Help buying a new road bike.

[D18OCK]

Hi

I have been riding on the road on what is essentially a hybrid for over a year now and still really enjoying it so thought it was about time to invest in a proper road bike. I have relatively modest budget of around £400-500 and I am well aware of the dangers of buying cheaper rubbish!

I have seen both the 2010 Specialized Secteur and Allez 24 (I think I need the extra sprocket) for sale at Evans for what I think is a very reasonable £449 but think I need to move quite fast.

I am leaning more towards the Secteur as I am told that the Allez is a much more aggressive and therefore uncomfortable frame but wanted some opinions from you guys. So if you have either or are just a general expert I would be grateful for the help.

Thanks.

Daz

Edited by D18OCK on Thursday 21st October 08:39

[itsnotarace]

The head tube on the Allez is 25mm shorter per given size than the Secteur, which also has a slightly longer wheelbase, less fork rake and a tiny bit lower bottom bracket.

The term "aggressive" is an exaggeration in this case, it just means that you can run 25mm less spacers under your stem if you are not as flexible. But as a trade off the steering will be slower on the Secteur and it won't have the same acceleration due to longer seatstays.

You need to test ride both in the correct size and see which you prefer. Also consider Giant Defy

Edited by itsnotarace on Wednesday 20th October 15:57

[D18OCK]

Thanks, the plan is to go and test ride both this weekend, i have found somewhere with both in stock. I am riding a Giant atm I like it but I have heard some relatively scaving reviews regarding the Defy probably all just media spin as Giant are known more for the mountain bike stuff but still I can't help but be swayed.

[louiebaby]

itsnotarace said:

You need to test ride both in the correct size and see which you prefer. Also consider the Giant Defy.

That's the important bit. Go to a big bike shop, and try a few.

The market in bikes is reasonably efficient, so quality wise, price is a pretty good indicator.

[princeperch]

you should be able to get the allez 24 for £425.00 on a price match off the internet from evans.

I got one back in the summer - it's a great bike.

[ewenm]

My advice would be to go for the best frame you can afford and worry less about the components and wheels - these are easy to upgrade at a later date when funds allow.

[dome]

Have a look in your local Halfords-some Vanquishs came in with full 20sp 105 kit on them by mistake, just like mine It's pot luck tho, I have one in at the moment with mostly 105 apart from the front mech, mine has the full kit. It should only have tiagra/sora as stated.

Only thing is i think the Vanquish is £600 at the moment, keep your eye on the website though....