Advice on 1st road bike.

[buddy1968]

Approaching my 58th birthday and decided want 1st road bike, only been cycling last 4 years on a hybrid to work and days off.
Looking at 1 of these 2,
Specialized Allez sport e5 2026
Giant contend SL 1 2026

The giant comes with shimano 105
The allez with shimano cues 10 speed
The contend is £250 more.

Any advice most welcome on which will be best buy, ideally for use on club rides and long rides. Thanks

 

[fossyant]

105 is a fair old step up from Cues !

 

[Ian H]

Decide first what you want it for.
Racing? Club rides? casual riding? Touring? Just to admire in the garage/shed?

 

[roubaixtuesday]

But the one that you can get from a trustworthy local shop.

 

[november4]

Haven't had any problems with our family's giant bikes, great value too
My own is the rim brake model, but others have 105 disc and its better. The contend geometry is comfy for endurance rides, but you maybe find a similar but carbon frame giant defy on sale or a good second hand too.

Factor in doing a saddle hunt as a brands stock saddles are normally something that can be improved upon

 

[DCLane]

Firstly,

Shimano 105 is decent quality, and good enough for most. If it fits you then I'd go for that one.

Shimano Cues is a more basic set-up, hence the cheaper price. An Allez is decent enough but at that price I'd want a better groupset.

 

[Seevio]

No comment on either of these bikes. There is an argument for getting a better bike second hand but regardless of what you decide, make sure you do a proper test ride before you buy.

 

[Gwylan]

Bigger picture suggestion. Your first bike will generally tell you what you like and don't like.
Then you can make a refined choice.
Don't sell the farm for your first bike.
And you might kiss a few frogs before you find your keeper.

 

[fritz katzenjammer]

105 is so much better than Cues… Shimano should be ashamed.