron Horse will be fine for you if it fits.

Asian Sensation

yup, compacts have less teeth. It's a compromise between a triple and a double. You don't get the extremely low gearing of a triple but you also don't have the weight (and it looks better). In comparison to a standard double you will be able to climb easier, however in the top end you'll lose a bit as well.

I ride a tarmac standard. Considered other brands but in the end I bought it because the LBS was a specialized store and offered increadible customer service. Who cares if its more expensive, its cycling...

LanceFanBoy

Specialized are great bikes, I wish there weren't so many great options out there or that i had more money for a bigger collection! haha

Giovanni

Thanks everyone for the comments

garysol1 

at this level the bikes should be very comparable. The one component I see that may make a real difference is the crank which does effect shifting quality. The Specialized has a true Shimano crank while the Iron Horse has a Truvativ. Also, the Specialized comes with a Alias saddle which is very nice and MOST people really like them. Last thing is the store. Are both bikes at local bike shops? Will you be fitted to the correct size bike? Any discounts on accessory's? Don't miss the details......

Beaker

Have you already purchased?

Either way the Specialized is a very nice bike, lots of people on BF ride the Allez. I'm thinking that aesthetically you're happier with it, but the price difference is causing you some indigestion. If you've bought the Allez, then just enjoy it -- I really like the look of the comp. If not, then consider if 6 months later you'll really still enjoy saving a few hundred bucks, but will eventually be yearning after the hot looking Allez anyway.