First road bike suggestions...

Jimbobb999
Jimbobb999 Posts: 3
edited September 2016 in Road buying advice
Hi, I'm looking at getting my first road bike and ordered £700 cyclesheme voucher. I'm looking at getting the Specialized Allez E5 sport 2017 for £675 but before I commit just wondered if anyone has any views on it or other suggestions? Thanks

Comments

  • thepeginator
    thepeginator Posts: 147
    Allez are great bikes, the basic models are quite heavy and because of the Specialized name (think Merc / BMW) the equipment (wheels/gears) you get is often slightly lower quality than what you might from in-house or budget brands like Ribble or Planet X. That said, Specialized know how to build a bike, the frames are solid and the geometry is tried and tested. A friend of mine who started cycling a few years ago bought one as his first bike and he's still got it, still going strong. It's now his winter bike after he bought a Canyon. He even rode a 12 hour time trial on it with tri bars and carbon wheels, very successfully too! You can't really go wrong with them.

    The advantage with the Allez is you can go to a shop and get sized for it - that's the most important thing with buying your first bike. Get one that fits! Can't stress that enough.

    If possible go to a reputable local bike shop rather than one of the big name outfits. They've generally got a lot more time, patience and often knowledge and you're more likely to leave with the right bike.
  • kingrollo
    kingrollo Posts: 3,198
    Allez is a solid and sensible choice. Giant Defy 2 is another. ...and if you have decathlon nearby thats always worth a visit.

    Fit is very important though.

    Don't forget to leave some of your budget, for helmet shoes, shorts if you don't already have these.

    Enjoy and keep us posted. !
  • thepeginator
    thepeginator Posts: 147
    ^ What he said too.

    If you want to get helmet/shoes/pedals etc. at the same time, might be worth seeing if you can change your voucher for one worth more because you can usually spend the voucher on anything, not just the bike. So you might get a voucher for £999, spend 700 on the bike and have 300 left for helmet/shoes/pedals/shorts/jersey/bottles/cages/saddle bag/pump. The list goes on!
  • Jimbobb999
    Jimbobb999 Posts: 3
    Thanks for all your replies, it helps out a lot! I'll keep having a look around but happy with the allez if I don't find anything I fancy more. I'm spending the £700 on a bike and paying outright for all the kit. Thanks again
  • thepeginator
    thepeginator Posts: 147
    As entry level bikes go. An Allez is easily on par with anything else from any of the big boys (Giant, Trek etc.). The only other option really is a budget brand like Planet X, Ribble or Dolan.

    For example a Dolan Preffisio (currently £650) is considerably 'more bike' than an Allez at £700 spec, it's still considerably more bike than an 2016 Allez at £900 spec, discounted to £700. They both have an alloy frame and carbon fork but you get 11 speed 105, which is nearly a £300 groupset alone and Mavic wheels which are very solid training hoops. It also has mudguard eyes which is very helpful if you plan you ride in the winter.

    That's the difference you get with buying direct, the disadvantage is you can't go and ride one or get properly sized unless you happen to live near-by. You can phone them and they'll advise you on sizing but it's not the same as going to a good shop and getting fitted.

    TL:DR
    You won't go wrong with the Allez, there are better value options but they also have their disadvantages.

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