Replacing a lost love for £1000

Foddeh

I hate to be that guy, so apologies, but I've been browsing around threads and I can't seem to make up my mind, so I thought I'd reach out to the collective for some tips.

I was "kindly" relieved of my 2011 Allez Triple (entry level) a few months back while in the gym, have received my insurance settlement, and am looking for something new. I'm limited to a particular retailer, so unfortunately I am looking at RRP rather than deals on last year models (also those are tricky when you need a 60 frame). Also I'm struggling to find many reviews of the 2014 models.

I was very fond of my Allez (my first and only road bike to date) and put a lot of miles on it, but I did find myself (much like most with this hobby I'm sure) fancying something a little bit nippier, particularly when climbing. I suppose my criteria would be as follows:

- Climbs nicely
- Decent mix between being quick and responsive, and being able to comfortably do longer distances (the old Allez was fine for that, so no need to go too comfortable).
- Reasonable groupset (to be honest, I don't think I'd see the benefit going above Tiagra for what I do, but is new Sora decent?).
- I'd like to keep the total investment around £900 ideally.
- I'm probably not going to sink much money into upgrades unless things break.

I've narrowed it down to the following contenders:

Scott Speedster 30 - 2014
- Seems like a slightly lighter option than the Allez from a basic lift test, and it's something different.
- 11-30 cassette vs a 27/28 on the others.
- I have no idea if the wheels are any good.
Specialized Allez Elite - 2014
- Already know I like the geometry, slightly concerned about the wheelset.
Specialized Allez Sport - 2014
- Weaker groupset, same wheelset.

I know there's a lot of CAAD8 fans around, and the Tiagra is within budget, however from what I read it's probably a bit stiffer than my old Allez, and might not be the most comfortable for me on a long ride?

*Edit* - I've also seen the Pinerolo AL 1.5, but not sure a 58 frame will work for me (6'3", used to a 60).

I'm also aware that the wise move is to get on one and give it a go, the only issue there is that the only local place stocking Scott, would have to order in my size, and I don't feel right asking them to do that when I know I don't have the option of buying it from them.

I suppose my questions are:

- Should I stick to the geometry I know? Or take a punt on something new?
- Am I being stupid nit picking between a 27 and 30 cassette? When I could replace the cassette for under £50?
- Would I be best off spending £150 less on the Allez Sport, and sinking that money into a pair of Fulcrum 5 wheels?
- Have I missed any obvious candidates off the list?

Thanks

chrisvanderkaap

sticking to something you know is by no means wrong. but it can be that your experience with riding the allez has since changed your perceived idea of comfort and maybe enhanced your flexibility and physique. I think the loss of your old bike is a good opportunity to see if another geometry may suit you more. also note dat a '58' varies between different brands. it's best to check the websites if they have stack-reach measurements which is a pretty fair indication of fit (longer-shorter higher-lower) in comparison to your old Allez.

The caad 8 is quite a bit more nimble than the allez in my recollection of it. I appreciate that in a bike but that is very personal. often entry level bikes benefit greatly from a (slight) wheelset upgrade. by no means it should be the new mavic cx60 but maybe you can ask for the options in your local bikeshop.

in any way, get the bike that motivates you to put back the miles in.

good luck!

chadders81

Planet X Pro SL Carbon with Ultegra for £999. They're also doing this for £599 http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBS ... _road_bike

Camcycle1974

Chadders81 wrote:

Planet X Pro SL Carbon with Ultegra for £999. They're also doing this for £599 http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/CBS ... _road_bike

You didn't read the bit where he can only buy from a specific retailer then???

No good suggesting things he can't have. Good opportunity to try something different. Out of those options I would go for the Scott. The Speedster range is decent and the 30 high enough up the range to benefit from decent equipment.

menthel

With regards Sora vs Tiagra, the new Sora is fine. Same shifters as all the other Shimano range now and mine is serving well on my commuting bike. However, if you do get the upgrade bug, the Tiagra as a 10 speed will be easier to upgrade bit by bit. This won't be as simple with the 9 speed Sora.

Dependant on where you are riding and your riding style then I would think that a 27 would be fine on a compact, I have a 30 on my "best" bike because I was unfit when I got it and it is also useful on that last big hill at the end of a very long ride!

dwanes

The bike shop should put whatever cassette you want on, at no extra charge. Its nothing to them. Just ask.

brearley

http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/b ... -2013.html
I don't know what retailer you have to use but if you can use merlin i'd go for this.
Higher spec all round and under budget

g00se

It might be worth a bit of an argument with the insurance company to see if they will go with the retailer of your choice. I've read a few threads where folks have played difficult and got cash to the same value.

diamonddog

g00se wrote:

It might be worth a bit of an argument with the insurance company to see if they will go with the retailer of your choice. I've read a few threads where folks have played difficult and got cash to the same value.

Insurers will sometimes reduce the pay out by up to 15% if you decide to go to a different retailer as normally they will be getting a discount from the original one IME.

g00se

diamonddog wrote:

g00se wrote:

It might be worth a bit of an argument with the insurance company to see if they will go with the retailer of your choice. I've read a few threads where folks have played difficult and got cash to the same value.

Insurers will sometimes reduce the pay out by up to 15% if you decide to go to a different retailer as normally they will be getting a discount from the original one IME.

True. But there are 60cm half-decent carbon bikes out there with more than 15% off RRP:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/vitu ... -prod81025

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/beon ... -prod90507

Not to mention the Ribbles and Planet Xs of this world...

diamonddog

^^ I fully agree with what you are saying but I think it is morally wrong that insurers can do it.

g00se

Agreed - you paid the premiums to be insured for the value of the bike - not to give a cut back to other parties....

KonkyWonky

2013 Canyon Ultimate AL 7.0 would be my choice but I am biased

They are currently doing it for £976.53 which is a ridiculous price for such a well spec'd bike. I paid just shy of £1200 for mine a few months ago including delivery and that was in the TdF sale.

http://www.canyon.com/_en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=3076

Foddeh

Thanks for all the replies.

Looked at a stack-reach calculator online, but can’t really find all the necessary details to fully complete it, those I did find though suggest that the 58 Mekk would be a much smaller bike than my old Allez (580 seat tube, 600 top tube).

The Sensa, Canyon and others do look very nice, unfortunately they're not on the site.

Regarding the payout, the option I had was £500 cash, or £750 credit at Wheelies (with 23% off anything I spend above that), I took the latter so I can't really complain. In retrospect the money might have been a better shout, but I've settled now and accepted the voucher, so I think that's that.

I'll give them a call and ask them about a different cassette, but I got the impression they were more "off the shelf" than a local bike shop would be.

Regarding gearing, my fitness is pretty decent generally, although I will have to admit to taking a couple of 20 second rests halfway up Ditching Beacon. Am pondering whether a minor wheel upgrade might more than offset the benefit of Tiagra over Sora.


I'm still torn.
(Although I'm sure I'd love anything on the shortlist once I'm riding it).