Considering Specialized Allez Elite or similar - £800 budge

Tim Synge

Having just completed a sprint triathlon on my trusty Dawes Galaxy, I am considering whether a lighter road bike would be a good purchase. I wouldn't buy this until doing a couple more events, so this would most likely be a 2011 decision/model.

I have access to a bike-to-work scheme, as long as the bike in question is stocked by Evans or Halfords. I have a working budget of about £800 and like the look of the 2010 Specialized Allez Elite. (Quite how this model might change for 2011, I am not sure, although a couple of US sites seem to think it will change quite considerably.)

What other bikes should I also consider and why? Bikes such as the Trek 1.5 and the Dawes Giro 500 seem to be in the right zone.

Thanks!

ScottieP

I would also look at the Boardmans - Comp, Team and Team Carbon. Although Halfords have just put the prices up, I believe if you are doing cycle to work they offer lower prices e.g. the Team Carbon for the old price of 999 rather than 1199. I think they knock a £100 off the Team from £899 to £799.

If you want something a bit more "upmarket" you could get a Colnago Prima from Evans for £900 - it's a great brand with a fantastic history.

If you can try to ride them to see which one you like best that would be a good idea.

Of the choices above - I'd probably put the Colnago 1st, and the Boardman 2nd, the Spesh 3rd but they're all good bike in my opinion.

Good luck.

solboy

i have the elite and for the money its great. The bike looks so much better in the flesh. i love mine and despite just ordering a new £2000 bike i will be keeping my allez elite simply because i think i might cry if i sold it!!!!!!