General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Specialized Allez or Trek 1.1 Rss Feed  
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2012-06-11 4:01 PM

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Subject: Specialized Allez or Trek 1.1

Greetings triathletes:

I am looking into road bikes and have a dilemma. I am around the $600 price range and this puts me at the entry level road bike price point. I have fully checked out the Specialized Allez and fell in love with it but it's probably because it's the first road bike I looked at with respect to my 37 lb steel mountain bike that is way to small. I have been watching eBay for a few weeks and I have an idea of what used bike can go for but I was wondering what others did in my position. I plan on using my mountain bike for my first triathlon (9/16/12) and plan to save for a new road bike.

I am certainly interested in the two bikes listed in the title but any opinions on the Dawes Lightning 1500 (BikesDirect $550) with aero bars?

Sorry for such a generic question but how heavy are older road bikes from the 90's? I usually see vintage road bikes like Trek for cheap but I am not sure about the integrity/weight/ability to upgrade.

Thanks for any help/advise everyone!



2012-06-11 4:54 PM
in reply to: #4256178

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Subject: RE: Specialized Allez or Trek 1.1
You will not be disappointed in the Allez. I've had mine (2009 triple) for about 2.5 years and have logged 8k miles including my recent Ironman on it. A (used) set of aerobars is a must ($75). I also swapped out the 50t chainring for a 54t one (maybe $60). It's not the lightest bike but at our price range, this is a bike that will last you a really long time.
2012-06-11 5:37 PM
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Subject: RE: Specialized Allez or Trek 1.1
I was in this Exact same spot about 3 months ago I went with the allez and I am extremly happy with the decision.
2012-06-11 5:38 PM
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Iowa City, Iowa
Subject: RE: Specialized Allez or Trek 1.1

That's good to hear! I was pretty impressed with the bike and it looks more than it costs haha either way I assume in this price range I am probably going to get roughly the same quality of parts and it will really come down to which brand I like and looks. Is this a reasonable assumption?

What other bikes are in this price range that you would recommend that will last me a good five years (I'll be treating it like a Cadillac!)?

I also see quite a few frames up on eBay for sale, would buying a bike piece-by-piece for a beginner be not recommended? I think if I researched the right items I could find the correct parts and assemble the bike but I've heard mixed reviews about doing this. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

2012-06-11 6:35 PM
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Subject: RE: Specialized Allez or Trek 1.1

the Allez is an excellent ride, you will never regret it. If you're seeing them at that price, snatch one up (assuming the fit is correct!). Great design, very versatile, strong ride.

I tend to steer clear of older bikes, because, well....they're old. Like buying a used car, you don't know what you don't know - was it damaged and repaired? Are you being ripped off? Not worth the lost sleep.

I haven't heard much about the BikesDirect brands, but what I have heard was pretty good. Your call. How important is brand to you? How important is it to the people you ride with (if that matters to you)? How important is support? If it rides, it's a bike. If you're comfortable and you ride it a lot, it's a good bike. If it's also fast, it's a great bike. Doesn't matter what the hell it costs. If Lance Armstrong had ridden a Huffy fixed gear from Wal-Mart through the Alps, guess what we'd all be talking about

You asked about building a bike from components - again, your level of comfort here. Almost always, a built bike will cost less than the sum of its parts, so unless you know what you're doing, you shouldn't be building a bike from components. If it's your first bike, it's also not a good idea simply because you don't know what you're looking for! Could you tell the difference between a 105, Tiagra, Ultegra, or Dura Ace? How about Campy or SRAM? How about pedals? Forks? Bars? Lots to learn, be patient. Your first bike will get you 90% down the road (figuratively, of course - literally, it will get you 100% down all the roads you ride it on!)...along the way you'll learn what makes it tick, and what you want customized to your spec on the next bike. When you have enough knowledge and miles under your saddle, you'll know....then you'll get a rocket ship and fly it away.

2012-06-11 6:40 PM
in reply to: #4256486

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Sugar Land, Texas
Subject: RE: Specialized Allez or Trek 1.1
I bought an Allez Elite yesterday for $949 new at a LBS.  I was looking at the Dolces but this had better components for a better price.  So far I am beyond happy. I just may need to change to a female saddle.


2012-06-12 8:13 AM
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Subject: RE: Specialized Allez or Trek 1.1
I have a Trek 1.1 road bike that I purchased 2 years ago and have had no problems with it at all. I had rented it for my first race and when I decided to do more races, I asked the LBS if I could buy it off them instead of return it and when they gave me a really good price I just decided to buy it. I am looking into upgrading it now with aero bars and a rear disk cover but so far its been a very sturdy and reliable bike for me.
2012-06-12 9:58 AM
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Subject: RE: Specialized Allez or Trek 1.1
I currently have a Allez elite (2010 model) , purchased it in 2/2011 as a left over for $995.  And would defiently recommend a Specialized.  no issues at all, great bike.  
2012-06-12 10:28 AM
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Subject: RE: Specialized Allez or Trek 1.1

A specialized Allez elite is my first(and current) bike too and i've been very happy with it.  I don't knwo what the difference is between the elite and non-elite.   I guess the elite is liberal    

I bought it on ebay for about $700.   It's taken me though an ironman as well as all other distances.  It's definitely not the fastest bike out there, but for getting me into the sport and carrying me through all the distances I've wanted to do, I couldn't be happier with it, so I'd recommend it.  For the record, I haven't ridden any other kind of bike, but it does everything I need it to do.  I plan to get a tri bike at some point, but my specialized will still be my primary training bike.



Edited by RookieIM 2012-06-12 10:31 AM
2012-06-12 10:41 AM
in reply to: #4256178

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Subject: RE: Specialized Allez or Trek 1.1
forgot to mention mine was a last years model 2011 I got for 750$ so it seems you are getting a great deal I would do the allez.
2012-06-12 10:50 AM
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Subject: RE: Specialized Allez or Trek 1.1
My first bike was an Allez...back in 2005.  Just upgraded this past fall...but not because the bike was holding me back.  Great bike.


2012-06-12 10:14 PM
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Subject: RE: Specialized Allez or Trek 1.1
Thanks everyone for the replies, it is much appreciated!
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