2nd bike 1st one wrecked my back/wrists.

markymark34

Had a bike for a year and it did nothing but annoy me, was a Cube road pro. So ive sold it and am going to buy another one that fits.
Had been looking at Specialized Allez
http://www.thebikefactory.co.uk/product ... ctid=52415

but im now worried after reading on another thread that this has a very race oriented geometry? Is that correct? I dont mind spending up to £550 if i get something that will last me for years and not annoy me on longer rides. I did a 90 mile ride last year on the cube and had pins and needles in my wrists (bike was too small).

Im also nervous about ordering on the interent in case i get the wrong size. Im 6" 2 with 34" inside leg so im told a 58 is the correct size in the specialized?

thanks

Mark

Big ABC

I'm 6'4 and the 58 works for me as i like a decent extension on the seatpost. Just bought the Sectuer elite and i'm loving it so far. (first road bike) The sectuer is slightly less 'racy' than the Allez so may be a better option?

northpole

I would suggest you cough up and have a bike fit session with someone like Sigma Sport. Strangely one of the lads in work is about your size and following his session with Sigma they recommended a 60 frame for the Roubaix (same profile I think as the Secteur). His existing bike is a Tarmac size 58 - apparently the reach is longer on the Tarmac.

In essence though, don't assume sizing or you may end up with a similar problem as your last bike.

Peter

markymark34

My last bike was i think a 56 so definitely too small. I had the seat post up nearly 8 inches above the handlebars. So i see the specialized secteur is more relaxed. Ill go to a local shop and try one and then order a 2010 one online. Im assuming they are the same fit?

thanks

Bobbinogs

Hi Markymark, Northpole's comments make a lot of sense.

My ten bob's worth would be that having made one mistake, why not take a little time and get the right bike this time around? Shops like Evans will let you do test rides (so that is definitely one option that should be considered) but I found the fitting service to be "get on the bike and we'll see if your arms are nicely bent". Specialized do a real fitting service and there are quite a few of their stores around (the one in Brum is pretty good and does the BG fit thing). OK, so you may end up paying a bit more for the bike but surely that is better than the potential of another error? Some shops (like Epic) will even discount the fitting from the bike cost too.

You could also have a look at a few other brands/models while in store. Despite comments to the contrary, the Allez is not too agressive such that it is only for races (I saw a Cippolini machine in Paignton at the w/e and that really was a mean mother!). A good fit is much more important, which brings me back to my first point.

Rich Hcp

As Bobbinogs says, the fit is most important.

The Allez is not that aggressive, I';ve done 100 miles, no problem.