Blade2004

I will be honest that I am getting into road bikes for the first time. I have done a good bit of looking around and have narrowed my choices down to the Specialized Allez Elite and Trek 1500. I am open to some other last minute suggestions, but the Specialized is where I am leaning currently.

I anticipate riding alone and in group rides around the city, and would rather buy something that I can grow into. I am in my mid-30's and in reasonable shape... but look forward to what I could accomplish. My first goal is a century later in the summer.

My main question revolves around the right bike for doing things like centuries? I am not too aggresive, so I don't anticipate getting into crit's or anything nuts like that. Mostly personal challenge type events. I have read that some of the bikes (e.g. Trek Pilot series) are built around comfort and more upright positioning than some of the others.... I'm not entirely sure that would make a difference for me or not. I rode the Specialized and it seemed like a decent, comfortable bike.

Blade2004

BTW: $1200 was around the price that I was willing to spend on the bike... so don't bother with the $2300 carbon fiber bikes... I know.. I know...

el twe

Check out the Allez. I've heard good things about them. Decent components, good frame materials, and a lot of people ride on 'em as a middle end (not really an end, I guess) road bike. Give both a test ride though to see what works for you.

Serpico

get a lemond croix de fer, for 1200$. almost same price as that allez, has better components, better wheels, true temper O X steel frame, and their aren't a million of them on the road already and they look (croix) sweet

lemond is owned by trek and manufactured by trek

www.lemondbikes.com

bigskymacadam

started out two months ago with the same idea as you ... long rides, no crits or rr.

so i gotta lemond big sky sl. specialized sequoia is the comparable road/touring bike setting your position a little more upright.

today's a little different, however. i have the urge to try out racing, so i'm making adjustments to the bike for a not so upright position.

larue

I was going to recommend a lemond big sky as well.

LordOpie

Ditto in a big big way.

I test rode one for an hour once and holy crap for crap it was sweet. The shop was having trouble fitting it to me, so I put it aside for the meantime and might go custom with the same tubing, but that OX steel was amazing!

Remember, any little noise/vibration that is oh so slightly annoying on test ride will drive you insane at mile 80.

el twe

Or Lemond works. My 2nd favorite bike brand ever!

DocJ

I was in your shoes a few months ago and also had the Allez Elite at the top of my list, but wound up getting an '05 Fuji Roubaix Pro. It was in the same price range (actually $1000) and after a few test rides, I was a little surprised the Roubaix just felt alot better to me. It has carbon rear stays, too, which is cool. For the money, I couldn't be happier. Compared to what I had ridden for years (old Cannondale) this bike is 200% more comfortable on long/medium rides.

Blade2004

The more reading I do on this Lemond bike, the more interesting it looks. People really seem to love this bike. What is it specifically that people like the most?

Is the upright position that evident over some of the other bikes like the Allez Elite. I haven't tried the Lemond to be honest, but it may be worth a spin before making a final decision.


Big Sky: True, true, never say never... but being mid-30's and not that aggresive, seems to lean me away from racing thoughts... I have the R/C Car for that... and when it hits a wall, I don't get hurt other than in the wallet.

EricT

I just bought an Allez Elite. Like you, I looked at Trek, Giant, and also Canondale, but the Specialized just seemed like the best deal. 105 components plus an Ultegra rear, and it's got the Zertz inserts in the forks and seatpost, which supposedly take up vibration. Besides the bang-for-the-buck factor, I chose the Allez because the shop that sold them was really awesome. The first time I went in there, one of the guys spent about an hour just showing me the bikes, the next time about an hour fitting me for a test ride, and almost two hours helping me when I went to actually buy it. Great support. Unfortunately, I didn't see any Lemonds to try.

I just started cycling a few weeks ago when I got the bike, so I'm no expert. But I'm really happy with my bike so far. It's been a lot of fun riding. They fit me with a comfort-oriented set up for now, with the stem/bars up on the high side. As I get better and more experienced, I can go to a more agressive setup. I haven't experienced any vibration-related problems, though my longest ride to date has only been 1hr 15 min. Gonna increase it this weekend. Actually I was fairly impressed with how the forks and seatpost soak up high frequency vibrations.

I think if this is something I really stick with, I will probably upgrade to a carbon frame at some point for an even smoother ride, but for now this bike far outstrips my capabilities.

Dchiefransom

As long as you're down at the Specialized dealer, have them set up a Roubaix Elite for you and give it a good spin.

Patriot

I definitely think the Lemond Croix de Fer, it has a steel frame, and will last you forever. It may be a pound heavier than aluminum, but it is an awesome ride, especially if you want something to ride long distances with.
If I didn't have a fairly decent steel bike right now, and was to buy a commuter, it was be a Fuji Roubaix Pro (steel), or Lemond Croix de Fer (steel).

twilkins9076

I'm a big fan of the Specialized Sequoia for the type of riding you say you want to do. This is my 3rd year on one, and I'm very pleased with it. It's not quite as quick and nimble as the allez, but gives a ride that is as comfortable as the steel bikes I rode before making the purchase.

I did, however, very quickly change out the seat and lost the 2nd set of brake handles.

LordOpie

both wonderful bikes. And to clarify, the 2004 Fuji is 853 steel. The 2005 is not steel.

Waldo

I second the ideas for the LeMonds. They only issue I forsee is the fit-some people just aren't comfortable on the LeMonds. The Croix is definitely an excellent steel ride, particularly for the money. Made in the US is cool, too. If you are thinking of taking it easier, as others said, check out the Big Sky. We've sold quite a few of those, but it's a little too relaxed for some. Ride as many as you can and go from there.
With regard to the original bikes you mentioned, I'd take the Allez over the 1500. Enjoy the new ride, whichever one it is!

moosrider

for long rides, you might look into a bike like the roubaix. its got relaxed geometry and will keep you ccomfy for long rides. my mom has it and it totally kicks ass. I prefer a bit more agressive geometry but for her its perfect. definitely test ride it. she got a killer deal at way under 2k.

Patriot

YEs the Fuji went aluminum in the new Roubaix Pro, which is I why I specifically mentioned the steel version. I saw them on sale in the Performance catalog I got in the mail. If I was to but a bike right now, it would either of those two. Probably the Fuji, as it is a little cheaper.

If I felt like just spending an extra $250, then I would go for the LeMond. Just because it is a LeMond, and it would satisfy the proper pose.

blt1175

I am actually considering this bike or the Cannondale R1000. I'm a beginner with this being my first bike. Seems liek the Cannondale has better components for the same price. I want the bike to do mostly club rides and for solo riding. I heard mixed reviews about which is more comfortable. I've heard people say that they can ride both 50+ miles and still feel like they can go another 50. Any comments on which one to lean towards? I have tested both of them although the LBS wouldn't let me out of there small parking lot to really get a feel for it so I"m not sure how they would feel on a long ride.

moosrider

i have a cdale r600 and i adore it

scubajim

Stay away from walls or put soft barrier around the base of the wall! An old firehose is what my RC club in Germany used! Never damaged one!

khuon

The Specialized Allez lineup is what I recommend as a pretty safe bet to start looking at without knowing too much about a person. However, I will have to agree with others in that the LeMond has a better all-day geometry. And I also second the suggestions to look at the Fujis (didn't know the Roubaix Pro went aluminum this year... oh well). You can usually find Fujis with the same level of frame and components as those from other bike companies at lower prices. As far as the Sequioa is concerned, I think it's a great bike but unless you're truly going to benefit from it's special features (comfort-profiled handlebars, aux brake levers which you can easily add to any bike, Zertz inserts) then you're paying a premium for the packaging. If you only want some of those features then it might be more economical to buy just those parts and retrofit.

JungleCat

Your profile fits mine exactly. I bought a Trek 1500 today.

I tested out the Marin Mill Valley, Cannondale Road Warrior, Cannondale R1000, Lemond Big Sky and the Trek 1500. I really liked the Marin Mill Valley until a 2004 Trek 1500 was put in my hands. After all that testing, it took about three cranks of the pedals for me to choose the Trek. It felt quick and sturdy; the components were beyond what I thought I could afford but I got it for $900.

The Big Sky was nice and looked sweet but the upright position was a little awkward and seemed to lack the zip that the Marin and Trek had. Like everyone says though, it's about how you feel on the bike. Good luck!

Trouble

Don't even mess around with this stuff. Go get professionally fitted and get a custom steel bike with Ultegra. You will ride this bike everyday and it will fit YOU like a glove. It's going to cost more, but I promise you, if you enjoy riding and start doing centuries, you will end up buying a new bike anyway.
Many will agree to this. They have been there, done that.

SJK

Check out the Giant OCR carbon's. Steel is great also. I have a steel and an aluminum bike. If I was looking now (for your type of riding) it would be steel or carbon.