I’m just getting back into cycling and I’m looking at getting a new bike. As a beginner, I like to keep it under $1000. Due to my body build, short legs and long torso, I limited to compact frames. The two bikes with compact frames, in the $1000 range, I’ve been able to find locally is the Specialized Allez Elite and the Giant OCR1. Fit is not a problem with both bikes.

The OCR has slightly better components, Ultegra shifters and rear derailleur with M505 clipless pedals. The Allez comes with mostly 105 and regular platform pedals. On the other hand the frame on the OCR is heavier then Allez. Even with the lighter Ultegra components there is a notice difference in weight when I lift both bikes. Actually the OCR is even heavier then the steel framed Allez (nice bike but out of my price range, I was just test riding it for fit). The question is, do I choose better components, heaver frame or lighter frame, but still decent components? Which bike will last longer and ride better?

In terms of durability, which wheel set is better the Alex ATX-330 or the Xero XSR-3?

I'm looking at the exact same bikes. One LBS I contacted was strongly leaning towards the Allez since the OCR weighs a good bit more. He told me it was about 2 lbs heavier. I'm not sure if that's the case, but if so, that's bad.

Unfortunately I don't have any answers for you as I'm looking for advice, too.

I'm looking at the exact same bikes. One LBS I contacted was strongly leaning towards the Allez since the OCR weighs a good bit more. He told me it was about 2 lbs heavier. I'm not sure if that's the case, but if so, that's bad.

Unfortunately I don't have any answers for you as I'm looking for advice, too.

2lbs sound about right. I have the same problem and these are the two bikes I'm looking at also. I haven’t really compared a lot of bikes simply due to the fact that my build also limits me to a compact frames too. So, I’m not sure if the Allez is really light or the OCR is actually really heavy compared to other bikes in that $1000 price range.

I'm leaning toward the Allez and unless somehere here chances my mind.

I guess, we’ll have to wait for the more experience riders to chime in.

2lbs sound about right. I have the same problem and these are the two bikes I'm looking at also. I haven’t really compared a lot of bikes simply due to the fact that my build also limits me to a compact frames too. So, I’m not sure if the Allez is really light or the OCR is actually really heavy compared to other bikes in that $1000 price range.

I'm leaning toward the Allez and unless somehere here chances my mind.

I guess, we’ll have to wait for the more experience riders to chime in.

When I'm selling people bikes this is what I ask them. How long are your rides usually? How often? Which one feels better? You obviously aren't racing, so two lbs isn't going to kill you. Don't be a weight weenie!!! Worry about weight when you're spending 2 or 3 grand. Which ones feels better when you sit on it or ride it? Better components or not, proper geometry for the rider should dictate your decision more than anything if you can't decide. The Allez isn't a true 105 bike. The cranks and bb are Specialized Octalink and the brake calipers are a standard dual pivot. You are comparing apples to apples, quality in wheels will be similar, so look at the components and frame quality and make your decision based on that. At my shop the OCR 1 is 949.99 and the Allez Elite is 999.99. So for $50 less you get alot morewith the OCR. Seems simple to me that the OCR is the better deal. This coming from a guy that own 4 Specialized bikes!
Hope that helps.

When I'm selling people bikes this is what I ask them. How long are your rides usually? How often? Which one feels better? You obviously aren't racing, so two lbs isn't going to kill you. Don't be a weight weenie!!! Worry about weight when you're spending 2 or 3 grand. Which ones feels better when you sit on it or ride it? Better components or not, proper geometry for the rider should dictate your decision more than anything if you can't decide. The Allez isn't a true 105 bike. The cranks and bb are Specialized Octalink and the brake calipers are a standard dual pivot. You are comparing apples to apples, quality in wheels will be similar, so look at the components and frame quality and make your decision based on that. At my shop the OCR 1 is 949.99 and the Allez Elite is 999.99. So for $50 less you get alot morewith the OCR. Seems simple to me that the OCR is the better deal. This coming from a guy that own 4 Specialized bikes!
Hope that helps.

As I mentioned earlier, fit isn’t a problem. I've test ridden both bikes and they’re equally as comfortable to me. One doesn’t stand out compared to the other.

As for price, they’re both the same price around here. I’ve check with couple of local dealers and they all want $1000 for either bike.

Now, taking your advice and I’m going to take the wheels out of picture, and just looking at the frame and components. Which leaves me with my original problem, the Allez has the better frame and the OCR has the better components. Do I go with the better frame or the better components? And why?

Do I go with the better frame or the better components? And why?

That's pretty straight forward, go for the better frame. Components wear out, you can upgrade as you go. The frame will more than likely be with you longer than a derailleur.

That's pretty straight forward, go for the better frame. Components wear out, you can upgrade as you go. The frame will more than likely be with you longer than a derailleur.
my 2004 allez elite is a fantastic bike it is happy going up hills and very stable coming down at high speed 92km/h about 50m/h i love it dont know that much about the OCR i believe it has a longer wheel base making it very stable but slower to react to you imput ive been told it is more of a comfort bike i would go with the lighter bike the wheels are the point that let the allez down alex alx330 wheels break spokes ive replaced 5 broken spokes in the last 4 months try to get your lbs to upgrade these wheels i would still go 4 the allez its great