Bike Purchasing advice!

[Mollytastic]

Hi folks, total newbie to the road cycling world. Looking to get my first road bike without breaking the bank. Was looking at a new Btwin Triban 3 from Decathlon sports or a hardly used second hand Specialized Allez Compact 2012. At the moment there's a £20 difference between the two. Any thoughts or advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you!

 

[jonny jeez]

Hi and welcome.

Oddly enough I was advising a friend on almost the exact same bikes. he went for a new Triban simply because he got a reciept and as an owner of his own business could see a tax break there.

The triban has a big following and in my mind is excellent value. That said i ride a specialized Allez elite (is yours the standard non carbon forked allez?), on a compact and can see/feel the difference.

personally though, I'd go for a new option if it were my first roadie, you can sell it later and loose very little, wheras a third hand bike might drop a fair bit, especially if sold on quickly.

good luck either way

 

[Mollytastic]

Hi Jonny,

Thanks for the advice. The 2012 second hand Specialized does have the Carbon forks but being new to this I'm not sure if there's much other difference spec wise!

Thanks again

 

[mattobrien]

IMHO the Specialized will be a better spec than the Triban and was a more expensive bike when new - many people on here extol the better value than is to be had buying a bike secondhand.

I have a Spesh Allez and am happy with it, it was a fine first road bike for me and will remain in service as a winter / wet weather bike when the new one finally arrives...

 

[Mollytastic]

Thanks Matt, appreciate your advice.

 

[Peteaud]

The spesh is better than the T3 imho

The T3 is a good bike tho.

 

[kerndog]

another one here for the allez

I got an allez sport on ebay with 200 miles on it for £450 recently and I love it

 

[FreeFlow Bikes]

Get yourself down to decathlon and the LBS and have a go on the two bikes. See how they feel, as one bike feels totally different from one person to another. As far as I believe the Triban is a well specked bike for the money.

 

[Mollytastic]

Thanks folks, appreciating all of the comments and advice.

 

[jonny jeez]

Hi Jonny,

Thanks for the advice. The 2012 second hand Specialized does have the Carbon forks but being new to this I'm not sure if there's much other difference spec wise!

Thanks again

I do agree with others, that spec for spec the specialized wins.

Although on paper its only the groupset that stands apart. Its a tough comparison in some regards as Btwin manufacture their own brakes and wheels so its harder to get reviews on them as individual components. I've heard that the Btwin hubs require a little more TLC over the period of ownership. That said, my Allez required almost an entire new drive system this winter...after only one year of riding (fairly high mileage admittedly)

But second hand for new is the consideration for me.

I tend to go new every time

 

[Mollytastic]

Does anyone who commented on this Post think that the following is a good deal..............

A 9 month old Carrera Virtuoso which has been well looked after but has a few minor chips and a scuff on the rear mech (which was re aligned afterwards) which comes with these extras

: new handle cork tape (100 miles old) (£20)
: 2 brand new (100 miles old) Gatorskin clincher folding Continental 4 season tyres. (£80)
: New Cat Eye cycle computer (100 miles old). (£35)
: Topeak saddle bag with full tool kit & puncture kit (£35)
: Topeak frame V bag with sections for Keys and first aid kit & gel & food storage (£25)
: Shimano SPD SL Pedals (£40) (original cage pedals included)

The bike would be serviced again before sale. Asking price is £240

I've read a lot of good things about the Virtuoso and again any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Thanks folks

 

[jonny jeez]

A good bike and one that does get some good review, as you mentioned.

Bit spooked by the "scuff and realignment" of the rear mech...what caused that? Sounds like it may have been hit up the back mor dropped at speed and could be a headache. New bar tape and pedals would be consistent with a drop. Easy to show an old pair from another bike as the "originals"

Personally both comments would be enough for me to give it a miss.

What does the "scuff"look like?

 

[Mollytastic]

Hopefully these photos upload ok. One with the scuff and the other of the chips. The scuff was from a fall according to the owner. Appreciate the advice again.

 

[Arjimlad]

Having read all the above I do like the sound of the Specialised Allez - don't think you could go far wrong with one of those !

 

[Mollytastic]

Hi folks. Just a quick thank you for all your input and advice. I decided to go with a new bike more for peace of mind and managed to get myself a Triban 3 from Decathlon Glasgow. All I need is for the weather to improve to actually start using it! Thanks again.