General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Shopping for new bike - down to three Rss Feed  
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2006-06-01 8:17 PM

Expert
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Subject: Shopping for new bike - down to three
OK, I have been looking to buy a new road bike for a while and I have a budget of around 700-750. I have been a mountain biker for years and this is my first venture into this unknown realm of road bicycles. My first tri and my only century ride have been on my high-end mountain bike.

I have come down to three main choices:

Trek 1000 (http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=1413000&f=4)

Specialized Allez (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=12390&bikeTab=techspecz)

Scott Speedster S 50 (http://www.scottusa.com/product.php?UID=7970)

Does anyone have any experience with any of these? Any opinions? thoughts? Thanks a lot.


Edited by mscotthall 2006-06-01 8:18 PM


2006-06-02 1:17 AM
in reply to: #440828

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Subject: RE: Shopping for new bike - down to three
I've got a specialized Allez and I love it. I have upgraded the wheels and added aerobars but that is it. Most important thing though is fit. You should see if your LBS will let you test ride some of these models. Go with whatever feels right. Good luck.

Cheers,

Mike

Edited by browner6 2006-06-02 1:18 AM
2006-06-02 7:00 AM
in reply to: #440828

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Subject: RE: Shopping for new bike - down to three

I have the Trek 1000, it gets the job done, but after only 1.5 years, I am already looking for a new bike.  Not becasue I hate it, but because I want a Tri specific bike.  The only thing I would reccomend (other than buying the bike that fits you best) is to consider whether or not this will be used mainly in group rides or by yourself.  If it will be used mainly by yourself (ie training rides, Tris, etc...) I would reccomend looking a a Tri specific road bike.  You should be able to find some good closeout deals (last years models) around your price range.

 

Just my $.02

 Benihana

2006-06-02 7:04 AM
in reply to: #440828

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Queen BTich
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Subject: RE: Shopping for new bike - down to three

The most important thing is what feels the most comfortable to YOU. They are each entry level bikes. Don't buy for the 'name' or what other people have, buy what you like.

2006-06-02 10:55 AM
in reply to: #440828

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Subject: RE: Shopping for new bike - down to three

I have a Trek.  Good bike, no problems with it.  My daughter has a specialized.  They were priced about the same, maybe 10 bucks difference on them, but the Specialized seems to give you a little better equipment than the Trek - better seat, more carbon, etc.  She also likes the compact frame on the Specialized vs. the Trek.

 The biggest decision is to be comfortable - if you are equally comfortable, then look for the bike with a few more bells & whistles. 

T

2006-06-02 12:06 PM
in reply to: #440828

Elite
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Subject: RE: Shopping for new bike - down to three
Different frames styles - there is a noticable difference between the two. You should ride them and see which you like more. The componentry sux, you may want to increase your budget if possible to get 105 components instead of the Sora/Tiagra mix.



2006-06-02 12:36 PM
in reply to: #441393

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Subject: RE: Shopping for new bike - down to three

ChuckyFinster - 2006-06-02 1:06 PM Different frames styles - there is a noticable difference between the two. You should ride them and see which you like more. The componentry sux, you may want to increase your budget if possible to get 105 components instead of the Sora/Tiagra mix.

I know that it is difficult to dig deeper when it comes to a bike, but Chucky is absolutely correct in stating that you ought to set your sights on 105 componentry (or better) ... yes it is going to knock the price up more than you want, but you will end up increasing the use-life of the bike.

The alternative is to stick to the entry level components and live with it for a season ... and then take the bath when you upgrade. (Entry level bikes with those components will have a limited market for resale ... plus, the resale on bikes is akin to that of cars - as soon as you leave the store, they lose a considerable amount of value.)

Either way is a valid approach - just so that you make that decision, though, with the understanding of the trade-off.

2006-06-02 3:22 PM
in reply to: #440828

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Shopping for new bike - down to three
I have a Trek 1000 and have ridden it for 1.5 years and 2,500 miles.

Overall it's good bike. In fact, I got my FIRST FLAT EVER just a week ago! I was starting to think my tires were made of steel! No spokes have broken on the wheels. The brake pads are the original ones and still going strong.

I will say the only issue I have had with the bike... are the gears. It took me many months of struggling... and going back to the bike shop... and then to another bike shop... to finally find someone who could fix the gears so I could use all of them and not rub the derailer.

In fact, I had about 5 months of riding (thanks to the bike shop not knowing how to fix it) where I wasn't even able to shift into the big ring (? terminology). It sucked... and I had just about given up on the bike... when I found someone to fix it.

So, it's a great entry level bike and you will do good on it for about 1-2 years... and then you are going to want to upgrade. But, the good thing is that you learn what you need and don't need on your next bike.

Otherwise... my boyfriend has a Specialized... and he loves it. He first had a Trek 1200... then then bought the Specialized because it rode better (he demolished is Trek after 1 month).



Edited by KSH 2006-06-02 3:23 PM
2006-06-02 9:02 PM
in reply to: #440828

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Subject: RE: Shopping for new bike - down to three
You know, it is getting close to the end of the season for the 2006 bikes.  So bike shops may be soon trying to unload the 2006 models.  Also, see if any have any 2005 or older bikes that are left over and in your size as you may be able to get a bargain on one, especially if you can stretch your budget a bit. 
I would recommend that you consider holding off a bit until you can afford to buy a slightly nicer bike (such as the Trek 1500 or Cannondale 700) that can be had for something like 1100-1300 (something that would have components that are all at least Shimano 105).  I waited until I could (barely) afford to buy the Trek 1500 and it has turned out to be a great decision.
2006-06-03 3:07 AM
in reply to: #441955

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Subject: RE: Shopping for new bike - down to three

oceanannie - 2006-06-02 9:02 PM You know, it is getting close to the end of the season for the 2006 bikes.  So bike shops may be soon trying to unload the 2006 models.  Also, see if any have any 2005 or older bikes that are left over and in your size as you may be able to get a bargain on one, especially if you can stretch your budget a bit. 
I would recommend that you consider holding off a bit until you can afford to buy a slightly nicer bike (such as the Trek 1500 or Cannondale 700) that can be had for something like 1100-1300 (something that would have components that are all at least Shimano 105).  I waited until I could (barely) afford to buy the Trek 1500 and it has turned out to be a great decision.

Season doesn't end until the fall. This is pretty much the peak of the model year right now, though you may still find last year's and older models on sale.

2006-06-03 7:38 AM
in reply to: #440828

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Subject: RE: Shopping for new bike - down to three
I have the trek 1000 also. The front derailur (sp?) does have some problems at time due to cable stretch (I have the triple), the cable has stretched a little (I bought it new in mar and it has around 400 miles on it). I just had one of my "roadie" buddies from the bike club adjust it and it works fine. I got a 2005 model for 550.00. My partner has the same exact bike and he has the same problem, hopefully after 1000 or so miles it won't need as many adjustments...

Other than that it has been bulletproof and I have been told all new bikes require that adjustment as the cables stretch and wear in, since you have a MTB background you can probably do this yourself, and it is not a big deal. I did add clip on aerobars I got off e bay for like 20.00 and 2 bottle cages, and I added look pedals and cleats from e bay (I think both were like 50.00 ebay). I have only done 4 sprints and some training rides......I looked at the specialized allez and the Giant OCR entry level also, I just got a better (ie cheaper) deal on the trek. I have been told the trek is easier to sell used due to brand recognition (Lance and all that)...but who knows....just my 2 cents


2006-06-03 11:11 AM
in reply to: #441729

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Subject: RE: Shopping for new bike - down to three
KSH - 2006-06-02 1:22 PM

I have a Trek 1000 and have ridden it for 1.5 years and 2,500 miles.

Overall it's good bike. In fact, I got my FIRST FLAT EVER just a week ago! I was starting to think my tires were made of steel! No spokes have broken on the wheels. The brake pads are the original ones and still going strong.



I heart my Trek too. It sounds like the bike has served you well, but all of the above are not necessarily good things. My Trek came with some Ultegra brake pads that are as hard as hell and don't ever seem to wear out, but I had to change them because they were scatching my rims.

By your avatar, I am judging you are fairly light. You'll have less probability of breaking spokes and getting flats than someone heavier. You could probably go with an even lighter wheel and still not break spokes.

Jen
2006-06-03 11:33 AM
in reply to: #440828

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Subject: RE: Shopping for new bike - down to three

Iron Horse is a fantastic value and great quality bike.  We got my girlfriend one a couple seasons ago and I was very impressed with the quality of the frame and it was decked out with a nice Ultegra and FSA package for $1200.  It's a small company so you're not paying to have "Trek" or "Giant" painted on the side but I honestly thing these biles are every bit as good as the big names.  I think you can still find the Glory online for under $1000 now.  This is the model we bought.  The Triumph Comp is a step down on the components but still a very nice ride for the $$$.

http://www.bicyclebuys.com/Items01.asp?NavID=moreinfo&SKU=IHGL4PART 

http://www.bicyclebuys.com/Items01.asp?NavID=moreinfo&SKU=IHTC4PART 

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