Hey,

I'm new to road biking and about to buy my first...

I'm looking at a Trek 1000 and a Specialized Allez...both entry level bikes.

The specialized has a carbon fork vs. an alloy on the Trek. Both bikes are Sora equiped but the Allez has Tiagra in the rear derailleur. Other wise I think the specs are pretty comparable.

What is your experience with these bikes? Which one should I get? Are there other bikes in the $1000 Cnd price range that I should be trying out?

I'm not going to tell you which to get but personally, I'd get the Allez. I think it's slightly more upgradable and has a better fork. I've also ridden both and they both seem to handle well although I think the Allez seems to be "snappier". Which one fits better? Have you test-ridden them?

I have had a allez frame and i enjoyed it alot, i have not tested the giant, so it is up to you.

When I go on Ebay, there are loads of Trek 1000s being auctioned all the time. I don't know if it's because the bike is sold everywhere but I get the feeling that most riders sell it because of the hard Alu frame and low-end components. As I said before, if you have limited funds, go for a low end steel bike.

There is nothing worse out there then to buy a low end Alu ride that breaks your rear end after 20 miles.

Have you looked at other ones like the Giant OCR line? A buddy just bought an OCR1 for ~$1000.00 (US) so I would assume the OCR2 would fall in your price range.

IMO, I'd look for at least 105 components if possible...you will appreciate the difference in smoothness.

I'm not sure how the price translates to US$$. I looked at the Trek 1200, Spec. Allez and Giant OCR's. Trek was "tinny" to me, Spec. didn't appeal to my eye. The Giant had a good price point for the components. It test rode great! I bought the OCR2 @ $850. Tiagra/105. I would avoid the Sora if possible. They will work well but are not upgradeable throughout the product line.

Sheldon

I just bought an Allez Sport. I love it. The Trek is also a good bike. I compared my Allez back to back with a Cannondale, and the Allez just felt like home. The fact it was $400 cheaper didn't hurt either. But honestly, I so wanted to buy a Cannondale, I found myself making excuses for it. In the end, I couldn't lie to myself. The Specialized felt better.

For what it's worth.

I say ride the two back to back and make your choice. So much of it's personal, and honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with either.

Good luck with your choice.