Choices, choices, choices!

[Nebulous]

I started cycling about 3 years ago, when I bought a 2010 allez elite. I have absolutely loved it and have done thousands of miles on it. It seemed to fit well out of the box, no discomfort on long days and all was good. It is time to move on though and I'm looking for something else.

The obvious choice for me is a Tarmac, considering how much I liked the allez. I'm looking at the sport:-

http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/specialized-tarmac-sl4-sport-14

I'd probably rather have the elite on spec, but since they dropped the price on the sport there is a £500 gap and I cannot see the spec justifies that. I also like the red better than the black.

I keep wondering though if I should cast my net wider. One of the top 5 in bike of the year was a BMC. Evans are offering £150 trade-in on bikes at that price and 4% off from quidco takes it to £1584

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc/teammachine-slr02-105-2014-road-bike-ec053866

I've also considered

http://www.wheelies.co.uk/p68877/Cannondale-SuperSix-Evo-5-105-Compact-2014-Road-Bike.aspx
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_992023_langId_-1_categoryId_165710

Very solid spec and 10% off from British Cycling.

I have a new set of zonda wheels at home, so cheap wheels don't matter as they'll be swopped out anyway. Usage would be a lot of solo/training use, some sportives and occasional competition club and open TTs. I have a EBC cross bike with guards and rack for commuting and work use so this can be purely a 'fun' machine.

Thoughts welcome!

 

[SteCenturion]

If it were me I would go for the Tarmac or SuperSix over the BMC, not based on any specific knowledge of BMC's but I just don't like the rear triangles of their frames aesthetically.

You could probably find a good spec Giant TCR or Defy (2013) for sumilar money too.

I dont think that £150 trade in is that good really (unless your Allez is battered or got a low spec & worn out group set on it).

Is it possible you would get more than £150 for your Allez on here or on ebay, Gumtree, Pre loved etc ??

 

[jowwy]

Tarmac sport all the way - i got it, its an amazing bike and you will enjoy every second of riding it, but will never really put your finger on why, cause everyride you do on it, the bike will just keep on surprising you with its pure speed, comfort and ability to perform on any given challenge

Its an imense bike, that gives pure unbridalled joy and satisfaction.