Which bike?

dirty*sanchez
dirty*sanchez Posts: 258
edited December 2010 in Road buying advice
Hi there, bit of advice for a newbie please.
I started cycling last April and purchased a Trek 1.5 which has now covered more than a 1000 mile since I purchased it in June.
I'm now looking to commute to work on a daily basis but don't want to use the Trek for this for a number of reasons.
So, I'm going to get a second road bike and have narrowed my selection down to three bikes as follows:

Trek 1.1
Specialized Secteur
Specialized Allez 24

There's probably not much between them, but would be good to get some views. I'm leaning towards the Secteur at the moment.

All are 2010 models and nicely discounted. Will probably fit mudguards and swap pedals to SPD's. I did this on my 1.5 as even as a newbie, clipless pedals are defo beneficial.

My commute is probably no more than 35 mins each way. Thanks in anticipation.
Specialized Pitch MTB
ROUBAIX di2 2015
Brompton Black edition 2016

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Comments

  • rozzer32
    rozzer32 Posts: 3,923
    NO your doing this all wrong!!!!

    You must keep your Trek for winter/commute duties and buy yourself a new expensive bike for the summer :lol:
    ***** Pro Tour Pundit Champion 2020, 2018, 2017 & 2011 *****
  • that is actually the plan come December 2011 :lol:
    Specialized Pitch MTB
    ROUBAIX di2 2015
    Brompton Black edition 2016
  • Stuy-b
    Stuy-b Posts: 248
    well, if you plan to buy something shiny late next year then get something cheap now just to last the year commuting, and put the money y ou would have spend now towards something even shinier
  • PeterBL
    PeterBL Posts: 209
    If you have a Trek 1.5 already, I don't really see the point buying something like a Trek 1.1 to compliment it. They are basically the same bike with just better bits on the 1.5.

    Both fit mudguards and a rack, and the Trek 1.5 would be a nice commuting bike. 9-speed are cheap to maintain.

    I don't know what reasons you have for not wanting to use the 1.5 for commuting, but from just looking at the bikes, I can't come up with any.
  • northpole
    northpole Posts: 1,499
    I'm with PeterBL on this. Not the answer you are looking for but if you have somewhere secure and dry at work to keep your bike, I really don't get the idea of having a commuting bike. Just make sure that you regularly clean the chain, cassette and chainset and enjoy your bike until you upgrade. If you feel the need to spend some money now, perhaps consider getting a set of cheaper wheels (depending on what you have fitted already) - the rims are the bits which take most punishment commuting when the weather isn't perfect.

    Peter
  • ALaPlage
    ALaPlage Posts: 732
    You have your reasons I am sure and ones that make good sense to you yet I have to agree with the comments already made. The Trek will be an admirable commuter and second bike if the longer term objective is for something shiny and more upmarket spec in the long term.

    I would suggest putting your money toward a lighter and better specced machine either by putting it away as the start of your savings pot (and earn a little interest on the way) and adding whatever you can afford to build up to your weapon of choice. In the meantime continuing to enjoy your Trek (which was a well made choice by the way :D )

    Alternatively and if funds allow, take advantage of some of the deals around. There are some good interest free offers available which say for a £250 deposit and £35 to £45 a month over three years would get you into Trek Madone 5 territory with Ultegra kit.

    I hve the reverse dilemma. I spent up last year to treat myself to a Madone 5.9. I love it and have covered over 2000 miles since I bought it last April. I love my cycling but don't want to take the MAdone out on the salty roads so am currently looking for a winter trainer or cyclocross machine fo the "off season" weeks.

    Whatever you decide to do keep enjoying the cycling - all I will say the difference a lighter bike makes in enjoying the climbs is absolutely worth the extra pennies - never mibnd the feel good factor and confidence good equipment brings.
    Trek Madone 5.9
    Kinesis Crosslight T4
  • thanks so much for the replies guys.
    I have decided to commute and ride the Trek as soon as the salt clears off.
    I will then bide my time and hopefully pick up a massively discounted carbon jobbie this time next year.
    I'm off to Southern Spain in February and will be looking to tackle a 1,500 meter climb on a Focus Carbon bike I've hired for a few days, so I'll hopefully get a taster of the benefits of carbon compared to my Trek 1.5. 8)
    Specialized Pitch MTB
    ROUBAIX di2 2015
    Brompton Black edition 2016

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