choosing between two road bikes

[dezza]

Hi,

Based on my budget (though not entirly) i've narrowed down the choice to two bikes in the same price range. Any advice on which is better value for the money before I finally decide?

The two are:

Scott Speedster S50 2011 and the Specialised Alley Sport 2011. The reviews of both are good and both seem to fit what my needs, i.e good for a few hours cycling in the back and country roads and possible commute to work too.

The Speedster is around the £700 and the Allez is on sale now for £100 less, though I'll probably outlay some more case on pedals and shoes if I go for the speedster. The Allez is fitted mostly with Shimano components whereas the Scott all seems to be it's own brand.

Any one any preference as to which is the best value? I do hope you have some advice.

Thanks

 

[Kestevan]

Whichever one feels nicest when you test ride it. This should be the primary deciding factor.

Failing that, which one do you prefer the look of.

 

[BrumJim]

As above. Both good bikes with good reputations.

 

[2Loose]

The one that fits, as said above...however, if they both fit, then the Allez has the better reputation wheels and a slightly higher component spec. despite the lower price.

The Scott is prettier and less common in this area though

 

[Atyl1972]

also depends on what kind of riding you're going to be doing, do you need a road bike, maybe a cyclo cross etc. i personally would go with the specialized as they appear to be more of a known and trusted brand in comparison to Scott, especially on forums such as this site, but both bikes appear to be really good value for money, do some research online and see if there are any reviews...

 

[dezza]

appear to be really good value for money, do some research online and see if there are any reviews...

This is part of my online research . I haven't found a bad word to say about either bike to be honest, though the reviews on the Scott seem to be slightly better. These tend to be from mags whereas the specialized reviews tend tp be more from users. It's a tough one as they are in the same price bracket so I wouldn't expect there to be big difference. At the moment I'm leaning more to the Scott since it's a bit less well known and a bit different. I felt the specialzed had the better components so thanks for confirming that though I can always add better components when needed later to.

I'll test them and let you know.

Thanks

 

[cyberknight]

Test them both , they are pretty much of a muchness , the specialized is a double and the Scot is a triple if i am correct so it depends if you are ok with the gears the allez offers or you need the wide range of gears that a triple offers.

At the end of the day it is better to spend a few pounds more if the bike fits rather than to save money on a bargain if it does not feel right.

 

[dezza]

Test them both , they are pretty much of a muchness , the specialized is a double and the Scot is a triple if i am correct so it depends if you are ok with the gears the allez offers or you need the wide range of gears that a triple offers.

At the end of the day it is better to spend a few pounds more if the bike fits rather than to save money on a bargain if it does not feel right.

Spot on the seceteur is a triple and the Allez a double. The Spec on the Evans website is wrong as it says its 27 speed, which would be a triple with 9 on the cassette. But your right it's only a double. I'm going to give them both a trial and see

It's the larger gear that you get with the triple isn't it? I'm sure I'd be OK with only two?

 

[cyberknight]

Most people get on ok with the "compact" doubles as they are called now unless you are climbing mountains you should be ok, i did a sportive around Ashbourne on one and i coped but a bit lower gear would have been nicer

The triple will give you an easier gear as it (according to specs i read) has a 30 inner chain ring with a bigger range rear cassette so your easiest gear will be easier and you fastest gear will be faster.You will get a fair number of gears on the triple that will be the same "speed" base on combinations of front and rear ring though.

The double will have less gears ratios available to choose from , top end i spin out down hill on a 50x12 at 40 mph.The lowest gear should be fine and if not then you could try to squeeze a larger toothed cassette on the back but i believe the allez comes with a 2300 that recommends a 26 max ( so you could maybe get a 28 on )

I would go for whatever bike fits the best , the gearing is a matter of choice and unless you live in a really hilly area i would have said the triple is nice to have just in case but not necessary .

Having a quick look i think the difference in the bottom gear is 4 inches per revolution based on a 30 tooth and a 34 tooth lowest chain ring with a 25 tooth at the back