mht7159

Looking at a N+1, LBS knows me well and how I ride and is recommending the Comp model which come with mostly tiagra the Race M2 comes with 105, I'm stepping up from my 26 year old Cannondale so it's all going to be a big jump for me as far as the technology looking for any input.

TiHabanero

Please, do yourself a favor and go with the 105 drive train. It will last longer, in particular, the brifters. Get the added benefit of crisper shifting with the updated lever design.

Have you looked at the Cdale Caad10? My son debated between the Allez and Caad10, ended up with the 105 version of the Caad10 this summer. I test rode it and was absolutely astounded at the quality of the ride. Can't believe aluminum can ride this good and yet retain the stiffness it is known for.

qcpmsame 

I'm a CAAD 10 4 rider that went through the choosing between levels in January 2012 (the CAAD 10 5 with 105 and, mine with the SRAM Rival,) I agree with Habanero, if you have the bucks and the fit is right for you and your riding, get the 105 level Allez. The 105 and Tiagra are both good, solid performing groups, the 105 I owned on a R500 C'Dale was flawless at all times. What is, if any, the difference on the geometries between the two you are choosing between? I seem to remember that the tubes differ in their butting or such as you move up the Allez, maybe that is in the S4 one off racing level I am thinking about. Blues Dawg can address the differences in these and the 2 groups better than I could hope to, maybe he will give his input here soon, if not I'd suggest a P.M. to him.

It is just a matter of what do you want to spend, if the differential between the two isn't too much get the better group level. The Allez itself, in all its various builds is a really solid bike. The local people I know of with them all like the ride and quality quite well. Just make sure your fitting is thorough and complete and that the Spec dealer is the one that will stick with you.

I can tell you one thing, I have owned 3 Cannondale aluminum framed bikes since 1991, the advances in ride for them is remarkable. Tube profiles and forming, as well and the welding and mitering of the joints, has improved by miles and miles. My old SR300 was very, very stiff and while a good crit racing bike for me. it would hammer you on rough road surfaces. The 97 R500 was much better and the CAAD 10 is absolutely great for my riding and my rural roads are very rough in sections. Specialized had gotten these tubing advances and engineering too as well as some proprietary things that add to the ride quality.

I'll look forward to your N+1 report and some pictures of the new steed, which ever one you choose.

revchuck 

There have been a couple of head-to-head tests of the Allez and the CAAD10, and the consensus is that the CAAD10 is more compliant. I've got the previous version of each and can't tell a difference, but can't speak to the current versions. I've done centuries on both with no problem, have raced the CAAD9 and will be using the Allez for the coming season's races.

A bigger issue is the difference in dimensions between them, which are largely the same between the current and older versions. The CAAD has a slightly shorter top tube and a much shorter head tube. The differences for the size I have (58cm) is 7mm for the top tube and 40mm for the head tube. I'm down to 9cm seat-bar drop, and still have the 20mm cone spacer and a 10mm spacer below the un-flipped stem on the Cannondale. You can make up some of this difference by going to the next size up in the Cannondale.

Going back to the OP's question, I'd go with the Race M2, but would be fine with the Comp. They both have the new style frame. I've had good experience with Tiagra, still using the nine speed version from my CAAD9 (since upgraded) on an older steel bike.

bruce19

My Masi came with Dura Ace seven years ago. My Raleigh Cross bike came with 105 last year. Last year's 105 is crisper and smoother than the DA. Continuing product development and all that. I would own 105 in a heartbeat and especially for the money.

BluesDawg

Tough call. Assuming you are comparing the latest versions of both bikes, they both come with the new tech E5 Smartweld aluminum frame and Tarmac fork. The Race has 105 and slightly better wheels (though either bike could benefit from a wheel upgrade). The Race has mid-compact chainrings (52/36) vs the Comp's compact (50/34) which may matter depending on your gearing preferences.

The new 10 speed Tiagra is a pretty nice group, essentially the same as the previous version of 105. Many people find that the older cable routing from the shifter works better than the new stealth routing under the bar tape. I don't think Tiagra is as big a step down as it once was.

mht7159

[IMG]Well as you can see the owner of the LBS upgraded my choice in bikes he gave me a "really good deal" on this 2013 Roubaix SL2 and I am one happy camper can't wait to hit the road tomorrow morning.





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buckwheat987

sharp..best of luck

revchuck 

Nice! The difference between the Roubaix and your old Cannondale will be night and day.

BluesDawg

kflagg 

very nice choice enjoy.

mrt2you

you will really like your new roubaux.
the difference between the cannondale alloy and the roubaix full carbon will be significant.
i replaced my 08 roubaix with a 2012 roubaix sl2. the difference between the 2 was surprisingly big.

qcpmsame 

That is a very nice Roubaix, good job on the upgrade by your LBS. I looked at that very model at our LBS a few weeks ago when oi was being delivered to a lucky guy after its servicing and his fitting. The 105 rear derailleur in with the Tiagra group components seemed odd at first but makes sense with to me after a bit. A first ride report will be appreciated when you get that in...............................



if you didn't already

BTW, you need to fix your list of rides in your profile section now!

Bill

BluesDawg

105 shift/brake levers, too.

qcpmsame 

Should be a smooth shifting ride then, Why did the M&M the components, BD, Tiagra FD and crankset with 105 RD and shifting. Are the brakes 105, Tiagra, Tektro or other? Still should be a really sweet ride to me.

Bill

Timtruro

This post intrigued me, I have an '09 Roubaix Elite triple. What differences did you find between the '08 Roubaix and the sl2?

mht7159

first off thanks for all the input on the diff. on 105 and tiagra, I really wasn't thinking about the Roubaix until the LBS owner suggested he could work it out since he had the 52 size in the shop and he needed to clear it out to make room for the 2014's.
First ride report it felt like I was riding on glass the whole ride so light and responsive still going to take awhile to get used to the brifters but it's pretty intuitive,did 27 miles and it seemed like only 10 can't wait till spring to do some century rides.

revchuck 

Fer cryin' out loud, you're in California. Do the century next weekend!

BluesDawg

Brakes are Tiagra. (OP correct me if I'm getting this wrong). The bike appears to be the 2013 Roubaix Sport Compact.

How and why big bike makers spec their bikes is way above my pay grade, but I would guess they have cost targets, performance targets, perceived value targets etc. and they come up with the best mix of components and prices offered to spec the various models in their lineups. That is what I do when I build a bike for myself.

mht7159

Thanks for that spec sheet link Blues Dog, I was trying to figure out all the mish-mash of parts also and couldn't make heads or tails of it. the rear dropouts have sl2 on them that confused me right off. going from late 80's tech to current tech is so huge it's hard to absorb it all in but I'm loving it.

mrt2you

on my 08 roubaix the rear stays are straighter and don't have the angled zerts in them like on the op N+1.
i would assume this design allows the rear stays to flex a bit more then the 08 so it has a smother ride.
also the front fork has larger zerts in it and there is a slight curve in it to absorb more vibrations also.
also i have been told by other people the 12 is much stiffer in the bottom bracket area than the 08. all i know is when i hit the pedals the whole bike seems like it jumps much more than the 08. it feels like it climbs up the hills almost by itself. then again i really haven't climbed up many hills.