specialized v lapierre

DeadMan1

I'm in the market for some new wheels, budget of about 2k. looking for something for long, comfortable rides, and suitable for the hills. I know I can get better value online/abroad but I'm happy enough to buy in Ireland ... and this is what i've narrowed it down to so far.

what do you guys think about these two ? or am i missing something else out there

Specialized Roubaix Elite
http://www.bikez.ie/product2202_-specialized-Roubaix-Elite---.html

Lapierre Sensium
http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=35&idproduct=31051

thanks

DirkVoodoo

Well, both very nice bikes, but very pricey. If you want a lot of bike for half the money, planet x.

The Lapierre has a better groupset, Ultegra whereas the Spesh has more 105 (from the looks of it, that's a very messy list and I'm just glancing). But I would expect more than aksiums on a 2k bike in this day and age (solid wheels, but they cost 150 new!).

Of course, sometimes you just want a bike because you like the look of it and not for value.

blorg

Ride them both and get whichever fits you best.

Having said that the spec on the Lapierre is a fair bit better, full Ultegra and from the picture appears to be the new 6700 version which is a real benefit IMO. If I had to decide without riding them I reckon I would be leaning towards that.

@Dirk- you can expect more than Aksiums but you won't get them! That is pretty standard, even good for a 2k bike in Ireland.

DirkVoodoo

Ah yeah I know, it's just annoying that a lot of "top" bike manufacturers seem to skimp on one of the most important parts. I would trade down groupsets for a better set of wheels.

My bike, not quite 2k, came with aksium wheels and they are very solid, but pretty darn heavy. I wouldn't consider them a deal breaker at any rate, just something to consider.

EDIT: What Blorg says about picking the most comfortable is spot on...but looks also matter That Lapierre is also a stunning looking frame.

blorg

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

My bike, not quite 2k, came with aksium wheels and they are very solid, but pretty darn heavy. I wouldn't consider them a deal breaker at any rate, just something to consider.

I guess the point is if you stuck antother €250 into the wheels either the bike would be €250 more expensive or you would have to skimp somewhere else...

Cervelo seem to spec the Dura-Ace build of their P2C TT bike with Shimano R500 (Tiagra-level) wheels... below Aksiums. I guess to hit a price point on the basis the buyer is going to replace them anyway with whatever they want.

ROK ON

If you want to spend in the region of 2k in an irish store then I would sugges.

Felt AR? - Eurocycles and The Bike Shop (Wexford) had sales prior to Christmas. Good bik with some very nice grupos.
Kuota Kebel. Worldwide (Clonmel) and The Edge in Cork. Ultegra SL.
Orbea Onix - Stagg Lucan.

Just some alternatives to consider also. Thw Roubaix gets great reviews. I like speech bikes but they always seem very pricey frames when you consider the wheels and groupset that comes with them.

Russman

I'm not really knowledgeable enough yet to comment on either but, for what its worth, Cyclesuperstore have scope to give at least 10%-12.5% discount on Lapierres - I was looking at bikes recently and they offered me that before I even began to discuss purchasing or haggle...........

Personally I think the Lapierre is nicer.

paddyduc

I've been jugling between these two brands for a while now and i'm going with lappiere. Better value across the range Imo and of course they look great.


www.chaindrivencycles.com

Morgan

After looking at the specifications for each bike I can confidently say that the Specialized has a better name. The Lapierre sounds like some kind of feminine hygiene product.

Dr_Colossus

Russman wrote: »

I'm not really knowledgeable enough yet to comment on either but, for what its worth, Cyclesuperstore have scope to give at least 10%-12.5% discount on Lapierres - I was looking at bikes recently and they offered me that before I even began to discuss purchasing or haggle...........

Personally I think the Lapierre is nicer.

That's another complaint I have with the CycleSuperStore, why have overinflated prices and then give a universal discount as if they're doing you a great service. Advertise the nett price CycleSuperStore, you're not fooling anyone and even after your "discount" you're still not competitive on price.

DeadMan1

thanks for the advice lads. gonna head out to CSS over the weekend ... love the look of the lapierre frame. will test the 'discount' advice too