First modern road bike

beanzontoast

Though I've commuted for years and have leisure cycled / mountain biked forever, in the area of moden road bikes, I'm a total beginner. Yes, finally (approaching 50 :oops: ) I've decided to see what fun I can have with a proper modern road bike.

Have been looking at the Specialized Allez Elite on internet (but can't find one to try for feel locally, and anyway, would be looking at a 2006 model as £500 is my budget). Is this a reasonable bike to aim for? What size should I be thinking about - I'm 5' 8".

Any other suggested makes/models?

spasypaddy

you will want a 52cm or a 54cm. im around the same height and i ride a 53cm cannondale

beanzontoast

Thanks - just been to the Spesh site and their "automatic" assistant said about the same - 54cm.

Anyone want to talk me into / out of the Spesh? What's it handle like?

Rich Hcp

I'm 5'8 and have just bought a Allez Sport, 54cm.

It fits perfictly 8)

beanzontoast

Cheers Rich

Any good places to be looking for Specialised Allez Elite / Sport at around the £500 mark? (As I said, I realise it won't be a 2007 model).

Rich Hcp

I paid £599 for mine and added some Shimano 105 pedals on top of that.

This is from my local shop, try your nearest Spez dealer.

The 2008 bikes are coming out and that's how I got the discount

HungryCol

The Focus bikes are getting good write-ups of late. Check them out if you're looking for different options. You won't find many people on here knocking the Spesh brand and rightly so, their frame geometry and build are very good for the price.

Don't forget to budget for clothing (rain gear!), lights, water bottles and the like, but doesn't have to be all at once. This stuff can also be built up over time too.

allaction

The Giant SCR 3 was what I got started on last year and was an ideal starter bike, comfy and fast enough for decent blasts. I've seen these reduced to about £350 (down from £450) which gives you scope to either upgrade or trade up at a later date. I'm about five ten and got a medium, which may suit you or you may get away with a small which will see you get better discounts on maybe an SCR 2 or even the 1 as this size seems to be the most unpopular. Giant frames are slightly different to the Specialized so may be worth seeking out a dealer and trying one out. Agree that the Focus bikes are very good. Two friends have them but the significant drawback in my point of view is that they are mail order only which when it comes to servicing etc. leaves you in a bit of a pickle.

beanzontoast

All good advice - thanks.

Just nipped up to Decathlon to have a browse there, but only 4 road bikes on display, so apart from the fun of having a close inspection of new bikes (always enjoyable!) , not a likely candidate I think.

Will give the LBS's a try this weekend - I know they only have 2007 gear in, but sizing should be possible anyway - and you never know when a bargain might come along!

blackhands

Have a look at Ribble - good value.

http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/list2.asp?D=X&Cat=RIBBLE

acorn_user

See what is available locally first. There are plenty of good options in your price range. You could go custom steel too for the nicest bike

Zendog1

I doubt you will find a elite for £500 unless you go second hand. The bad weather seems to have started the sales early and there are deals around for the sport at £550. The difference between Tiagra and 105 is mimimal if you are not looking to race.

Pagem

beanzontoast wrote:

Though I've commuted for years and have leisure cycled / mountain biked forever, in the area of moden road bikes, I'm a total beginner. Yes, finally (approaching 50 :oops: ) I've decided to see what fun I can have with a proper modern road bike.

Have been looking at the Specialized Allez Elite on internet (but can't find one to try for feel locally, and anyway, would be looking at a 2006 model as £500 is my budget). Is this a reasonable bike to aim for? What size should I be thinking about - I'm 5' 8".

Any other suggested makes/models?

you'll need a 54cm.

i don't think you'll get this bike for £500 even on a '06 model unless you are familiar with the art of jedi mind control.

it is a good bike and if you could stretch your budget and get the best price you'd not be disappointed.