Hi there - I'm looking to move from a mid-90s Schwinn Traveler to a newer performance (somewhat entry-level) rd. bike. I've tried out a few Felts, and a triple R500 Cannondale. Yesterday, I tested a '04 Specialized Allez Elite CR-MO (triple). This bike seemed the most comfortable , easiest to shift gears with, etc. (not surprisingly , perhaps). It also seems like mounting my aero-bars on it would work out well/provide an okay lean-over angle. The bike was originally ~$1300, but the bike store has marked it down to $910 (plus tax). Is this bike worth the buy? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Also, I'm 5'9" w/ ~ 32.5-33" inseam - the "deal" bike is a 54 cm and felt better than the Felt 56 cm. Thoughts on this?

-LindsK

The Allez Elite Cro-Mo shares the same frame as the Allez Comp Cro-mo but with different color. For the money it's one of the best deals going IMO. A columbus foco frame, carbon fork and 105 (in the elites case) for $900, you won't find that anywhere else. Heck, usually a frame built with foco is usually $900 alone! I've had a Comp Cro-Mo for a year about now and I have really been pleased with it. You can ride all day and not be beat up, but it's still stiff enough, (for steel) to feel lively and quick. 54cm for your height doesn't sound out of ordinary, what is your cycling inseam? I'll try to upload some shots of mine tonight if I get a chance. :)

I bought the same bike last year for $1275. Your close-out price is a steal (pun intended). I've been very happy with the bike, have put on about 1600 miles on it so far, no problems at all. I'm about 5-10 with about the same inseam as you and ride a 56. If the 54 is comfortable and fits right on your body, go for it.