The entry level bike I bought about eight months ago was a Trek 2300, and from what I can tell, it's a 92 model. It's been fast and a good learning bike for me, but the fit is not perfect and to be honest, I want something shiny and new. Also, I need to upgrade some things like my saddle and my components, but I don't want to put a lot of money into an old frame.
If I upgrade, I probably won't spend the money on a full carbon fiber bike right now. I'm considering a Specialized Allez @ ~$1,200 (although I'd eventually like to be in a tarmac). My question is, since my current trek has carbon fiber tubes, will the aluminum Allez be heavier, and therefore slower? Or do you think that the past 17 years of technology improvements will make the Allez a much better bike, despite the fact that it isn't carbon?
Although I'd like to have something new, if going to a new Aluminum bike is not an improvement over my old carbon/aluminum bike, I'd rather wait until I can afford the Tarmac. Thoughts?
i don't know enough about bikes to answer your question (so maybe i shouldn't be posting! ), but i will tell you i just bought a used 2008 tri bike and i paid about 2/3 less than what i would have if i bought it new. So, maybe 'almost new' would get you a better bike for the same amount of money. But if you want to be the only owner, then scrap that idea!
My other thought to help you answer your own Q, go to your LBS and ride the Allez. Take your current bike with you so you can hop on that immediately after the Allez test ride and compare the two.
If I remember correctly, the 2300 from that era has carbon fiber tubes with aluminum lugs and stays. The difference in frame weight between the aluminum Allez is most likely small. Overall however, the Allez probably is a few pounds lighter due to improvements in parts, especially the wheels. The difference in weight between the three bikes you mention isn't going to make all that much difference in speed. Time in the saddle makes you faster, so if buying a new bike makes you want to ride more, I say go for it. The Allez is a great bike, but it sounds like you want the Tarmac. I was about to buy an Allez last year when a carbon LaPierre fell into my lap for about $700 more. That is one decision I have never regretted.
good idea to ride them all and compare...my current 2300 does have aluminum lugs and stays, so I can see where the weight may not be a big deal. I'm not really looking for a bike to make me faster, I know I just need to ride more. My real concern is that my cluster is shimano 600 and is sluggish and worn. I've cleaned it and tuned it up, but I have a shifter that is almost stripped and I don't think that the fit is great. I feel like my saddle needs to be farther forward. I've even lowered it a little more than normal to get a few cm's closer to forward. I'd also need to add a new saddle if I keep my current bike (which could obviously be transferred). But you're right, Rex, I do really want the Tarmac. I'd hate to buy and feel like I didn't really get what I wanted. I'll probably shop the used market and see if I can find something. Thanks!
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2009-07-11 12:43 PM
69
Birmingham, AL
Subject: Upgrade question
), but i will tell you i just bought a used 2008 tri bike and i paid about 2/3 less than what i would have if i bought it new. So, maybe 'almost new' would get you a better bike for the same amount of money. But if you want to be the only owner, then scrap that idea!
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