Beginner, should I buy a new 2020 Contend AR or a used 2019 Specialized Allez Sprint?
08-05-19, 01:51 PM
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Beginner, should I buy a new 2020 Contend AR or a used 2019 Specialized Allez Sprint?
Thank you to everyone in the last thread. I went to a bike store today and they said I am most definitely a 56.
The bike store suggested I go with the Giant CONTEND AR 1 which is coming out in a few weeks for $1550 + tax which includes a free fitting (normally $100). So a total of $1650
I see on eBay near me a 2019 Specialized Allez Sprint 56cm that the seller is rating at 9/10. It does not have disc breaks and everything is stock except handle bar and stem. I can get it for $1200 plus I will need $100 for fitting and I guess another $100 to check it out. So a total of $1400. So pretty similar in price.
Between those two, what would you suggest for a beginner?
Thank you
The bike store suggested I go with the Giant CONTEND AR 1 which is coming out in a few weeks for $1550 + tax which includes a free fitting (normally $100). So a total of $1650
I see on eBay near me a 2019 Specialized Allez Sprint 56cm that the seller is rating at 9/10. It does not have disc breaks and everything is stock except handle bar and stem. I can get it for $1200 plus I will need $100 for fitting and I guess another $100 to check it out. So a total of $1400. So pretty similar in price.
Between those two, what would you suggest for a beginner?
Thank you
08-05-19, 02:09 PM
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The Contend looks to be a great spec. An excellent bike for someone getting into cycling. Almost certainly a bit heavier than the Allez Sprint, but better suited for endurance riding. Get it if you like the test ride and the shop.
I have an older model Contend SL Disc, which uses the lighter frame that sadly Giant isn't offering in the US for 2020. Other than the frame weight, the AR looks to be better in every way.
I have an older model Contend SL Disc, which uses the lighter frame that sadly Giant isn't offering in the US for 2020. Other than the frame weight, the AR looks to be better in every way.
08-05-19, 02:09 PM
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How much steertube is left on the Allez Sprint? (I didn't see a 56 Allez Sprint on eBay for $1200.)
My guess is not much, as it seems be the trend to slam the stem on those. If you don't have much steertube to work with, you may be SOL in getting a proper fit on the bike. Also, the Allez Sprint is a fairly aggressive geometry compared to something like a Contend.
My guess is not much, as it seems be the trend to slam the stem on those. If you don't have much steertube to work with, you may be SOL in getting a proper fit on the bike. Also, the Allez Sprint is a fairly aggressive geometry compared to something like a Contend.
08-05-19, 02:25 PM
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The Contend looks to be a great spec. An excellent bike for someone getting into cycling. Almost certainly a bit heavier than the Allez Sprint, but better suited for endurance riding. Get it if you like the test ride and the shop.
I have an older model Contend SL Disc, which uses the lighter frame that sadly Giant isn't offering in the US for 2020. Other than the frame weight, the AR looks to be better in every way.
I have an older model Contend SL Disc, which uses the lighter frame that sadly Giant isn't offering in the US for 2020. Other than the frame weight, the AR looks to be better in every way.
How much steertube is left on the Allez Sprint? (I didn't see a 56 Allez Sprint on eBay for $1200.)
My guess is not much, as it seems be the trend to slam the stem on those. If you don't have much steertube to work with, you may be SOL in getting a proper fit on the bike. Also, the Allez Sprint is a fairly aggressive geometry compared to something like a Contend.
My guess is not much, as it seems be the trend to slam the stem on those. If you don't have much steertube to work with, you may be SOL in getting a proper fit on the bike. Also, the Allez Sprint is a fairly aggressive geometry compared to something like a Contend.
THank you
08-05-19, 02:49 PM
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It looks like you have about 1 cm of steertube above the stem. Still, the two bikes have wildly different geometries. The Giant is much, much, much taller than the Specialized. The 56 Allez stack is the same as a Small contend, but the 56 Allez reach is the longer than the L Giant.
You're really comparing apples and cupcakes with those two frames.
08-05-19, 03:01 PM
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Go find a CAAD 12. You might like it better. It's worth checking out. 
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08-05-19, 04:00 PM
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It looks closer to the giant than the Allez. Is this a more relaxed ride? I am not going to be a professional racer so more relaxed will be probably better for me. What about this is better than the Giant?
Being that they so different, which one is better for someone who will not be professionally biking?
Thank you
Found it. For some reason, it didn't show under my first search.
It looks like you have about 1 cm of steertube above the stem. Still, the two bikes have wildly different geometries. The Giant is much, much, much taller than the Specialized. The 56 Allez stack is the same as a Small contend, but the 56 Allez reach is the longer than the L Giant.
You're really comparing apples and cupcakes with those two frames.
It looks like you have about 1 cm of steertube above the stem. Still, the two bikes have wildly different geometries. The Giant is much, much, much taller than the Specialized. The 56 Allez stack is the same as a Small contend, but the 56 Allez reach is the longer than the L Giant.
You're really comparing apples and cupcakes with those two frames.
Thank you
08-05-19, 04:54 PM
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Probably the Giant. The more relaxed geometry is likely to be more inviting to a newer rider.
The Allez Sprint is a great bike - I have one - but it is an aggressive position.
The Allez Sprint is a great bike - I have one - but it is an aggressive position.
08-05-19, 06:04 PM
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It looks closer to the giant than the Allez. Is this a more relaxed ride? I am not going to be a professional racer so more relaxed will be probably better for me. What about this is better than the Giant?
Being that they so different, which one is better for someone who will not be professionally biking?
Thank you
Being that they so different, which one is better for someone who will not be professionally biking?
Thank you
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