Specialized Entry Level Bikes

seanorawe

This weekend I am buying a road bike for weekends etc (I commute on a hybrid)

I have been told specialized are designed for comfort and this is perfect because my LBS have a specialized Allez 16 for sale and its a bike in my price range. Does anyone ride this bike or have any comparison to a Giant within the same range. My LBS only deal with Giant and Specialized.

EarlyGo

Hi seanorawe,

Specialized do 2 entry level bikes, the Allez and the Secteur. The Allez is the racier of the 2 (ie: the riding position is more aggressive.) The Secteur is designed to be the more comfortable of the 2 and has different seat stays and vibration absorbing 'Zertz' inserts in the fork and on some models also the seat stays. The Allez though is not what I'd call an overly harsh ride. I have no experience of Giant but can confirm that Specialized do build quality bikes at all price points. They are not necessarily the best spec'd or lightest for the money, but they are solid, durable and reliable which is important when you are starting out. Also, they hold their value well (especially the Allez) so you can always sell it on easily when the time comes.

I'm sure someone will be along soon with advice about Giant. General advice is to buy the bike that firstly, fits you the best and that secondly, you like the look of (seriously!).

Enjoy your new bike whatever you decide.

Regards, EarlyGo

seanorawe

EarlyGo wrote:

Hi seanorawe,

Specialized do 2 entry level bikes, the Allez and the Secteur. The Allez is the racier of the 2 (ie: the riding position is more aggressive.) The Secteur is designed to be the more comfortable of the 2 and has different seat stays and vibration absorbing 'Zertz' inserts in the fork and on some models also the seat stays. The Allez though is not what I'd call an overly harsh ride. I have no experience of Giant but can confirm that Specialized do build quality bikes at all price points. They are not necessarily the best spec'd or lightest for the money, but they are solid, durable and reliable which is important when you are starting out. Also, they hold their value well (especially the Allez) so you can always sell it on easily when the time comes.

I'm sure someone will be along soon with advice about Giant. General advice is to buy the bike that firstly, fits you the best and that secondly, you like the look of (seriously!).

Enjoy your new bike whatever you decide.

Regards, EarlyGo

Thanks for that, I rang the LBS and they have both in stock, ill have a go on both to see what suits me. When you say the allez is a more agressive ride, do you mean in terms of speed or positioning? I know every bike will need some getting used to, but I dont like to be too stretched or too low

snoopsmydogg

allez will be a more racey position but no faster than the secteur (thats more down to the engine )

the secteur is usually a more relaxed, comfortable position.

mjb4444

I've got a 2011 Allez 16 and it's a great bike, one of my friends has got the 2012 Secteur triple and it is a more relaxed position, saying that I don't fell the need to be in permanent race mode on the Allez and as it's been said it'll be the engine that matters!

I've done 1600 miles on mine and I've been told it needs a new chain and cassette, apart from that everything is in fine working order!

Have a look for deals as well, I bought mine about this time last year and they knocked 17% off the next week!!!!

seanorawe

I went for the allez 16. There was a more agressive position but I didnt find it too much. The sect was ok but I liked the feel of the allez. It has a carbon fork too.

I got the allez 16, polar FT7 Heart rate monitor, Shimano R087 shoes, cateye EL220 set, Mavic Notch jacket, bottle cage, bottle, Shim 540 pedals

All for £800

ineedalager

I bought a Specialised Allez 16 as my first road bike in Oct 2011 in the sale £429. Great bike I don't find it to racey and I done a couple of 70 mile rides on it as well as loads of 50 milers no discomfort. I done 2,000 miles on it since then and it's still in perfect condition and looks like new. I would recommend it to anyone getting their first road bike.

MartinB2444

Don't be put off by the aggressive tag. If you are doing long distances on the bike and not pushing your pace then a bike like the Secteur may give you more comfort and less fatigue. However, if your normal rides are typically shorter than 50+ miles you might enjoy a more "purposeful" riding position.