bfaridnia

New 2010 model for $599.

Im 6'5" and need something around 61cm. This is just the right fit. I am training for the AIDS LifeCycle ride in June and so far did about 1,100 miles on my $275 Target Schwinn (30cm frame)

This is around my budget of $500-600.

so.. Deal or No Deal.

bonz50

a low end allez, but a solid bike... you could do a LOT worse...

RacerOne

Great bike for what you plan to do.

bfaridnia

yes. I mean I cant believe I did so many miles on the Schwinn... Its actually not that bad, but after sitting on this bike I can see how much of a difference it will be. Just want to make sure its not cheapo or anything. Obviously lower end ($600 price tag) but for that $600 is it a good deal.

bonz50

yes

Hida Yanra

yes - good bikes.

I had one for my first few years of road riding, and my first two years of racing. You'll be just fine.

mpath

I bought the 2008 Allez when I got back into cycling a couple summers ago. I think it's a great entry bike and $599 is a good deal. If I recall, I picked mine up for around $800Cdn back then. I've since upgraded, but still use the Allez on the trainer and winter rides.

55/Rad

The Allez yes, the Allex not so much.

alexvpaq

IMHO I prefer Alex over Allez

bfaridnia

Lol. Yeah can't change the thread title. I think the allex is the chinese knock off.

bfaridnia

I agree. For the most part since I've been riding (since 2005) I've always done at least 20-30 mile rides with Centuries tossed in there. Having done 6 centuries on my Schwinn, I realize that the bike will make the ride nicer, but I need to make sure I get the right quality and fit to make it more efficient, and safe (health, neck, etc).

I think distance riding will be something for me. I am coming from flat bars and like the drop bar riding style. I also talked to the store (which i think is what LBS stands for?) and they said they do free fits for the bike since its new and I'm getting it from them.

The only thing is I'm new to buying nice bikes (as noted in my target purchase) and just want to make sure that when I get up tot he $600 price range, i'm getting whats good for the money.

Two other choices I was considering:
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...0_20000_400001
and
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...551_1077564_-1

But after doing some research here on the forums, I think the Fuji will have too much of a "soft" frame and frame issues and the GT might not live up to the distance I'll be putting it through.

I really appreciate the comments here. Glad to be a part of this community.

catonec 

I like the GT personally. You would be the only one there riding one, everyone owns a specailized. I have a fond memories of my rts.

bfaridnia

Picked up the Specialized Allez yesterday. Love the framing and slim styling. The GT was sold out (2010 model) so that made it easier for me to decide.

Got it for $641 after tax.

Thanks again for all the feedback on the brand. I'm learning!