2013 Specialized bikes

[sleaver]

I posted a while ago asking for advice on purchasing my first ever road bike and at the end I had narrowed it down to two Specialized bikes. Evans Cycles said that I could order them both in and try them out to see which one suited me more due to the different geometory's. However, their expected due date for stock keeps getting pushed back and is now even the end of October for one of them!

I don't really want to keep on waiting, so apart from trying to find another shop which has them (assuming they are in stock somewhere), is there anything else anyone can suggest?

 

[smokeysmoo]

Have you spoken to a Specialized Concept Store?

At the very least they will be able to confirm the latest delivery dates for the bikes you are interested in. I'm not suggesting Evans are pulling your chain, but it'll clarify it for you.

Failing that the only recommendation I'd give is to buy the bike that fits you the best and you feel most comfortable on.

I know it's cliché, but TBH it's the only way. Get round a few bike shops and try different bikes for size and fit, that way you build up your own knowledge as well

 

[thommo74]

Where do you live? Leisure Lakes Bikes is a good Specialized stockist in the North West.

 

[PaulSecteur]

With the 2013 bikes coming in soon the spesh store are looking to sell the 2012 bikes. Could be worth a haggle. They probably have a couple of hundred off the price so it might be worth getting clothing or accessories included.

 

[sleaver]

Where do you live? Leisure Lakes Bikes is a good Specialized stockist in the North West.

Hmm, South East! Could be a bit of a road trip

With the 2013 bikes coming in soon the spesh store are looking to sell the 2012 bikes. Could be worth a haggle. They probably have a couple of hundred off the price so it might be worth getting clothing or accessories included.

Do you mean the concept stores? If so, I'm in London tomorrow and was going to try and pop into the Covent Garden store.

It's annoying because I was all up for buying a bike, but now I've got to try and not let the idea go before I can actually find one!

 

[PaulSecteur]

Yeah, concept stores.

They do try to give off a "we dont adjust our prices" vibe. But if you are serious about buying and can either buy on the day you are there, or leave a decent deposit then they should deal. If its a 2012 bike then it will already have a few hundred off, depending on what you are spending I would be looking to get some decent accessoirs thrown in.

If you are new then get things like bottles and holders, a decent pump for the bike (and maybe a track pump) and some suitable tubes and a saddle pack.

If you are spending up to £750-ish get some clothing to the value of about £75, if its more to the £1000 get some shoes decent shoes for £100ish (dont forget-you will have to buy suitable pedals to match if you dont have them)

Always start high and be prepared to come down, if you start low you cant go back up!

Happy hunting!

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

The concept stores can get test bikes in for you from Specialized which you can keep for a few days, Great way to get a good feel for the bike your considering.

http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/benefits/

 

[sleaver]

Well, I went to the concept store in Covent Garden and the two bike's I'm looking are apparently not going to be in this country until the end of next month for one and the middle of November for the other plus they didn't have any 2012 stock left! They did however have the more expensive models!

So, I guess it's a waiting game then unless anywhere else gets them in stock first.

Out of the Allez and Secteur, they did say that I would probably be better off with the Secture due to it's geometry as I can't bend over and touch my toes!

 

[vorsprung]

I wouldn't buy next years model now. It's crazy. There is a phase of discounting now (Oct) and a further phase after Xmas for the previous years models.

 

[sleaver]

I wouldn't buy next years model now. It's crazy. There is a phase of discounting now (Oct) and a further phase after Xmas for the previous years models.

I would happily buy this years (2012) model, it's just that I would ideally like to try both first and finding them in stock in the right size isn't proving easy

If anyone can help finding them in stock anywhere, I'm looking at the Allez Sport and Secture tripple, however, I'm edging to the Allez Sport due to the Sora shifters but it will be my first ever road bike and first bike for getting on for 15 years!

 

[ianrauk]

I would happily buy this years (2012) model, it's just that I would ideally like to try both first and finding them in stock in the right size isn't proving easy

If anyone can help finding them in stock anywhere, I'm looking at the Allez Sport and Secture tripple, however, I'm edging to the Allez Sport due to the Sora shifters but it will be my first ever road bike and first bike for getting on for 15 years!

There's a Secteur for sale in the classifieds at the moment. Size 54 if I remember rightly.
A very nice bike.

Edit: In fact there are now 2 Secteurs for sale. One 52 and one 54.

 

[sleaver]

There's a Secteur for sale in the classifieds at the moment. Size 54 if I remember rightly.
A very nice bike.

Edit: In fact there are now 2 Secteurs for sale. One 52 and one 54.

I actually saw that about 10 minutes ago. Unfortunately I need a 58!

 

[Broadside]

Try calling Berkshire Cycles in Reading, my wife just got a 2013 Specialized Dolce there a week ago. They said supply is tight but they do have some stuff available. You will also find them very willing to do a deal without any pleading necessary, you may be surprised what price you can get a 2013 model for, I was...

Their website is pretty bad so don't pay any attention to that, give them a call or go and see them.

 

[defy-one]

Reading is tempting .... I want/need a fast hybrid

 

[sleaver]

Hmm, not Specialized, but what would people's thought's be on the Cannondale CAAD8 7 SORA?

Plus, would a red bike be a bit to vibrant?