SevenTwentyNine

Basically I considering replacing my beloved Madone 2.1 Frame with the Specialized Allez DSW Sprint X1 - keeping the Ultegra gruppo, Zipps, Fizik etc.
I'd appreciate any input, critique, compliment, and insult ... basically I'd just love to hear what you guys have to say about the Allez X1 compared to what I have now or if you have other recommendations - I prefer Aluminum frames generally and I'm not particularly interested in spending more than maaaaaaaaaaybe $2,000 max on a frame.
If you suggest another frame please please please do insert a picture thanks!
I'm not desperate for a new frame or anything and might just stick with what I have but I was eyeing this and want some input from people more experienced than I am.

The bike I have now - please comment:



The bike I'm Thinking About Getting - please comment.

mpath

Both are great bikes. Can't you keep both?

SevenTwentyNine

I can but I wouldn't ride both so no real need to keep it lying around plus I'm transferring the gruppo if I get a new frame so it would be out of commission anyways. I'd probably give the Trek frame away as a gift or something.

seymour1910

I actually like the Sprint a lot. Obviously you're okay with have X1 because you're considering it. I could get away with an X1 in my area as well, no serious climbing around here. I say if you're sure you won't regret losing your double, go for it.

Could you afford both?

Dave Cutter

I can't manage a bicycle so aggressively setup. But if I could I'd look at the Cannondale12.

SevenTwentyNine

Yeah I could afford both but really only want to have one around. I mean there are no true hills around here (NYC) so I could probably manage...

Doug28450

White bikes are not fast.

jamesdak 

Exactly, someone needs to explain the theory of N+1.

Seriously though, you mention liking aluminum best. Have you ridden bikes made from anything else? How does your current bike leave you lacking? What more do you need or what from a frame?

SevenTwentyNine

Haha I'm a firm believer of the of the Velominati Rules but don't see myself riding two different bikes that's why. My current bike doesn't leave me lacking anything ... I'm just getting wandering eyes to be honest ... cooler heads my prevail and I stick with what I have but for now I can't stop thinking about this X1.
I've ridden carbon bikes but I've never really put significant mileage on one to definitively say. I do plan to go carbon one day.

PepeM

Well if you plan to use your Ultegra groupset then you'll have to wait for the 2x version. If you're willing to go 1x then I say go for it, that Specialized is really cool plus with the 1x drivetrain you can get a good enough gear range.

SevenTwentyNine

Yeah might need to wait for an X2 version or change the crank but the range you get from the X1 i heard is pretty good and the steepest climb around me is maaaaaybe Cat 4 and that's a reach.

jamesdak 

Wandering eyes will get you in trouble. Trust me, I know. Just got must of the parts in today to build up my next "wandering eyes" frame.

Carbon's OK but if you want biking Nirvana go steel, LOL!

SevenTwentyNine

I knooooow, wandering eyes already got me in trouble once and left me with different 5 wheelsets, 4 of them carbon!

Jesus I was lucky that I was able to offload them for about 95% of the price I paid. That's why now I'm hoping for voices of reason from you guys before I get carried away again lol!

I'm am interested in steel too!

rms13

I don't think you can possible get the same gear range without one of the SRAM 1x groups where you can have up to 42t cassette. Ultegra will limit you to 32t casette and you would probably have to make some sort of compromise on high end or low end when you choose a crankset

Also, I wouldn't want a bike with the rear brake cable zip tied to the top tube

Inpd

+1

I'm trying to picture someone riding the Allez sprint with the saddle height as shown in the picture. Even on the hoods you'd be more aero than most people in the drops.

I guess the advantage of this set up is that when your in the drops you can get your praying to Mecca done at the same time!

rms13

You realize the saddle heights are adjustable right? My bike is set up pretty similarly. Hoods are the new aero position

link0

I'm not sure why you'd prefer alum frames if you have such a high budget. You can easily find very nice carbon frames for well under $1000 new or used If you insist on Aluminum, I'd go with the CAAD10/12 or BMC ALR.

exmechanic89

I wouldnt replace any bike I considered 'beloved'..

Monkey D.Luffy

I remember your Trek or a similar from long long ago with the nice drop. I'd prefer the allez if you need to sell one.

franswa

Helloooooo seatpost

SevenTwentyNine

That Canyon looks amazing. In my search a 2k budget isn't that high for a carbon frame. Actually it seems to be just below entry level from most of the top frames and I don't want to take the risk of buying a used carbon frame. I already do enough stupid things on my bike no need to compound the issue by adding another person's negligence to it

SevenTwentyNine

Ah it's still beloved but you know love can grow again with another bike.


Haha thanks, yeah thinking about the Allez and still keeping options open.
Lol!

emveezee

May be a tangent, but you keep posting photos of your setup. What's your inseam? I think you said you're 6', but I can't imagine that saddle height working for an honest 6'. Photo of you riding?

Phil_gretz

You have a bike that works. You've admitted to having made bike purchases on which you've later taken losses...

You're asking whether to use restraint here, too. All of the bike banter is just in fun, so...

Have you run the numbers for taking that $2K and putting it in an IRA for tax year 2015 yet? Just an option...

caloso

That Allez is a really hot bike. If I could justify a bike just for crits, I would be all over it. But even Joe Flatlander needs to ride up a hill every once in awhile so the 1x11 isn't going to do it for me.

(There's a rumor that next year they'll weld a FD boss to the seat tube like any sane person would.)