I am looking at the 2009 Scott Speedster S40 and the 2010 Specialized Allez Sport. The Scott would need to be ordered online. I test rode the Specialized and it seems pretty comfortable but has slightly lower quality components from what I can tell. I have had two back surgeries so comfort is my main issue. I will ride only for excercise and maybe a one day charity ride occasionally if I can get back into shape without back issues. Any opinions on either. The Scott is about $50 cheaper but I cannot test ride. Thanks.

If comfort is the main thing, why not one of the more relaxed geometry bikes, like the Roubaix, Synapse, etc?

Maybe price. how much do those run?

I think the Roubaix will be significantly more, however, the Secteur (Specialized) is the same geo but aluminum and only a few bucks more than the Allez Sport.

When I was shopping for a new ride I rode everything I could get my butt on. I really took a long look at the the Specialized line and rode several. Most of them were loaded w/ Sram components w/ the double tap which was the deal breaker for me. They rode great, but I could not get past the shifters. I chose an '08 Scott CR-1 Team w/ a full 105 and never looked back. I wanted to flip the stem from the upright position and the LBS told me to wait 'til I got used to it. I've never changed it. I've ridden over 3,500 miles so far and loving every mile.

I had to change the seat to a Bontrager, The Scott seat started digging into my legs after I dropped weight after my knee surgery.

Good luck!!

You could probably get a sense of how the Scott Speedster and Spec. Allez would compare, fit-wise, by doing a close comparison of the geometry specs from both vendors' websites.

At the same price point of the Allez, Specialized also makes the Secteur, which has a more comfort-oriented geometry (taller head tube, for one thing), that is based on the Roubaix geometry. (Allez is to Tarmac as Secteur is to Roubaix, more or less). (Oh, I see that this is a dupe of what someone said above - sorry!)

The Speedster is, I think closer to the Allez geometry than it is to the Secteur.

I bought a Scott because I like the way they look. Buy the one you like. It's not about need, it's about want - get the one you like instinctively. It's easier that way.

What do you look at to determine a more relaxed geometry.

The Secteur is esssntially an aluminum Roubaix. Base model starts at about $800 and that has pretty relaxed geometry but it is not pure comfort per se. It is going to be more comfortable than a regular road bike but you may be able to find something with more lax angles. There are a lot of things to look at for comfort. the saddle to handlebar drop, your reach to the handlebars, but for a relaxed feel, maybe look at a longer chainstay, seat and headtube angles that are not too steep. The best way to find out what you like is to test ride a bunch of different ones. Go for frame geometry and size first and then decide on componetry level. Good luck!

A lot of places are going to categorize this type of bike as a sportive or endurance road bike - peruse some of the offerings available at review/on-line magazines to get an idea.

I cracked over a Specialized Secteur Elite Triple and I can't but recommend it for you!
I have the same use and need of a bike as yours, and it is working fine...

Interesting take on SRAM. I just noticed yesterday it's induced a strange new habit--single- finger downshifting on the RD. This was something I never thought about trying when I rode Shimano, because it wasn't possible, but with SRAM it just sort of happened.

Two-finger riding the hoods braking and one finger in the drops braking, doable with all. SRAM brakes have great modulation. I've only locked-up skidded one time when two dogs got into my path, and I panicked; they weren't attacking, they just weren't looking where they were going.

Bottom line, I don't think anybody should look at SRAM as a deal-breaker. It's good stuff.

Some people are just used to two shifting levers, whether or not SRAM makes quality products.

You can look at the geometry spec sheet or ride it. Never buy a bike that doesn't fit comfortably.

If they all fit and are on budget, then it all comes down to personal preference. Buy what you like now - you'll be upgrading or trading that bike soon enough.

Hey ...

We all know that SRAM makes excellent components. I just wasn't willing to rethink / relearn the shifting process. Alot going on out during a ride. Don't want to stop and think about shifting.

Thanks

EMS and REI sell Scott bikes if you have one near you and you want to test ride one. Just call first and make sure that the model/size is built up and on the floor first.

Scott

I love my Scott S40 and would definetly recommend it, but as mentioned beforehand it is definetly not a more relaxed road bike. Have you considered steel?
https://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik...satellite.html
https://www.bianchiusa.com/bikes/gran-fondo/imola/
Or if you wanted to stay AL try the Trek pilot, C-dale synapse, Specialized secteur, Jamis Ventura etc..