New 2010 Specialized Allez Sport 18

austinbyrne21

I'm new to cycling and have been advised to contact Cycleways in Parnell Street to see what they would recommend. I've been emailing a bloke in there who has sold me on the idea of the new 2010 Specialized Allez Sport. Obviously being a new bike there's no reviews of it on t'internet so what I suppose I'm asking is...

Has anyone any history with a Specialized Allez Sport or a Specialized in general? My kind of cycling will revolve around a couple of 40kms a week, maybe a bit more on weekends. I'll be commuting as well. And I'll also be looking into starting Duathlons and Triathlons.

Also, it seems a very silly question (often the best I hear you say) but I'll be travelling from Drogheda to pick up the bike so is it literally just as simple as packing the car with cotton wool (well, duvets and pillows) and piling the bike in on top to avoid bumping and scraping? Should I bring my girlfriend with me so she and the bike have a chance to bond on the way home rather than risking her jealousy by just springing the bike on her at the door?

Oh, by the way I've just being lurking through the old threads and loving the forum in general. So good work people...

Any advice will be gratefully received,

Austin

stopped_clock

austinbyrne21 wrote: »

Has anyone any history with a Specialized Allez Sport or a Specialized in general? My kind of cycling will revolve around a couple of 40kms a week, maybe a bit more on weekends. I'll be commuting as well. And I'll also be looking into starting Duathlons and Triathlons.

I bought the '07 model new as my first road bike and have loved it since. I used it originally for commuting and weekend spins, but always felt it was a bit 'good' for commuting (since I had to lock it on the street during the day). The bike has been around Wales, Mallorca and the Alps already this summer without a problem.

The only change to the stock parts I've made is to switch the front ring/crankset to a double.

Now, I don't have much to compare it to...

The original plan was to do a triathlon or two, but I've been cycling more and running less all the time!

Remember that to some extent, all bikes around that level are similar (imo) especially if you haven't had a road bike before, so I'd recommend trying a few different bikes to compare the feel. Maybe also try something outside your budget to get an idea of what the differences can be.

austinbyrne21 wrote: »

Also, it seems a very silly question (often the best I hear you say) but I'll be travelling from Drogheda to pick up the bike so is it literally just as simple as packing the car with cotton wool (well, duvets and pillows) and piling the bike in on top to avoid bumping and scraping?

I move my bike by car a lot. I usually just drop the back seats and take off the wheels without using any padding. I am looking for a better way though. Duvets etc might get greasy. You could ask the bike shop for bubble wrap or something - I'm sure they'd have lots left over from deliveries.

NeilMcEoigheann

it may seem obvious put the bike lying down with the drive side up, this is so you don't bend the rear hanger or get oil on things

Carb

austinbyrne21 wrote: »

I'm new to cycling and have been advised to contact Cycleways in Parnell Street to see what they would recommend. I've been emailing a bloke in there who has sold me on the idea of the new 2010 Specialized Allez Sport. Obviously being a new bike there's no reviews of it on t'internet so what I suppose I'm asking is...

Has anyone any history with a Specialized Allez Sport or a Specialized in general? My kind of cycling will revolve around a couple of 40kms a week, maybe a bit more on weekends. I'll be commuting as well. And I'll also be looking into starting Duathlons and Triathlons.

Also, it seems a very silly question (often the best I hear you say) but I'll be travelling from Drogheda to pick up the bike so is it literally just as simple as packing the car with cotton wool (well, duvets and pillows) and piling the bike in on top to avoid bumping and scraping? Should I bring my girlfriend with me so she and the bike have a chance to bond on the way home rather than risking her jealousy by just springing the bike on her at the door?

Oh, by the way I've just being lurking through the old threads and loving the forum in general. So good work people...

Any advice will be gratefully received,

Austin

I went to cycleways recently too and I have to say they were very helpful although I ended up buying something I liked elswhere. Dealt with a guy called Shane.

The only thing I would ask is why specifically cycleways. When I was in they seemed to only sell specialized/cannondale and kellys. I assume they're all great bikes but there are a huge number of shops selling any amount of brands. The Specialized might be the perfect bike for you, but don't jump in.

Also note, outside Dublin, Tommy the Bike in Dundalk seems get an odd positive mention on here, and any dealings I've had with the Carrick Cycle Centre in Carrickmacross have been positive. If I'd known they were agents for Quintanna Roo along with Cyclelogical in Dublin, I probably would have bought my bike there.

Regarding transport, I took the front wheel off my bike, and it stood behind the front seats, making sure the derailers weren't get knocked about. I did buy a bike rack, but I couldn't bring myself to hang a my new bike of the back of the car for 75 miles in the rain.

austinbyrne21

Thanks as always for the comments lads.

@Carb - I suppose I've thought about Cycleways because of the Specialized bike itself rather than them as a shop. I've researched the f**k out of entry-level bikes in and around that price. Giant Defy 3, Trek 1.2 and 1.5, Lapierre R-Lite 200 etc. The Allez Sport is the first that has suited for either number of reasons (spec, appearance, cost, reviews...). It's getting to the stage that if I don't settle on something, I'll end up pulling my hair out. So, unless the bike doesn't fit me properly or I'm really not happy with it for some other reason I'm gonna go with the Allez Sport out of Cycleways. But thanks again for the input, much appreciated.

Regards,

Austin

JohnHenry

Alright Austin,
I am pretty much in the same boat as yourself mate, as you said, i have the s**t researched out of entry bikes and i am taken a few out for trips. to be honest, not much experience of quality, equipment, etc but based on reviews, forums etc, i think the specialised allez sport is the one for me too.
be interested to hear how fast you will have the bike, price, what you think off it when you get it? i am not sure where to get the bike so if you have any advice it would be appriciated,

cheers man

Jawgap

austinbyrne21 wrote: »

Also, it seems a very silly question (often the best I hear you say) but I'll be travelling from Drogheda to pick up the bike so is it literally just as simple as packing the car with cotton wool (well, duvets and pillows) and piling the bike in on top to avoid bumping and scraping? Should I bring my girlfriend with me so she and the bike have a chance to bond on the way home rather than risking her jealousy by just springing the bike on her at the door?



Austin

Collect it and bring it back on the train. The Enterprise can accommodate bikes.

austinbyrne21

@ JohnHenry - The only disadvantage (so far) is that the Allez Sport isn't in stock yet and won't be until the October 4th. I've been dealing with a Paul Norton of Cycleways, he's sound and answered every query (which was a lot) that I had. He's gonna put a bike by for me when they come in. The price is €780 but I'm doing it under the bike2work scheme so I'm planning on spending the full €1000 anyway and get starter gear and stuff. I'm in the same boat as yourself, don't have any experience with quality or anything like that. This is the bike that the bloke in Cycleways recommended so when I checked out the spec and reviews online I was delighted with it. Just can't wait to get my hands on it at this stage. Anyway, if you need any other info give me a shout dude.

austinbyrne21

@ Jawgap - Cheers for that, I forgot all about the train. I never usually get a train anywhere so it completely escaped my mind. Reckon that's exactly what I'll do.

Flankerb

I got one about 3 weeks ago have only put about 250 miles on it but loving it so far. Upgraded from a Halfords Carrera Virtuoso 06. Carbon fork makes some difference. Very happy with the gears,brakes and overall look.
Nice bike for the money.