Specialised Allez

robhtfc

Hi

I am new to road cycling and have just ordered a Specialized Allez Sport Triple from Evans Cycles which has chainrings of 50 x 39 x 30 at a cost of £629.99.
Looking at the Evans website however, I notice that the Specialized Allez 24 at a cost of £529.99 has chainrings of 52 x 39 x 30.
Does the 52 chainring make much difference or doesn't it really matter? I consider myself fairly fit and have read of people saying that a 50 chainring can be too easy.
Any thoughts on the matter would be much appreciated.
Cheers

iPete

I wouldn't worry about it, I've got the double with a 50t front and I've never really thought about it, infact I haven't a clue! (Its easier that way )

Isn't easier the name of the game? I'd ride my full suspension bike if I wanted to make life super hard.

danowat

My Allez elite has a 50T large ring, plenty fast enough for me, I've had 35mph on a slight downhill (there aren't many hills in Norfolk!)

Variado

There's not really a significant difference between 52 and 50 chainrings, much more significant is that the "Allez 24" uses 8-speed Shimano 2300 and a HG-50, 8-speed 12-25t cassette while the one you've ordered has 9-speed 12-25 with Shimano Sora.

As far as I can tell, 2300 is the budget option below Sora, so your bike will have better components and an extra gear at the back

robhtfc

Cheers folks. Reckon I've made the right decision.

iPete

No doubt there, its well worth spending a little more over the entry model.

You might be ok because its now summer but I'd change the tyres fairly quickly, mine punctured constantly through the start of winter and the change to Gatorskins made the bike role noticeably better.

Enjoy.

JohnnyAllez

It`s also a simple option to swap the 50T outer chainring to a 52T or 53T if required. Good bike choice