Time for a change? Allez!
White Line
Posts: 887
I've been considering a switch from my beloved MTB to a road bike. I just feel like I belong on the road more than I do off it. :oops: Don't know why I decided to buy it, but it has paid itself off by now (not the mass of accessories though).
Considering this will be my first road bike, and I'm a poor student, I don't really want to spend too much money. Was thinking around £500 - with £600 a definite limit. After some reading and searching I pretty much set my mind on a Specialized Allez.
However, this would also have to function as a commuter and I hear that mudguards are a real PITA to fit. Do race blades work well enough to keep you clean? I'm concerned about this mainly because I don't want to be getting road spray in my face - it doesn't look too good, and don't even get me started on the taste.
Another thing that concerns me are the Sora levers. Having rode BSOs all my childhood and MTB I'm only really familiar with MTB type controls. From looking at the Sora levers I have noticed that the paddle part behind the lever is non-existent. Why? Or, I suppose a better question is why do other levers have them when you can still shift by moving the lever?
If I were to make the purchase I would take the pedals from my MTB, the bottle cage, computer and saddle and move them to the Allez. I'm looking forward to the higher gearing, the saved weight and the wee increase in speed.
But, considering that I'd pretty much have no use for the MTB, nor the space for it, what should I do? Sell it on eBay? Keep it anyway? Ask the LBS if they are willing to 'buy' it off me to lower the cost of the new purchase? (Note; this would leave the MTB with the platform pedals stuck back on, and without a saddle ... the old one got a bit bent). Plus, I'd also have four spare tyres that I'd have no use for - the Kenda Nevegals that came with and Continental Gatorskins - plus the Schwalbe Big Apples that are on there at the moment. All with plenty miles left on them.
tl;dr: I realise this is quite a lengthy post, so to summarise: Does a Specialized Allez function as a good road bike and commuter? Are there any similar bikes that could take mudguards? What's up with the Sora levers? What should I do with the old MTB?
I'm also liking how this switch will mean that I have to buy new helmet and possibly shoes. :P Oh! Plus, my FCN will drop/be raised to (depends on the way you look at it) 6, I think!
Considering this will be my first road bike, and I'm a poor student, I don't really want to spend too much money. Was thinking around £500 - with £600 a definite limit. After some reading and searching I pretty much set my mind on a Specialized Allez.
However, this would also have to function as a commuter and I hear that mudguards are a real PITA to fit. Do race blades work well enough to keep you clean? I'm concerned about this mainly because I don't want to be getting road spray in my face - it doesn't look too good, and don't even get me started on the taste.
Another thing that concerns me are the Sora levers. Having rode BSOs all my childhood and MTB I'm only really familiar with MTB type controls. From looking at the Sora levers I have noticed that the paddle part behind the lever is non-existent. Why? Or, I suppose a better question is why do other levers have them when you can still shift by moving the lever?
If I were to make the purchase I would take the pedals from my MTB, the bottle cage, computer and saddle and move them to the Allez. I'm looking forward to the higher gearing, the saved weight and the wee increase in speed.
But, considering that I'd pretty much have no use for the MTB, nor the space for it, what should I do? Sell it on eBay? Keep it anyway? Ask the LBS if they are willing to 'buy' it off me to lower the cost of the new purchase? (Note; this would leave the MTB with the platform pedals stuck back on, and without a saddle ... the old one got a bit bent). Plus, I'd also have four spare tyres that I'd have no use for - the Kenda Nevegals that came with and Continental Gatorskins - plus the Schwalbe Big Apples that are on there at the moment. All with plenty miles left on them.tl;dr: I realise this is quite a lengthy post, so to summarise: Does a Specialized Allez function as a good road bike and commuter? Are there any similar bikes that could take mudguards? What's up with the Sora levers? What should I do with the old MTB?
I'm also liking how this switch will mean that I have to buy new helmet and possibly shoes. :P Oh! Plus, my FCN will drop/be raised to (depends on the way you look at it) 6, I think!
0
Comments
-
Yes - a good road bike
Yes - a hybrid
Nothing - they work fine
Fit slicks and commute in the crap weather on it.
HTH
www.icenivelo.co.uk - Norfolks most inclusive cycling club0 -
Phew......... loads of questions.....
Mudguards - lots of people use raceguards but for regular commuting you really want full guards. Have a look at the entry level Trek and Giant bikes as they have fittings for full length mudguards.
Levers - The Sora levers have a little thumb button so you shift one way by pushing the brake lever to the side and the other way by pushing the button with your thumb. It's very easy to get used to so don't worry about it.
I'd be tempted to keep the old MTB and use it as a hack. You may want to ride some trails occassionally.0 -
I would love to keep the MTB, but the more I think about it the more worried about room I get.
I had a look at some Treks and Giants. The Trek 1.2 seemed like a viable choice, but I'm a bit concerned about it having lower spec than the Allez. :? Plus, it only comes in glossy steal me white.
As for the Sora levers, it's hard to describe what I mean. Like, why do they not have the paddle thing behind the lever if you shift in the same way? :oops:
Is there a slight chance that one could mount fenders using the skewers and then try to bend and cut them so that they fit?0 -
They dont have the paddle because to shift up you push the entire brake lever inwards and to shift down there is a thumb lever which you push. You can see it here.
Hope that's of some use.0 -
... So ... other levers don't have the thumb thing?
God, I'm such a noob. :oops:0 -
Other levers higher up the shimano range don't have thumb levers, in fact I think it's just the Sora levers that do.
When I was looking for a commuter I looked at the trek 1000 (predecessor to the 1.2) and the Specialized allez, I ended up going for the trek because I got a discount on it. Both will take full mudguards, but you will only be able to use 23c tyres with mudguards fitted.
Race blades I have found to be a bit rubbish after you get used to having full mudguards on - they are not as secure, and don't give as much protection from road gunk, but infinitely easier to take off when the good weather comes around!
The trek does come with a pretty crappy spec, but that just leaves the path open for upgrades - likewise for most bikes at this price! They are still really good as commuters and you will notice the extra speed compared to the mtb. Also it's worth investing in a really good lock.
You should keep the mtb for the time being, might be good to have the variation. The tires you could offload on ebay no probs.0 -
Well some use the thumb "switch" and some don't, those that don't (from memory) use the lever (and sometimes the paddle simultaneously) to go one way, and just the paddle to go the other way.
I've never ridden a road bike, have the slight advantage that I work at Halfords so have put a few together :P like I said this is all from memory so I might be wrong on some bits.0 -
Ah right. That makes more sense about the levers now. Me being the clumsy person I am though, would probably keep shifting the wrong way accidentally.
I'm intrigued with the possibility of mudguards on the Allez by using 23c tyres - to be honest, I probably would stick to 23c anyway.
I'm thinking if I just get rid of some of the things in my room, and maybe get a single bed, then I could keep the MTB too!
I reckon when I get some time to pop into my LBS I will need to have a nice lengthy chat. Then take a few test rides on different bikes. After all, the Trek might be a lot more comfortable than the Allez - just need to wait and see.0
