Josh G asked:
I'm looking at either a 2004 Trek 5000 ($1000) or a 2007 Specialized Allez Elite ($800). I need someone who's very familiar with the bikes, or is a mechanic of some wort to give me some advice. I'm skeptical about the Trek Carbon frame. The Allez is at that price because I know someone who got bought it at staff discount and they just got sponsored, so it's just like new. I'm having a hard time deciding, because I want the best, not just best value.
I'm looking at either a 2004 Trek 5000 ($1000) or a 2007 Specialized Allez Elite ($800). I need someone who's very familiar with the bikes, or is a mechanic of some wort to give me some advice. I'm skeptical about the Trek Carbon frame. The Allez is at that price because I know someone who got bought it at staff discount and they just got sponsored, so it's just like new. I'm having a hard time deciding, because I want the best, not just best value.
Any professional/educated advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks
Vitamin K
I’d go with the Specialized because it is new, cheaper, and most likely a better product than a trek.
i’d buy a trek if i were you because they specialized in road bikes, and they’ve been building road bikes for years.
i prefer specialized, but that is for mtb. i’m not sure how good their road bikes are.
Both are nice bikes. Your 1st consideration should be what bike fits best. The best ill fitting bike just isn’t worth it.
The Trek is a better bike all around. A significant upgrade over the Allez’s drive train. The Trek’s frame is tried and true. They’ve been making this type of frame for many years now and has been proven excellent in performance and durability.
The Allez is no slouch either with Carbon fork and seat stays. If both bikes fit well – you certainly should ride them both – and both are in equal condition – the Trek wins this one.
i would go with the specialized one. even though it is not full carbon is way more reliable and better built. you are not sure after 4 years how that trek was treated and carbon can be damaged by little things. plus honestly specialized are but better looking
Specialized all the way. Just a better bike all around. Well the components on the Specialized might be on the lower end hence the price. But the frame is much better than the Trek. If you can afford to get a Specialized with better components, that would be a good idea, or just upgrade.
Ditto – Fit is most important.
You say you want the best….The best for what?
Best all around bike – to join a club and put on miles, to ride in charity rides, just to have fun on, do a century, or even race a few times a year on. I personally am afraid of carbon – if you ever damage the frame on the Trek – in the garage or on the road – you are done. But the Specialized is an aluminum frame (with Carbon fork and stays)…..can take dents and keep on ticking. It is very respectable – And it is newer and cheaper than the Trek.
Best for pure pure racing & weight savings. The Trek would be better – because of slightly better (and lighter) components and Carbon Frame. But treat a carbon bike kindly…..I think the geometry is more aggressive too on the Trek (good for an experieinced rider).
If you want a perspective on a new rider and how he baught the wrong bike (an agressive race bike) see this article. Called the Jeremy project on Bicycling’s website.
Also has info on what kind of bike to buy & how to improve your riding.
MR is on the money and has a balanced view. Both are good bikes. Go with the better fit, if that’s equal go with the one you like. The Trek for certain is a better bike based on specs, don’t listen to the people that are biased. I ride both and wouldn’t complain a bit.