nasv

So I've been a lurker here for a while, reading through various very informative threads in this community, so cool. Instead of start a what-should-I-buy thread, I searched and read and re-read multiple threads, ultimately trying out a few bikes.

My short-list included the Felt F85, Cannondale CAAD9, Giant OCR1, and the Specialized. The only one I couldn't ride was the Felt because the nearer Felt dealers did not have any in stock. I may have waited it out if my test ride of the Specialized hadn't gone so well. While I am an extreme rookie, especially with road biking (first time with the dropped handlebars), I found it immensely enjoyable (and so light compared to my Trek 7000 commuter hybrid).

The LBS had the Allez Elite Compact at over $150 under MSRP, best deal I found in my area. While I think I could have afforded a little more, this gives me some flexibility to buy the toys. I bought the helmet, the clipless pedals (that also double for normal shoes), and the little seat-pouch. I am off to Performance Bike retail store tomorrow to look for some shorts, shoes, gloves, and perhaps the normal spare kit (tubes, levers, etc...).

My first official ride is Sunday morning on the American River trail that stretches from Sacramento to Folsom with a more experienced biker friend, I think it will be anywhere between 50 and 75 miles, we'll see how it goes.

Just felt like sharing.



-Nico

RazorWind

Sweet bike, mate.

If you're not used to riding, though, attempting a 75 mile ride to start out may not be the best idea in the world.

TeddyKGB

Congrats man! I'm a lurker here too and have just been reading multiple threads on what would be a good beginner bike. A lot of people are mentioning the Specialized Allez as a good beginner bike. I think this might be the one I eventually get. I'm still saving, and until I do, I have my Giant XTC mountain bike to keep me busy. I think I might wait for the 09 Allez though. Have fun on Sunday! Let us know how it goes.

aMull

I strongly advise against 75 miles on a bike if you haven't been biking for a while.

C_Heath

Nice bike, better get some shorts for that 75.

nasv

No worries, it's a linear trip, so my friend and I will be feeling it out and as soon as we anticipate some upcoming fatigue, we simply turn around. I was just saying that the trail is max 75 miles (about 35+miles each way).

Shorts and gloves are on the top of my list for now :-)

LanceFanBoy

congrats. that bike will last you a while. it's a great start! ride the hell out of it

speedybob

awesome bike. I have a similar list of bikes in mind, dod you ever test the caad9?

Btw, amoeba records is the shizz

Pharmr

nice bike!!...I loved my Allez.

hendrick81

Nice bike

nasv

Yeah, I totally tried the CAAD9, and it was a great ride (I tried both the 2009 CAAD9 6 and the 2008 CAAD9 5). Being such a newb to road-biking, there wasn't much concrete that I could really discern, and for some reason, I just "felt" the Specialized to be "smoother". It called me and we bonded

@all, thanks for all the compliments and support!

fortega00

Nice ride, I just purchased the exact same bike in the quick step paint scheme. Definetely a fantastic buy for the money. The carbon seat stays and the zerts really do make an amazing ride. I haven't been able to post mine up because i just dont know how to insert the pic. Now, you have to learn to stop thinking about riding it when your not on it. I wish I was on mine right now. the only odd thing is the elite only comes in a compact version..... I wonder why?

bigredgrad01

I got 2007 Allez Expert Triple on closeout a couple months ago, which is pretty much same frame except full Shimano Ultegra Triple. So far I love it. Already put 800 miles on it.

Slackerprince

Here's my 2005 Allez Elite, before several ugrades. It now has all Ultegra SL, FSA Gossamer crank, PD Carbon Stryke Aeros, Look KEO Sprint pedals, Cateye Micro Wireless Computer, Toupe saddle. This is an old photo before many upgrades, I will try to get an updated photo ASAP.
I've really enjoyed it, and looking forward to a Roubaix in another year or so. I really believe in the Specialized brand. I think they put a lot of energy into R&D, and listening to pro riders' input.



Have fun on yours.

Slackerprince

Kaizen81

Nice bike!

I've been looking for an Allez Elite Compact also. But in my area, no one has it in my size (56 cm).

Slackerprince

Here is a lame indoor photo I just snapped with the aforementioned upgrades. It looks a little busy up-front with the aeros and the up-stem.
I'll try to nab a decent outdoor photo soon with good light.



See ya'.

Slackerprince

nasv

Very cool photos, thanks for posting. I'm eager to ride! Today is the trip to PerfBike, hopefully I won't break the bank.

As I research shoes, shorts, etc... I'm also looking for some great NorCal rides, all this is so easily addicting - such an exciting time on two wheels :-)

imwill

Nasv great choice. The allez was my first road bike as well. I probably tried out 10 different bikes before I jumped on the allez. I'm hooked now, it is rather addicting.

cg1rocks

Congrats, I did the same and ended up with a 2007 Allez Elite...I love it and plan on a good lifespan on it. Funny thing is I have been eying the Roubaix and Tarmac as a new bike and rode them today. While they are lighter I found them no "better" than my Allez for comfort. Take my advise and ride it with the confidence that you have a fantastic bike and if you get the itch for a "better" bike just think of what else you can do with the money differences. God bless and safe rides....

nasv

@imwill - yeah, this is surely addicting, so far I think it was a smart 1st choice!

@cg1rocks - I haven't ridden on those higher tier bikes and it's cool to hear your experience, I'll for sure ride with my Specialized confidence :-)

Beaker

Nice bike - like everyone else said, go get it dusty and dirty now.

nasv

Ok, first official long ride tomorrow! Bought the gloves + shorts + SHOES (and some spare tubes and mini-pump and tire-levers)! First time I'll be clipping in EVER, but I figure it's OK this time as a first since I'll be on a car-less trail.

Making sure dinner tonight is good and breakfast tomorrow morning as well :-)

-Nico