dilemma:allez with Tiagra or trek with 105?

johnnypipe85

Yesterday I went to my lbs, with cash in my pocket, ready to buy a Specialized Allez Elite, here: http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=86026
when right next to it there was a Trek 1.7, full 105 with ultegra rear mech for exactly the same price, here: http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=86331
so I left the shop to deliberate..
what would you choose? obviously the 105 is mouth watering for the same price as tiagra, but does that mean that the frame is crap compared to the allez elite?
I'll go for a test ride of both this weekend and see which i prefer, but if you think it's much better to get the allez and upgrade the components in future let me know. I'm very confused!!!

Thanks,
Jon

redddraggon

An Aluminium bike with Tiagra for £800 - not with my money.

Build your own, get a proper groupset, and save quite a bit of money.

ut_och_cykla

I'd go for teh Trek - but test ride both first.
Bontrager kit will be ok and frame does service up to more than 2 that price
and bear in mind what you want the bike for - real racing or comfy fast riding or commuting.

johnnypipe85

well, I will doing a fair bit of commuting to start with (20 miles each way) but the I want to go onto longer rides when my fitness increases. I don't think I'll ever do any racing, though..
so that's 2 for the Trek, right?!

gkerr4

i'd go for the allez - i prefer specailized as a brand, the allez geometry is really sweet for longer rides and 2008spec tiagra is pretty good.

your choice though.

let us know which one you go for

MiamiCyclist

johnnypipe85,

Funny I have a Specialized Elite older model. Does not have the plastic inserts. the bike handles well. I have Live in miami and the word here is that Trek bikes do not last long and have a tendency to break..

I can not endorese the Specialized with its New Gimic plastic. Have heard bikes compalin about it and for the componets you are getting it is way to expensive.

Invest some money and get properly fited first by someone that knows how to do it. they take about 5 diferent mesurements and place the nubmer into a computer. Then you tell the guy what 3-4 bikes you are looking and he can tell you what Bike geometry will work best for you.

It will make all the diference in the long run. After 2 hrs in the seat it is all about fitting.
Best wishes,
MiamiCyclist...

Max_Man

I recently had the same dilema, I went for the Allez....

Both bikes are great, my main reason for the decision was the LBS that gave me the most time and attention (fitting etc) was a Specialized dealer.

lochindaal

I tried the Allez and the Trek before buying and really felt a difference in the fit of the bike. When you try them that may help you decide.

I ended up with the Allez.

FSR_XC

The 08 Allez Elite has a carbon seat stay with 'zertz'(?) insert, so in theory is a better frame to the 07 model.

Strangely the 08 model is also cheaper than the 07 was.

One reason is because the new model uses Tiagra and cheaper wheels.

I know nothing about the Trek, but if the 105 gearing is important, see if you can get hold of an 07 Allez Elite. You should be able to get one for £700 - £750.

Bit bias I suppose, seeing as I bought an 07 Elite a month ago. I really can't fault it. Although this is my first 'proper' road bike, I have ridden a few others and the Allez is very smooth & great value.