What bike? (please help)

[Chris]

Hi, New to this group and would like a little advice. After MTB'g for a good few years I've decided
to get a road bike. I basically whittled it down to three models.

http://www.trekbike.co.uk/bikes/road/performance/2300.php

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03AllezComp27&JServSessionIdro
ot=m8wt5p7q9p.j27003&bl=road

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/03/cusa/model-3RR1T.html

Not knowing much about road bikes I've been trying to find out the best size frame for my build. The
problem is that one shop recommends one size frame (say 56cm), and another shop recommends 58cm
(this is on the specialized allez comp). I'm not too sure about the sizing of the other bikes I'm
interested in but I assume they'll either be 56cm or 58cm. Has anyone ridden these three bikes, or
does anyone know what they're like compared to each other. I think I need all the help I can get as
I'm new to the road scene. I'll be using the bike for longish rides over hilly terrain (Mid, North
Wales road loops etc.)

TIA.

--
chris

[Neil]

"chris" <mojo.rising@ntlworlddotcom> wrote in message
news:K5t3b.467$rh7.822324@newsfep1-win.server.ntli.net...
> Hi, New to this group and would like a little advice. After MTB'g for a good
few
> years I've decided to get a road bike. I basically whittled it down to
three
> models.
>
> http://www.trekbike.co.uk/bikes/road/performance/2300.php
>
>
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03AllezComp27&JServSessionIdro
> ot=m8wt5p7q9p.j27003&bl=road
>
> http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/03/cusa/model-3RR1T.html
>
Ready made bikes tend to be overpriced at RRP. If I had 1500 to spend it would go like this; Buy a
mid price ti frame like an airborn say 700 quid, buy a campag groupset from Sdeals say 500 (mix and
match 10 speed chours, record,centaur) add some campag proton wheels at 180 and spend the rest on
finishing kit. Then build it yourself. You'd get a much better bike that will ride better and last
much longer - assuming you build it properly :).

[Peter B]

"chris" <mojo.rising@ntlworlddotcom> wrote in message
news:K5t3b.467$rh7.822324@newsfep1-win.server.ntli.net...
>
> Not knowing much about road bikes I've been trying to find out the best
size
> frame for my build. The problem is that one shop recommends one size frame (say 56cm), and another
> shop recommends 58cm (this is on the specialized allez comp).

Ideally you need to ride them, but definately at least sit on them. The given measurements may vary
as may the opinion of the salesperson.

> Has anyone ridden these three bikes, or does anyone know what they're like compared to each other.

I've owned a Cannondale very similar to that shown for just over a year and so far have no
complaints. The ride can be unforgiving on certain surfaces, I don't know how it compares to the
others, but it is comfortable overall.

> I think I need all the help I can get as I'm new to the road scene. I'll be using the bike for
> longish rides over hilly terrain (Mid, North Wales road loops etc.)

Yes, the triple chain ring is definately the way to go for Wales IMHO.

The bottom line may come down to what appeals to your eye as they'll all fine bikes but rule out any
you can't have a go on (hopefully not all three).

Pete

[Stan Cox]

"chris" <mojo.rising@ntlworlddotcom> wrote in message
news:K5t3b.467$rh7.822324@newsfep1-win.server.ntli.net...
> Hi, New to this group and would like a little advice. After MTB'g for a good
few
> years I've decided to get a road bike. I basically whittled it down to
three
> models.
>
> http://www.trekbike.co.uk/bikes/road/performance/2300.php
>
>
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03AllezComp27&JServSessionIdro
> ot=m8wt5p7q9p.j27003&bl=road
>
> http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/03/cusa/model-3RR1T.html
>
> Not knowing much about road bikes I've been trying to find out the best
size
> frame for my build. The problem is that one shop recommends one size frame (say 56cm), and another
> shop recommends 58cm (this is on the specialized allez comp). I'm not too sure about the sizing of
> the other bikes I'm interested in but I assume they'll either be 56cm or 58cm. Has anyone ridden
> these three bikes, or does anyone know what they're like compared to each other. I think I need
> all the help I can get as I'm new to the road scene. I'll be using the bike for longish rides over
> hilly terrain (Mid, North Wales road loops etc.)
>
> TIA.
>
>
> --
> chris
>
>

Hi Chris. If I was about to spend that much I would probably not buy a complete bike from a large
manufacturer but buy a frame & groupset. I am quite heavy so I would go for Steel but this is
personal preference. As I mentioned elsewhere getting the correct size is essential. All the best.

Stan Cox