Hi All!
I trust that you're all probably sick of these threads which I do apologise for, however there is so much information and reviews on the internet today that it makes it so difficult to narrow down my choice, hence why I have arrived here for some help!
I began my search looking for an Spesh Allez E5 Sport 2016 (which are now all sold out). The dealer had 1 Allez DSW Elite which he was willing to let go for $1,050 (which i understand is a bargain!).
However upon talking to a few other biking enthusiasts, they told me that if I am wanting to 'grow into the sport', that it might be worth considering something like a Cannondale CAAD 10 105 (cheapest I can find these for is $1800). Given the big price difference for what looks to me to be quite a comparable bike, I am confused as to why I wouldn't take the Allez option. I understand that the CAAD10 frame can be customized into a pretty serious bike which is obviously a benefit.
The other offer that is on the table at the moment is a full carbon frame Scott Addict 30 ($1800 also) which I am weighing up however I do not know much about this brand.
Any help with this would be much appreciated and other suggestions would also be welcome! (although not too many please!).
Thanks,
First Road Bike - Advice Please!
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- nickobec
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Re: First Road Bike - Advice Please!
Postby nickobec » Wed Aug 17, 2016 11:02 pm
1st up the bike has to be the right size for you to be a bargain, so if the Allez DSW Elite is an L and you are only 170cm tall it is not a good deal.
Difference between the Allez DSW Elite and CAAD10 105, is the groupset (10 speed Tiagra vs 11 speed 105) and other components with the CAAD10 105 having what looks slightly better wheels, brakes and even tyres.
While the CAAD10 has a great reputation as a criterium bike, there is no reason why given geometry of the Allez why it would not handle extremely well on the criterium track. I would be happy to race a Allez DSW Elite in a crit albeit with better wheels and tyres.
The Scott Addict is a totally different bike, not because it is carbon, but because it is a more relaxed geometry. While the Scott Addict is the chosen race weapon of some riders in the Orica Bike Exchange Team. It is more that it get you to the finish line in "better" condition than the stiff aero race geometry bike in the Scott range the Foil. The Addict is still more racier than the Solace, the endurance bike in the Scott range. Note Scott is a fairly big brand, probably not as well known as Giant, Specialized and Cannondale, but probably sells more bikes in Australia as Cannondale.
It does depend what you intend to do with your bike:
If it is short (under 50km) rides, especially in groups, thinking about dabbling in racing particularly criteriums, then I would be looking at either the Allez DSW Elite or CAAD10 105.
I would suggest the Allez DSW Elite, if you only thinking about racing. After thrashing the bike for a year or two, even in entry level racing, you could upgrade to 11 speed 105 groupset (currently available online for about $550) and decent alloy wheels ($400), you would have a good solid crit bike.
If you think are likely to end up racing, then spend the $800 and get the race ready CAAD10 105.
If your riding is going to be longer rides (50 to 100km) solo or with a mate or two. Then I would suggest the Scott Addict, far more comfortable and still a capable entry level race bike.
If you are looking at riding long distances (100km +) and not go racing. Then you should be looking for a bike with endurance geometry like a Scott Solace, Giant Defy Advance or similar.
I own a Canyon AL8 (German equivalent of a CAAD10), a Fuji SL1 ( a stiff race geometry bike not to dissimilar to a Scott Foil) as well as a few others, and have ridden Scott Foil, Addict and Solace.
I do take the Canyon on long rides, like 150km and 1800m of climbing on a criterium bike.
I have also raced and finished behind people on endurance geometry bikes.
So while there are advantages of using the right bike for the task, there is not hard and fast rules.
Difference between the Allez DSW Elite and CAAD10 105, is the groupset (10 speed Tiagra vs 11 speed 105) and other components with the CAAD10 105 having what looks slightly better wheels, brakes and even tyres.
While the CAAD10 has a great reputation as a criterium bike, there is no reason why given geometry of the Allez why it would not handle extremely well on the criterium track. I would be happy to race a Allez DSW Elite in a crit albeit with better wheels and tyres.
The Scott Addict is a totally different bike, not because it is carbon, but because it is a more relaxed geometry. While the Scott Addict is the chosen race weapon of some riders in the Orica Bike Exchange Team. It is more that it get you to the finish line in "better" condition than the stiff aero race geometry bike in the Scott range the Foil. The Addict is still more racier than the Solace, the endurance bike in the Scott range. Note Scott is a fairly big brand, probably not as well known as Giant, Specialized and Cannondale, but probably sells more bikes in Australia as Cannondale.
It does depend what you intend to do with your bike:
If it is short (under 50km) rides, especially in groups, thinking about dabbling in racing particularly criteriums, then I would be looking at either the Allez DSW Elite or CAAD10 105.
I would suggest the Allez DSW Elite, if you only thinking about racing. After thrashing the bike for a year or two, even in entry level racing, you could upgrade to 11 speed 105 groupset (currently available online for about $550) and decent alloy wheels ($400), you would have a good solid crit bike.
If you think are likely to end up racing, then spend the $800 and get the race ready CAAD10 105.
If your riding is going to be longer rides (50 to 100km) solo or with a mate or two. Then I would suggest the Scott Addict, far more comfortable and still a capable entry level race bike.
If you are looking at riding long distances (100km +) and not go racing. Then you should be looking for a bike with endurance geometry like a Scott Solace, Giant Defy Advance or similar.
I own a Canyon AL8 (German equivalent of a CAAD10), a Fuji SL1 ( a stiff race geometry bike not to dissimilar to a Scott Foil) as well as a few others, and have ridden Scott Foil, Addict and Solace.
I do take the Canyon on long rides, like 150km and 1800m of climbing on a criterium bike.
I have also raced and finished behind people on endurance geometry bikes.
So while there are advantages of using the right bike for the task, there is not hard and fast rules.
my blog Nick Cowie, member of Peel District Cycling Club
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