Time to decide!

Four of a kind

I've been looking at different models and makes of bikes for a few days now, and the more I look the more confused I get, as the choices are endless.

As a complete newbie, I'm looking for a road bike that will hopefully last me a good while without having to upgrade.

I've narrowed my search down to:

1. Specialized Allez Elite 2012 - Full tiagra groupset

2. Felt F85 - which has 105 groupset(I think?)

Both are working out the same price circa €1,000

Which one would be your preference and why?

I see that people are saying that the Felt has only microshifters? What exactly is the problem with micro one's compared to normal ones, apart from size?

I'm 5'11" so what size frame would I be looking at getting?

Invincible

You could put up a link to the bikes!

Four of a kind

http://www.eurocycles.ie/Womens/Ladies_Road/Felt_F85_Roadbike/4486_p.aspx

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/allez-elite-compact-2012-road-bike-ec030707

Sorry about that, completely forgot to include links :rolleyes:

Thanks

Invincible

Thought you were on for getting a hybrid ?
You know that if you order from those sites, you will have some assembly to complete!

Four of a kind

Invincible wrote: »

Thought you were on for getting a hybrid ?
You know that if you order from those sites, you will have some assembly to complete!

yeah, initially I was looking at the hybrid, but then I realised that I'd probably want to get a road bike down the line, so why not just go and get one to start off with.

Regarding assembling the bikes, I've a couple mates who are all into their bikes so that wouldn't be a problem.

Kinda like the Allez myself, but that's just from the look of it.

Any thoughts on which would be the better choice?

Invincible

Is that the same bike as this http://www.kearneycycles.com/galway-bicycles-details.php?act=viewProd&productId=614 ?

I'd prefer the Specialized too!

Invincible

Did you look at the Trek ?
http://www.kearneycycles.com/galway-bicycles-details.php?act=viewProd&productId=531

rurs

Microshift is just the brand name, nothing to do with size.

Review of a full groupset here.

Four of a kind

Invincible wrote: »

Is that the same bike as this http://www.kearneycycles.com/galway-bicycles-details.php?act=viewProd&productId=614 ?

I'd prefer the Specialized too!

Well that's the 2011 model, this is the 2012 model that I'm on about: http://www.kearneycycles.com/galway-bicycles-details.php?act=viewProd&productId=474

Four of a kind

Invincible wrote: »

Did you look at the Trek ?
http://www.kearneycycles.com/galway-bicycles-details.php?act=viewProd&productId=531[/QUOTE

I like the look of that as well in fairness! Can't make my mind up :mad:

Lumen

The Felt spec is full of cost cutting. Microshift shifters, FSA cranks, unknown brakes. I'd rather have full Tiagra, which is 10sp for 2012.

Or just buy a Canyon Roadlite 6.0 and get full 105, decent wheels and tyres and Ritchey finishing kit.

manwithaplan

I would go with the Allez too but you can't buy it from that site (unless you can get it collected from an Evans shop in the UK). AFAIK Specialized can only be bought from authorised local dealers.

smacl

Lumen wrote: »

Or just buy a Canyon Roadlite 6.0 and get full 105, decent wheels and tyres and Ritchey finishing kit.

If you're buying off the internet, this seems like a much better option than those listed.

Personally, I'd go to a local bike shop and try out a few. There's quite a few variables involved that make it a very personal choice, and I reckon it's difficult to get these right as a novice without the help of someone who knows bikes. If you've a couple of mates who are into bikes, bring one of them with you. The choice of gears and drive-train make very little difference if you're basically uncomfortable on the bike. Even if you don't buy locally, you'll at least get a better idea of what your're after.