fortega00

I recently got a job at a bike shop, but as it turns out, my current ride is not one that we sell. Shop owner suggested I step up to a better bike. I'm currently on a Specialized Allez Elite. Our shop carries Trek, Cervelo, Pinarello, Willier, Look, Orbea, Felt, Cannondale, and a few others.

I was pretty set on a Trek 5.2 or 6.5, but after speaking to a few reps, I am really liking the CERVELO S2 and S3. Regardless of what I get, I will run a SRAM gruppo. I will more than likely go with some aero wheels, but I am more concerned with the frame than anything else. Weight doesn't matter either.

So just for kicks, out of these brands, which would you go with?

Walter

Can't go to wrong. I'd probably lean C'dale based on previous experience but you should be able to test ride all of them extensively.

enjoi07

if "a few others" does not include TIME then id go cervelo...with trek close behind

fortega00

funny you say that, Time is on the list.

Jay-W

You will get as many answers as there are brands in your shop.

I'll say Pinarello, just because I want one.

Or maybe the Look, Time, Orbea...

Tunnelrat81

+1 vote for Cervelo. I think right now if I was on the market for a new bike and had the money/discounts to be able to afford it, I'd go with the Cervelo. Although, That nice matte black Orca sure would look great in my bike room.

That's a hard decision though. Did he encourage you to upgrade or tell you to? Just be glad you have the financial ability to take his advice/command (assuming you do). Please let us know what you end up with though. I own and love my trek, but I'd most likely pick something else...for no particular reason.

-Jeremy

Quijibo187

it's Time time.
We just finished putting together an RXR Ulteam. It is amazing. finish is flawless. That's pretty top end stuff though, but their "cheaper" frames are still just as nicely finished and will ride beautifully.

then again, any bikes at that level are gonna be top notch, so pick whatever you like the best.

fortega00

I have narrowed it down between the Look 585, which is such an awesome frame, and the cervelo RS. It will come down to which is cheaper, and which rep wants me on their product more. Feel free to chime in on what you think. Just thought I'd keep everyone up to date. I will probably go with Sram rival for the all black color. If new SRAM force is available, I might get it just to be the first on this side of the block.

z415

Your shop sells a lot of brands - I'd go for an Orbea just for the aesthetics.

ILUVUK

LOOK or Wilier...never ridden either, but they are hot!

gpelpel

+1 for Time.

ridethecliche

Cervelo or cannondale.

mamu

Were you looking to upgrade from the Allez anyway?

mmmdonuts

Tell your boss you're thinking about a Tarmac. That should let him know what you think of his "suggestion".

edit: Actually, what I think of his suggestion.

MONGO!

Time, Look or Pinarello.

jrobe

If I worked at a shop that sold that many different brands, I would have fun the next couple months doing test rides. You have a great opportunity that 99.999% of the population doesn't have. Take your time and take advantage of this. I would do at least a 30 min ride on every bike there. You could even do it with the same set of wheels. If you rush this decision, you are foolish.

This method will be slightly more useful than asking a bunch of strangers on an internet forum.

nasv

haha, I thought that was funny. I'm sure all those high end bikes are awesome; I also have an Allez, really enjoy it, and want to avoid the upgrade bug as much as possible... the Allez works very well for me.

cuski

+1. I rode LOOK, it's awesome. The next bike is going to be a Wilier though.

sheddle

Felt AR

Rob P.

If you're thinking of trading up for just the bling factor, then either the Pinarello or Orbea with a Campagnolo Super Record grouppo. A Colnago would be better for just bling but you didn't put that on your list.

If you want a bike that will do everything, then the Orbea in either an Orca or Opal with SRAM Force or Campagnolo Chorus 11 in carbon.

If you want a commuter, then say no thanks and continue to ride your Allez.

Randochap

That's the trouble with working in a bike shop.

Since I quit, I've discovered I don't need anything new ... for a while.

Unagidon

Look. It's European Plus, I like the look of lugged carbon.

Saltybeagle

I don't know any bike shops in Miami that sells all those brands? Where?

clausen

If you want a new bike and could get a great deal fine. Otherwise you shouldn't care if your boss doesn't sell the brand of your current bike. Does every GM worker drive a GM.

fortega00

I was looking to originally switch to a full carbon bike anyway. My main gripe with the allez is really just the grouppo. Sram has really made an amazing line of groups, and I have never liked the shimano. My boss was aware of me wanting to get rid of it since way before I was working there. I am only getting rid of it because I have no space for two bikes, if not, I would keep it for training.

For those who think I should be testing bikes, I will be testing bikes, but right now I do not have the time. I am working two jobs, which only allows me about an hour and a half a day of riding, if I get lucky. After to getting some prices from a few reps, and reading a lot of reviews online on certain bikes, I'm still in love with the LOOK. They aren't as common down here as the Spec's, Trek's and Cervelo's. It won't be the 585 though. I am going for a really light budget because I want to show customers you don't need a Pinarello Prince to have fun on a weekend group ride.

The final verdict will be the Look 566 Rival, with Red shifters, and I'm a bit hung up on wheels. Most likely Easton EC 70 SL. I believe there will be some new color combos on the 566, so the pics will be on here as soon as the bike is in my possession.

For those who have questions about the shop, www.citybikesonline.com
The site is constantly changing so if it says under construction, we apologize.