Another newbie with questions

krishen

Hi,

im new to road bikes so really need some help.
I've narrowed down the bike i want which is the Specialised Allez Compact. There is a road version and a sport version.
The main difference seems to be the Shimano 2300 gears and chainset compared to Sora.

So first question is the Sora set worth the extra money over the 2300?

Secondly these bikes come with plastic pedals. Can you make some recommendation on which pedals to get or is it ok to use these plastic ones?
I won't be using the shoes that clip into the pedals (for now anyway).

Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

ricklilley

I can't comment on the difference between 2300 and Sora, as my Spesh Allez sport has the Sora. And i haven't used/seen the 2300s. On the Sora shifters there is a small thumb operated button for shifting down, which took me a bit of getting used to at first. Other than that they work fine.

As for the pedals, if your not going to use clipless pedals and shoes yet, then i would use the plastic pedals for a bit until you get used to riding it. If they get damaged or you don't like them, then you can either ugrade to SPD or similar, or buy some better alloy pedals.

FSR_XC

The biggest difference between the 2300 & Sora is that Sora is 9speed (not 8) and looking at the spec, you get a better range of gears with the Sora.

The other major differences are an better (and adjustable) stem on the Sport along with better wheels.

As for pedals (as ricklilley says), until you are ready to think about clip less pedals, ride it with the pedals you get.

captain_kelly

I've got the Allez Sport compact and she's a beaut!

I was dubious about the Sora, as i had lots of friends saying i should upgrade straight away, but i like them, i've not missed a gear yet!

As for the pedals, they are good practise for you if you are thinking about going to clipless. I've just changed mine for a set of Speedplays, but there was no reason other than i was ready to step up to them.