Trek 2.3 vs. Specialized Allez Comp (or maybe the base-level Roubaix)?
12-07-09, 07:10 PM
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Trek 2.3 vs. Specialized Allez Comp (or maybe the base-level Roubaix)?
I'm looking at getting a modern bike (from by 30 year-old Raleigh....), and am comparing the Trek 2.3 (2010) with the Specialized Allez Comp (also 2010), and would be interested in opinions.
The Trek 2.3 dropped the carbon seat-stays that the 2009 model had, but the aluminum frame has the same geometry as the lower-level Madone models. It has full 105 components, not just derailleurs and levers, but also the crank and brakes. In this regard, the 2.3 is actually a bit better equipped than the lowest-level Madone 4.5, where of course you are paying more for the frame.
The highest-level Specialized Allez (Comp) seems more or less comparable to the Trek 2.3 - on the plus side it has carbon seat says, and is mostly 105, but some other things seem not as good, including cheaper brakes.
I rode both bikes, but my correct frame size wasn't available in either, so it was a bit difficult to compare.
For either choice I want to get a compact double, rather than the triple, for better shifting at the front.
I also happened to test ride a 2009 base-level Roubaix, again at about the same price. It is a carbon frame, but not the same frame as the better Roubaix models. It was the right frame size, so again it was hard to compare it to the others. It seemed (as would be expected, I guess) a bit smoother, but perhaps less lively than the other two. I'm a big, heavy guy, so I'm a bit inclined to go with aluminum from a durability perspective, versus a lower-end carbon frame. Although the all-alum. frame of the Trek might be a bit more jarring over bumps, I didn't really feel anything objectionable over a short test ride. Maybe the formed aluminum frames have been made a bit more compliant than older aluminum frames were?
Anyway, I'd welcome any feedback on the above bikes. I will also try to check out a Felt 75, and a comparably-priced Jamis model, based on having seen some good reviews. Although I'll have to look for a store that carries them. My rough price range (store prices) is in the $1500 to maybe $1800 range. The Allez Comp might be a bit less than this - the other two were in the $1500+ range.
The Trek 2.3 dropped the carbon seat-stays that the 2009 model had, but the aluminum frame has the same geometry as the lower-level Madone models. It has full 105 components, not just derailleurs and levers, but also the crank and brakes. In this regard, the 2.3 is actually a bit better equipped than the lowest-level Madone 4.5, where of course you are paying more for the frame.
The highest-level Specialized Allez (Comp) seems more or less comparable to the Trek 2.3 - on the plus side it has carbon seat says, and is mostly 105, but some other things seem not as good, including cheaper brakes.
I rode both bikes, but my correct frame size wasn't available in either, so it was a bit difficult to compare.
For either choice I want to get a compact double, rather than the triple, for better shifting at the front.
I also happened to test ride a 2009 base-level Roubaix, again at about the same price. It is a carbon frame, but not the same frame as the better Roubaix models. It was the right frame size, so again it was hard to compare it to the others. It seemed (as would be expected, I guess) a bit smoother, but perhaps less lively than the other two. I'm a big, heavy guy, so I'm a bit inclined to go with aluminum from a durability perspective, versus a lower-end carbon frame. Although the all-alum. frame of the Trek might be a bit more jarring over bumps, I didn't really feel anything objectionable over a short test ride. Maybe the formed aluminum frames have been made a bit more compliant than older aluminum frames were?
Anyway, I'd welcome any feedback on the above bikes. I will also try to check out a Felt 75, and a comparably-priced Jamis model, based on having seen some good reviews. Although I'll have to look for a store that carries them. My rough price range (store prices) is in the $1500 to maybe $1800 range. The Allez Comp might be a bit less than this - the other two were in the $1500+ range.
Last edited by rschleicher; 12-07-09 at 07:17 PM.
