Tell me what you think about this possible purchase
 

I'm really looking into getting a Specialized Secteur with Apex. Already went to the LBS and they're gonna build it for me to test it out. I'm new to road biking (currently a MTB'er), and today I test road a Tiagra equipped Allez and really liked how it picked up speed as opposed to my MTB.

Three points I'd like your opinion on.

1) Going with Apex as opposed to Shimano. Apex is really new and untested. But people speak so great about it. What you think ?

2) Secteur vs Allez. Am I really on the right track by going for the relaxed geometry bike ? (I'm not very fit)

3) One of the employees told me I could get the manager lower me from an MSRP of $1450 to about $1300 or $1250. What price would be a good deal if I can get it ?

Thanks, bike pic and specs link below.

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/1331/secteur.jpg

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...01&scname=Road

Do they have a Roubaix you can try? The Secteur's geometry is the same as the Secteur. I have an Allez and when I bought it, I weighed 215 (5'11") and I didn't find it too aggressive. I now weigh 173 and I rode a friend's Giant TCR something or other and I found that much more aggressive.

Apex is more tested than people think, I noticed its incredibly similar to first generation Rival, especially the shifters, wouldn't be surprised if thats what it is. Bike is great, Assume 200 bucks off is a great deal and they should be able to do that, but the manager needs to talk to the sales guy about saying stuff like that. But you will be really happy with that bike.

As far as the allez vs. secteur argument, the new Allez Comp really is an amazing bike and fast as all get out but it depends on what your end goal is, if you are looking to ride to get fit and just have fun and do some club races and fast group rides, it will work great with the secteur, if you are looking for a bike that will be a great entry level budget racer, go for the allez. Thats all i can really say. pick the one that works the best for you.

ALso remeber that individual fit of the bike can change the aggressiveness of the frame. including stem length, Handlebar to saddle drop, saddle height....

the Roubaix or Tarmac would be a good option if you can swing the extra bucks for one. They should start at 2 grand, probably can get one for 1850 if you push hard enough.

All their Roubaix are too large for me. But that's not a concern because next week they're gonna have both a 52 cm Secteur and a 52 cm Allez for me to try. The Allez I tried today was a 54 cm and thought it was too large because my elbows were too streched out. So I'm gonna try the 52 cm.

I don't think I can push for that. Actually, going for Apex is my stretch, as I was initially looking at Tiagra.

How did you make out with your choice? I am in similar situation only on the other end of the size spectrum. I am 6'5", 235. LBS is building a Secteur and they have a Roubaix both in Apex and both 61. I am torn (not to mention the $600 or so difference)!!
Interested in your opinion.