Spec Allez - upgrade or replace?

slowbike

As per the subject.

I've got a base Spec Allez (2010) - it's done a fair few miles now and in that time the only upgrade has been a new wheelset - other than that it's had new chain(s) & cassette + a lot of cleaning.

There's nothing significantly "wrong" with the bike - it will need new chain rings soon - other than that it all seems fine. It rides fine and I'm not into racing (other than myself on Strava) so the Ali frame (carbon forks) is sufficient - although a carbon frame might be nice ...

Ideally I'd like hidden cables from the hoods (internal routing in the frame would be nice, but not essential) - so I've been looking at the option of replacing the gear with 105 - but obviously this is quite pricey and would equate to spending the same on the bike as it's (probably) worth as it stands.

So the ultimate question is - do I upgrade the current frame or replace with something else.... ?!

For me this isn't a short term dilemma - it'll be something I'll ponder for quite some time.

(when do the 2014 bikes get released - am I right that this normally results in the 2013 spec's being nicely discounted?)

slowbike

Not much point in using it for a wet/winter bike - I already have a TriCross for that purpose - the Allez couldn't take decent mudguards for my commuting roads ...

As said I do like the frame - it's comfortable (although I've not ridden a carbon in anger to compare it against) and it's a nice colour scheme - red with white bits. The 2300 is fine, but I prefer the levers on the Tiagra for function - so assume 105 would be better - and the 5700 has the internal cabling that I'd really like. Nice to hear that there is a marked difference between shifting the 2300 and 105 - wifes roadbike has 8 speed sora so I could just save the 2300 kit as spares for that (although hers is a triple ... bum!)
The Ribble & PlanetX frames don't do much for me ... not sure why .. ho hum!

slowbike

Hmm .. Gumtree possibly - I'm not doing eBay again - it's a PITA ...
Anyway - I'd buy a replacement bike before selling the Allez! Can't do without the roadbike!
Sounds like I do "need" to go to 105 ... not sure I want a sportive frame - although not racing I do like the semi-aero position I can get on the Allez over the more upright of the Tricross ... but that's not an issue - plenty of more racing orientated frames out there.
I know there's nothing wrong with triples - the Tricross has a triple - I just changed the cassette for a 23-11 (from the 32-11) as I wasn't using the 30 chainring in the mostly mild hills we have around here. The Allez is a standard double (39/52) with a 26-11 cassette and I can spin out on a couple of fast descents (>40mph) so probably looking at a double again - and take the option of a 28-11 cassette - as I start to struggle north of 10% inclines.

pkripper

it's probably not worth upgrading the current frame to 105 - will be pricey for the kit, then you have to factor in labour costs if you're not doing it yourself (stupid things like new cables, bar taping etc soon add up)

I would look to hold off until end of the summer / early autumn when the 2014's start to be released. Spesh were definitely knocking out the allez's with significant discounts a couple of years ago around then. It'll knock a bit off the resale value of the current one (which probably isn't high anyway if you're near the point of chainring replacing), but you'll offset it with savings on new.

Doesn't sound like you need carbon though, or a triple if you're more riding for recreation and have not had any issues with current gearing.

KulaBen

I was in a similar qaundry a couple of years back. I really liked my Allez, but really hanckered after an upgrade. In the end I bought a Cannondale Supersix when they discounted stock in the Summer. The more I ride, the more I get from the bike and the happier I am that I changed. It's always a tricky decision, because of the gulf between 'need' and 'want'.
Perhaps go and try a few different bikes with different frame materials and groupsets and see.

stuartknight1

I too had a 2010 Allez with upgraded wheels, i changed to a Cannondale Syanpse just a week ago and love it. Its a great upgrade. Sure, it wasn't cheap and I can't help but think i have spend a lot of money on soemthing I didnt really need, but I'd had enough of the Allez, it needed replacement parts and I just needed an upgrade.

You could change a few parts, but you get better value from buying a whole bike with the right bits on to start with...

slowbike

stuartknight1 wrote:

You could change a few parts, but you get better value from buying a whole bike with the right bits on to start with...

That's kinda what I was thinking ... I love my Allez - but these things don't last forever - it's done >4k miles which isn't much in itself, but it has shown that road riding is more than just a passing fancy.

KulaBen

Slowbike if it's done that many miles it has served you well, and like you say it shows this isn't a passing fad. My experience is that this is a process of reconciliation for you. Want becomes need, if becomes when, suddenly you have shiny new wheels

pkripper

KulaBen wrote:

Slowbike if it's done that many miles it has served you well, and like you say it shows this isn't a passing fad. My experience is that this is a process of reconciliation for you. Want becomes need, if becomes when, suddenly you have shiny new wheels

surely it's just broken in?

slowbike

pkripper wrote:

surely it's just broken in?

Oi - shut it! ...

kitenski

Out of interest how many miles has it done, in a very similar situation with my allez.

Bobbinogs

I've done over 2,500 miles on my Allez...since January

Given that it is a 2008 model I suspect the odometer will be packing up before the bike.

Agree with the 'replace' votes, btw. A nice Supersix would do me, if you are listening Santa.