[some123]

Hello

I’m a new Road biker and I’m trying to make a decision to buy my first road bike.
My budget is $700. I found 5 bikes that fit to this budget, So, I need your professional opinion to help me decide which one should I choose.

1- 2011 Specialized Secteur Sport Triple (Price: went down from 1049 to 699)
http://www.greggscycles.com/product/11specialized-secteur-sport-triple-72330-1.htm

2- 2012 Specialized Allez Compact (Price: 699)
http://www.greggscycles.com/product/12specialized-allez-compact-130913-1.htm

3- 2012 Trek 1.1 (Price: 659)
http://www.greggscycles.com/product/12trek-1.1-123188-1.htm

4- 2011 Specialized Secteur Sport Compact (Price: 649)
http://www.greggscycles.com/product/11specialized-secteur-sport-compact-72331-1.htm

5- Raleigh Revenio 1.0 (Price: 650)
http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/road/revenio-1-0-12/

Since It’s my first road bike, so I’m not very familiar with many things in the bikes, so you opinion would be appreciated about which bike should i choose. Thanks

 

[rola643]

I'll say this for you. At any given price break you are really gonna get basically the same thing so it really comes down to 1. what do you like and 2.what feels best when you ride it? I'm not trying to be mean but poles and questions like this are impossible to answer when you include quality manufacturers excluding Wally World jun....stuff.

Keep us in the loop on the final outcome. Oh and Welcome to TwoSpoke

 

[hanriverkorea]

i'm looking to buy my first road bike as well and after loads of looking on the net the trek is what i'm going to get ,, that said if you have the chance to test ride you should ,, good luck with your choice ,,, google the reviews on the bikes

 

[SixtyPlus]

So, what other than the $$ went into the choice of the bikes listed? Did you compare components? Geometry? Did you actually ride all of them before deciding to include them in the list of possibles? I had "analysis paralysis" from all the research and reading I did before getting my rode bike and finally decided that I needed to ride some before making the decision. I would strongly suggest that you also ride them before you decide. It also does not hurt to ask questions at the LBS about them. Just sayin'

 

[zero3one]

Speaking from a Specialized point of view, the Secteur and Allez are diffent bikes intended for different riding styles. The Secteur is a little more relaxed fitting and comfortable of a a ride whereas the Allez is a little more racey. I suggest trying them all out for a spin. I can speak for me that when I was bike shopping the Roubaix and Tarmac where both bikes I was considering. But since I wasn't into the more hardcore racing and that my back and body are sore from years of abuse I went with the more forgiving ride of the Roubaix.

 

[ArchEtech]

In my opinion, in the sub $1000 range you should search for a used full carbon 105 bike. Fuji seem to be the best buy for the buck.

Also, right now there is a killer deal on new Fuji ACR 3.0 $699 at Nashbar. The price has fluctuated in the last few weeks, and even got down to $649 at one point. It's a carbon fork, carbon triangle, sweet looking bike that I almost bought locally for $1099 last year, until I decided to spend way too much on a Trek Madone. I think tiagra components. No way you could find more for your money then that. Take a look. I was going to order my GF one but she decided on plan tickets instead.

 

[MonstaMatt]

I was also looking at the specialized Allez compact I ended up going with a Fuji Roubaix 1.0 because I wanted Shimano 105 components in which the Fuji came with all 105

 

[hanriverkorea]

some great suggestions from the posters ,, giant is meant to have great bang for your buck ,, and never used them but i would if i could bikes direct has to be worth a look as well ,, and there is the felt f85 about that price ,, please let us know what you get

 

[bonk94]

Hello

I’m a new Road biker and I’m trying to make a decision to buy my first road bike.
My budget is $700. I found 5 bikes that fit to this budget, So, I need your professional opinion to help me decide which one should I choose.

1- 2011 Specialized Secteur Sport Triple (Price: went down from 1049 to 699)
http://www.greggscycles.com/product/11specialized-secteur-sport-triple-72330-1.htm

2- 2012 Specialized Allez Compact (Price: 699)
http://www.greggscycles.com/product/12specialized-allez-compact-130913-1.htm

3- 2012 Trek 1.1 (Price: 659)
http://www.greggscycles.com/product/12trek-1.1-123188-1.htm

4- 2011 Specialized Secteur Sport Compact (Price: 649)
http://www.greggscycles.com/product/11specialized-secteur-sport-compact-72331-1.htm

5- Raleigh Revenio 1.0 (Price: 650)
http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/road/revenio-1-0-12/

Since It’s my first road bike, so I’m not very familiar with many things in the bikes, so you opinion would be appreciated about which bike should i choose. Thanks

You're getting good advice as a whole. In the price range you're looking you will see rather similar bikes, aluminum frame and Shimano Sora level parts. All the bikes you've mentioned have carbon forks except the Ralegh which is cr-mo. MOST important is fit and comfort! Ride as many as you.can but find a shop that will work with you one fit regardless of what you're spending. Good luck.

 

[davereo]

The best bike is the one that fits the best and and makes you the happiest when riding it. Its great to get a bike that is discounted but you need to be aware of why it is discounted. Is it last years model? Last one in stock? only size left in stock?
I would suggest you take a trip down to the LBS and check out the bikes in person. All the bikes listed are good bikes for a good price. You are the only one who can decide which is the best of the lot for you.

 

[Crash]

Agreed
What ever fits you best inside your budget. I would make sure you know what your buying as well. Compare your picks to cycles a little out of your range. Get to know the know the industry and how the components stack up vs your choice. Although it doesn't matter since your new to the sport. Any bike build to ride will take you for the ride but won't last you or perform the way others do. So do your research and continue to shop. Remember that the $700 bike can always be upgraded so pick one up and get out there. If you end up liking it begin your upgrade or search for a new bike. I have a buddy who rides 100 miles a week on a 2002 Cannondale and swears it all he needs. Main thing is to get out and ride bud. Good luck with the decision and keep us posted.

 

[lmiles64]

Hello

I’m a new Road biker and I’m trying to make a decision to buy my first road bike.
My budget is $700. I found 5 bikes that fit to this budget, So, I need your professional opinion to help me decide which one should I choose.

1- 2011 Specialized Secteur Sport Triple (Price: went down from 1049 to 699)
http://www.greggscycles.com/product/11specialized-secteur-sport-triple-72330-1.htm

2- 2012 Specialized Allez Compact (Price: 699)
http://www.greggscycles.com/product/12specialized-allez-compact-130913-1.htm

3- 2012 Trek 1.1 (Price: 659)
http://www.greggscycles.com/product/12trek-1.1-123188-1.htm

4- 2011 Specialized Secteur Sport Compact (Price: 649)
http://www.greggscycles.com/product/11specialized-secteur-sport-compact-72331-1.htm

5- Raleigh Revenio 1.0 (Price: 650)
http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/road/revenio-1-0-12/

Since It’s my first road bike, so I’m not very familiar with many things in the bikes, so you opinion would be appreciated about which bike should i choose. Thanks

If you live close to Gregg's, go take them for a test ride. Find the one that fits you best and you feel comfortable on. Also, I have a friend who purchased a bike from them last year and they received excellent customer service.
As for my choice I'm partial to the Allez since I own one. I have no regrets.

One other thing to consider. If you're going to stay on the bike trails the compact or double will work. If you plan on doing ANY climbing, the triple is a lifesaver and the compact will give you some sufficient gearing for hills as well.

 

[Bhoehne]

Check out a great review on the Fuji Roubaix 1.0
http://www.wallingfordbike.com/bike-check-fuji-roubaix-10

 

[Henry2]

Go with 2011 Specialized Secteur Sport Triple. One of my friend owns it and he loves it. I sometimes feel jealous. I just might buy it this Christmas.

 

[PlatyPius]

Jamis Ventura Sport.
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/ventura/12_venturasport_rd.html


Jamis Satellite.
http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/road/satellite/12_satellitesport_rd.html

Anything but a Trek 1.1.

 

[omnivox42]

I have ridden the Secteur, Allez, and 1.1 at the LBS. I liked how the Secteur felt, like Zero said it is a little more relaxed. The Allez felt like a mosquito, very agile. Personally I felt the 1.1 was.....ok.

Again ride the bikes and see what feels good for you.

I am personally saving for the Secteur compact.