Gaarci

Hello - I'm comparing new (2020) aluminum vs. carbon comfortable/endurance road bikes in the entry vs. mid-level range and wanted to share my initial findings and conclusions for any thoughts and feedback.


This is based on a comparison of the 2020 Specialized Allez aluminum and Specialized Roubaix carbon entry and mid-level models that are available at my LBS. I definitely acknowledge that there are many other brands and models that I can/should also consider and research including Trek, Cannondale, Giant, etc. - this is just a starting point based on what's available to me at my LBS.


1. Specialized Allez aluminum base model w/ full carbon fork - $875, weight 21.01 lbs (source: YouTube video review by James the Bike Guy), Shimano Claris group set, rim brakes


2. Specialized Allez Elite aluminum mid-level model w/ full carbon fork - $1,350, weight 19.47 lbs (8.83 kg - source: Bike Radar online review), Shimano 105 group set, rim brakes


3. Specialized Roubaix carbon base model - $2,200, weight 20.33 lbs (source: YouTube video review by James the Bike Guy), Shimano Tiagra group set, disc brakes


4. Specialized Roubaix Sport carbon mid-level model - $2,900, weight 19.07 lbs (source: YouTube video review by James the Bike Guy), Shimano 105 group set, disc brakes


So my initial conclusion is that the Specialized Allez Elite aluminum mid-level model w/ full carbon fork for $1,350 and weight 19.47 lbs seems to be the best value for money. This mid-level aluminum bike is significantly less expensive ($1,350 vs. $2,200) and also lighter (19.47 lbs vs. 20.33 lbs) than the entry level carbon Roubaix and also has a higher level group set (105 vs. Tiagra). However, the Roubaix does have disc brakes vs. the Allez rim brakes, although that does not seem like enough advantage to me to justify almost twice the price for heavier bike with an overall lower level group set.


I know that ride quality of aluminum vs. carbon is also a consideration, however I really can't feel the difference.


Thanks in advance for any thoughts and feedback!

upthywazzoo 

I would also side with the mid-level Allez.

znomit

Disc brakes have really complicated things, they are still charging a premium for them. What tyres can you fit on the Allez? It might be worth going to discs if you want to ride gravel now and then.

burnthesheep

I agree on the Allez with 105.

-The Claris bike would cripple you with a non-11spd bike and wheelset. Nothing wrong with not being 11spd, just point that out. It's a lot cheaper bike with much much more entry level kit.

-Next, $3000 is a LOT of money to only wind up with 105 on that disc brake Roubaix. It is 11spd, but still. Nothing wrong with the R7000, just that at that price point I would expect at least a "mix" of R8000 and R7000. Perhaps like a cheaper crankset and chain but the nicer deraileurs and shifters. Also, mech discs and $3000.........uhm, no thanks.

-Also, IMHO $2200 is way too much money for 10spd Tiagra. $2200 in anything ought to bring 11spd. It's freaking the year of our Lord 2020. Not 2014. And it's mech discs at that.

Just IMO. Also, $3k on that Roubaix sport is $800 too much. Specialized website has it at $2200 right now. Just saying, your LBS might be in Covid surge pricing mode and you may be better off buying online.

Wooderson

I wouldn't worry so much about small weight differences.

I wouldn't worry so much about frame material (modern aluminum frames are excellent).

I think 10 speed (Tiagra) is absolutely fine, I think it's every bit as nice as 105, so if you venture outside of the Specialized brand, you might find some Tiagra bikes with hydraulic discs that hit your budget.

I do prefer disc brakes over rim brakes, and hydraulic disc over cable disc, but as you've noticed, you hit different pricepoints for the different brake configurations. The 2021 bikes are being announced over the coming weeks, and I expect everything to move up one notch up in the brake configurations. For example bikes that are rim brake today will probably be cable actuated disc for 2021. Bikes that are cable actuated disc today will probably move to hydraulic for 2021. Bikes won't show up in shops until the fall, and they won't be discounted.

So if you can wait, I would. Maybe buy a used bike for now, ride it for 4 months, then flip it after you get your next new bike.

sced

Here you go https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...oadbike-xx.htm

Fox Farm

In that price range, aluminum is the best weight to stiffness to dollar value. Likely the weight of the bikes that you are looking at (non all that light weight for that matter) is attributed to the wheels that they are built with. So you can upgrade later? Modern aluminum bikes are very different from those of 25 or 30 years ago with some compliance. If any of these bikes are disk bikes, (sorry I didn't look carefully at the options you listed), some with larger tire diameter (700 x 28 or 30) will make a nice difference in ride quality and reduction in road buzz.