Specialized Allez Race C2 versus Trek Madone 2.1

janhein.dejong

Hi all,

I've been riding a 20-something year old bike for over a year now, and have caught a bad case of the cycling fever . Therefore it's time for a new bike. After visiting some shops in my neighbourhood I found these two options, which differ quite a bit in price, but I can't seem to find the reason for the price difference.

Option 1:
Specialized Allez Race C2
http://www.specialized.com/nl/nl/bikes/ ... e-c2#specs
Aluminum frame, carbon fork, 105 gear (except for brake callipers and cassette).
Nice store, bloke took all my measurements, and looks reliable, albeit a bit of a salesperson.
EUR 1499 (EUR... I'm from Holland)

Option 2:
Trek Madone 2.1 2015
http://www.trekbikes.com/int/en/bikes/r ... done_2_1/#
Same story.
Little bit smaller store, owner looks a bit less bright, but honest.
EUR 1199

The only real difference I have found so far is this new 'Smartweld' technique used by Specialized, which is supposed to make the bike stiffer.

Any thoughts?

macleod113

I cannot comment on the Specialized but I have owned 2 Trek 2.1's (a 2009 and a 2013).

I am a bit of a Trek fanboy and never had any issues with stiffness and the bike is great. I do a couple of hundred miles a week on the 2013 model and I'm averaging 100kg in weight so its strong enough. I've slowly upgraded too. I have some handbuilt wheels on order but I find the stock Bontrager wheels have been very strong and only had 2 broken spokes in 7k miles.

have you ridden them yet or can you as that will help you make your mind up too?

janhein.dejong

I've just ridden the Trek this morning, and will ride the Specialized later today. Trek feels really nice already compared to my old steel bike !