puckett129

Yes, the Sora shifters that come on the bike are very likely exactly the same as those 9 speed Tiagra. Get the bike you like from the shop that treats you the best. I have a friend who's got a CAAD 9 with 9 speed Tiagra and it is nice. The new Sora stuff will be fine. I occasionally ride with a guy with a Sora 8 speed drivetrain (same as that 2300 stuff) and he BLOWS ME AWAY on my fancier bike with fancier components.

I'm a little bit of a gear wh0re, but those components will be fine.

Hodgenutts

Ok. Thank you very much. I've seen online the 2013 complete105 set for a little over $400 on the internet but it was shipped from Hong Kong. I wasn't sure if that's the average price or a cheap knock off. Also, what is a fair price to pay a bike shop to do a full switch of components on a new bike you get from them?

puckett129

Not sure that I would do this... seems like a waste of money. I would go one level up to the Specialized Allez Compact Sport (in blue) though; that bike looks hot!

Slackerprince

Again, buy the bike you want the first time and avoid the upgrade trap.
You're agonizing over the price of the bikes, and now you're shopping
for full gruppo upgrades.

s

phread59

I'm a Spesh fan myself. But I'd advise the Trek here. The lack of a carbon fork is the deal killer. Do not underestimate the value of the carbon fork. I rode a Spesh Sirrus sport with an aluminum fork. I hated that bike. The fork pounded my hands something fierce. I'd never buy a bike with an aluminum fork ever again.

I'd look at the Trek or a carbon forked Allez. I like the Allez frame over the Trek though. I think the Allez is a very smooth riding frame. So see what Spesh they have with a carbon fork and try it before deciding.

Mark Shuman

Hodgenutts

Well, I test rode both the Specialized Allez Compact and the Trek 1.2 today and.......

Overall I liked both.... :$

I like somethings a little more than others on bith models. However, I did not dislike neither.

I <3 Robots

The Allez has a more racier geometry. The Trek has a more relaxed position.

Once you actually get in a real ride...you should be able to feel the difference.

Hodgenutts

Picked up the Allez today and just did 9 miles. The 1st and 8th gear on both the big and small wheel on the crank are making a metalic clanking noise while engaged. Not sure if chain may be hitting derailer...?

Taking it back to have it checked out and adjusted. The trek 1.2 is in layaway. Getting both bikes and leaving the Allez at my buddies to ride between classes. (the college I attend is an hour drive from my house)