Hi,

I own a specialized hardrock sport disc, but looking to also add a road bike. This will be my first road bike, so I don't feel like ordering something online. I have 2 LBS and they mainly carry trek or specialized.

Im looking to spend $1500+ or minus. My choices come down to...(depending on if I feel like spending more or less than $1500)

Allez Elite vs Trek 1600

or

Roubaix vs Trek 2100

My question: Is one better than the other as far as component/frame/etc. Or will it come down to a personal choice?

Roubaix... the best you can get for the amount you wanna spend IMHO. The roubaix, you are talking about the S Works Roubaix or? cant be the S Works right?

I once rode a Trek 1500 (friend's bike) (same frame as the 1600) and it was pretty good. But the 2100 has carbon stays so it would be a tad more comfy. Sorry I can't comment on aluminium frames as I ride a CF Madone and my only alu experience is with my hybrid (Trek Fx 7.5) and the 1500 (one ride)

You said you don't mind spending a little more? Well, what about Cannondale? They're not that expensive and are good too. A cervelo soloist team (Not sure how much this costs but if it's within your budget, then it's an AWESOME bike. Coz CSC's Bobby Julich once said that if he could ride any bike, it'd be the soloist team over the soloist carbon even.. This was when one RBRer met him and rode with him a couple of weeks back or so.)

Good luck

Roubiax as the bottom line one, maybe a roubiax eltie, but no more that $1900, which the roubiax and trek 5000 comes about $1900 each.

Speaking of the trek 5000. I just got back from one local shop and tried out the trek 2100 and 5000. They seemed alright. When I asked about sizing for the bike, they said to just go by my height (5'11) which he said comes to 56cm, but after I bought the bike, they would fit it for me (which they usually charge $60).

I will go check out the Roubiax, tomorrow.

Just go by your height? That's CRAP in general. I'm 5'9'' (wish I was 5'11'' :) ) and I ride a 54cm Madone but can even ride a 58cm. Try the bike out honestly... Get a feel for reach... What's your inseam? Long torso, then a 58cm would serve you better I think.

Seriously, yes you can ride a 56cm based on figures but depending on your proportions, a 58 would fit you well too.

im considering these 3 bikes, $1500 is my range also but im not sure I can get a bike that will last for under $1800. I am 6'ft 4in 240lbs I currently ride a landshark custom with chorus but its very uncomfortable because its built for crits not longer rides. I cant help but wonder whether or not im really getting a better bike. Let me know what you all think.

I went to the specialized shop, today. I was the only customer and waited 10 minutes before one of the 3 employees talked to me. Plus, they had ZERO specialized road bikes in stock.

Looks like i'll be picking up my trek tomorrow. Is it worth about $300 more for the 5000 over the 2100?

I went to the specialized shop, today. I was the only customer and waited 10 minutes before one of the 3 employees talked to me. Plus, they had ZERO specialized road bikes in stock.

Looks like i'll be picking up my trek tomorrow. Is it worth about $300 more for the 5000 over the 2100?

Trek is offering specials to dealers. I saw a price of 1900+ for a 5200 with Ultegra 9 speed. That frame alone was 2 grand two years ago. The difference between that and the 5000 frame is the 5000 is made in china, and the 5200 in Wisconson and is Ovlc.
I have to admit that you are rushing into the purchase too quickly. Travel alittle and talk to alot more people to make sure the fit is right and make sure they seem like they know what they are talking about. There is a ton of misinformation out there, especially about bike tech and fit.
That being said, I'd recommend fitting to a bike with a shorter top tube (you can always add a longer stem and increase your setback.) A shorter bike will increase manuverablity (sp) and decrease the pressure on your elbows shoulders, wrists and upper back. Also be careful of a head tube that is too short. Neck pain and upper back pain can result. Seat tube hight is not important, witness the compact bike craze.
There are a ton of deals this time of year, so take advantage of them.

I'm 5'10' with a 32-33 inch cycling inseam and I have found a TT of 54.5 (with a seat tube angle of 73.5) fits me very well (100mm stem) + set back. I need a minimum of 17cm from the bottom of the head tube to the bottom of the stem so as not to have neck pain, and minimize hand numbness. This all depends on seat height of course. However since you have no point of reference, and we are of similar heights, you might take some notes of these numbers and compare them to your points of comfort.
Always take a metric tape or yardstick with you when you are bike shopping!!! It will immediately cement whether a bike is appropriate for you or not.

As for the Roubaix, the Pilot is a more direct equiviliant.

Good luck in your search, and don't be in too big of a hurry.

Hi,

I own a specialized hardrock sport disc, but looking to also add a road bike. This will be my first road bike, so I don't feel like ordering something online. I have 2 LBS and they mainly carry trek or specialized.

Im looking to spend $1500+ or minus. My choices come down to...(depending on if I feel like spending more or less than $1500)

Allez Elite vs Trek 1600

or

Roubaix vs Trek 2100

My question: Is one better than the other as far as component/frame/etc. Or will it come down to a personal choice?

Mr Bandit390

The quality on the frames on the Trek and Specialized are exactly the same, I would not pick based on that.

As far as not ordering online due to this being your first road bike, that doies not matter. About half our road buyers online are new to road. They have no trouble.

I intervened in a post like this by indygreg and he decided to go for a Full Dura Ace bike at your price range. I think you can see the results at

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=78659

if you decide to buy a better equipped and lighter bike, you will never regret it.

mike

There are a ton of deals this time of year, so take advantage of them.
.

there are not that many LBS near to me an dI don't feel like driving to far. When I was in the shop, I was quoted msrp for the 2100 and 5000. I doubt he will come down on the price any.

Honestly, i'm thinking of buying 2006 model off ebay. The prices are about half the price than buying an 07 from my LBS. Unless the dealer gives me a good deal, which like I said above, I doubt it. But im going back to the trek shop today to get me a pair of mtb shoes. So i'll test ride some more bikes and see about getting the price down.

Before you drink the Cool Aid on carbon fiber bikes in that price range consider the few steel bikes that have great quality around $1500. I was convinced I would get a Roubaix this year, but that all changed when I tested a LeMond Sarthe. It was smooth smooth smooth and I knew that it would be durable and last a long time. It also came with a mix of Ultegra and 105 stuff for only $1499. It's somewhat heavier, but I didn't care about 1-2 pounds. Bianchi also makes the Vigorelli around that price range.

Just got back from the trek shop, again. They are not budging any on the price. I am even buying $130 Louis Garneau Ergogrip and $135 speedplays and all he can offer is 2 water cages and botles.

They didn't have my shoe size in stock, so I didn't buy anything today. I still have the weekend to think about it, unless he calls me today, to tell me he got the shipment of shoes in.

I'll give bikedirect a look see. But I don't like the idea of not trying the bike before I buy it. What happens if the bike doesn't fit? Will bikedirect offer free shipping for the bike to be sent back to BD and then free shipping for a different size bike to me?

But more than likey I will get an 06 model off ebay. Since I got to try almost the same bike in the store (07 model) Half the price for a one year older model seems too good to pass up. Example, I just saw a 06 trek 5200 close for $1025

Just got back from the trek shop, again. They are not budging any on the price. I am even buying $130 Louis Garneau Ergogrip and $135 speedplays and all he can offer is 2 water cages and botles.

They didn't have my shoe size in stock, so I didn't buy anything today. I still have the weekend to think about it, unless he calls me today, to tell me he got the shipment of shoes in.

I'll give bikedirect a look see. But I don't like the idea of not trying the bike before I buy it. What happens if the bike doesn't fit? Will bikedirect offer free shipping for the bike to be sent back to BD and then free shipping for a different size bike to me?

But more than likey I will get an 06 model off ebay. Since I got to try almost the same bike in the store (07 model) Half the price for a one year older model seems too good to pass up. Example, I just saw a 06 trek 5200 close for $1025

Bandit390


ebay has some great deals, in used product you to take need more care than in new as you might guess

however, I think if you read the thread below and look at the specs on our RBR November sale - you will see why I think it is the deal for you -- plus if you do not think it is the best deal around when you get it - we take returns {which most ebayers do not do}

check this post if you have time

http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=78659

mike

I was/am a longtime mtn biker and picked up my first roadie this summer. Test road 3 or 4 (not the Trek, tho) and settled on the Roubaix. Comfy and quick but of course I really don't have a lot to compare too. In researching, the weakest aspect of the bike seemed to be the wheelset (ALX-295) Maybe they've changed for 07. I've kept the wheelset and will replace when needed. Ignorance is bliss in that regard.

Danger, Will Robinson! DON'T just go by height! I've noticed it's almost a universal tendency for most LBS to fit you with too small frame, using height as a rule of thumb. They did me. I've got a 56cm Roubaix, and the bike itself is wonderful. But I find myself not agreeing with the geometry choices they made; it's the LONG rides that'll tell ya the story. It's not that I'm getting hammered from the aluminum/carbon frame, it's that I can't get the bars up high enough for my neck and back to be relaxed on long rides.(>50 miles). DONT BE IN ANY HURRY! Ride some steel bikes, and look at Rivendell Bicycle's website for a refreshingly different viewpoint on frame sizing. Good luck in yer search...I have a VERY nice 06 Roubaix-I upgraded the wheels to electric blue Velocity Aeroheads. I WILL be selling it to help pay for the 58cm Rivendell Atlantis I've ordered. Email me offline if interested.