jdub1200

Hi everyone-

I posted a few weeks ago wondering whether I should upgrade my Allez Triple to 105s all around or sell that one and get a better bike...well, after a couple weeks, the bug hasn't gone away, and I'm now seriously considering selling my bike to get one of the aforementioned bikes.

The primary duties of the bike would be split between commute (about 5 miles roundtrip a day) and short rides on the weekends up to about 20 miles. I don't feel I'm ready for club rides or races just yet.

Now this question has probably been beaten to death on this board, but maybe you guys can help me decide whether I should go with the carbon Tarmac or the aluminum Allez Expert?

The Allez Expert has Ultegras all around and the Tarmac Elite has 105s all around...so, aluminum with Ultegra or carbon with 105? Thanks everyone!

Oh, and if you have any other bikes under 2k that you would recommend, I'd love to hear them!

landshark

Why bother? Is there something wrong with your Allez?

jdub1200

I don't like the Sora Shifters (can't shift from drop)/FD and figure if I'm going to upgrade those, I might as well upgrade the whole thing.

RazorWind

If your longest ride is 20 miles, I'd say you have no pressing need to upgrade unless you've recently broken something major. You won't really notice the difference between 105 and ultegra. A carbon frame might be worth it, but when I was in the market recently, I didn't really think it was worth a huge amount more than a quality aluminum frame.

I say get some nice gear instead of a new bike. For instance, get some more shorts (nice ones) and jerseys or maybe a nice set of wheels or a different saddle.

J.W.

Just pick up some shifters off of ebay. If you wait for deals you could upgrade the whole groupset, just piece it together (i will do this eventually).

I dont really think you need a Tarmac if you dont think your ready for club rides or races.

foresthill

You could get a set of 105 shifters and an FD for a whole lot less than a new bike.

But if you do go for a whole new bike, I'd think going for the significant frame upgrade of the Tarmac would be the better direction.

mkauffman

I got that bug over the winter and went with the Tarmac. Couldn't be happier with it.

NeezyDeezy

+1

I've owned everything between sora and dura-ace, comprehensive, and the differences are over-rated. Your allez is a great bike, so keep riding it until something breaks.

yogi13

Two years ago, I had the same decision to make. I bought the Allez Expert, as it just felt better and a little more refined than the low end Tarmac with 105. But, I was replacing a 15 or so year old bike. Since you already have an Allez, I'd probably just try to pick up some 105 sti levers on ebay, plus the FD.

FWIW, I'm not sure that the low end Tarmac carbon frame is better than the high end E5 aluminum frame of the Expert level Allez.

jdub1200

I called my LBS to inquire about upgrading my shifters and FD to 105s, but I can't use the current 105 shifters because I have an 07 model which is an 8-speed and the 105 shifters are 10 speed i believe...does this sound right?

KidTruth

Yes it does.. And what bike to upgrade to depends on your budget. The Allez Elite ('08) is better bang for your buck - carbon seatstays, carbon fork, carbon seatpost, zertz inserts, 105 rerailleur and tiagra components. Double the price and you can get the Tarmac, which is full carbon and will come with ultegra.

The Tarmac is superior in every way (except possibly value) so it all depends on how much money you have to spend.