I Pulled the Trigger….Not the Finger

This evening I was able to look at and ride the Specialized Allez Elite I talked about yesterday. The guy was kind enough to bring it to me because I didn’t have a bike rack to bring it back home in the event I did buy it. He even cleaned it up some before bringing it over.

He was selling it because his girlfriend basically said he has too many bikes (four) and needed to get rid of one. I jokingly told him he should get used to those kinds of demands if he intends to marry the chick. He hadn’t even listed it on Craigslist yet but saw the ad I posted a couple of days ago describing what I was looking for in a bike.

You all saw the pics in my bicycle comparison chart post but let me fill you in on the components. It’s an Allez Elite Double with a 53/39 crankset and 9 speed 12-26 cogs. The front derailleur is Tiagra while the rear is 105. The shifters are Tiagra STI. It’s also got the Zertz inserts in the carbon fork and seatpost along with carbon seat stays.

Overall I was very impressed with the bike when I rode it. It’s a huge difference from my Cannondale. It was quick on the pickup and braking. Shifting was awesome. I admit it. I was in love.

So, once I get it totally cleaned up I’ll take some more pics of it to post.

Thanks to everyone who listened to me moan and bellyache over the last few months about not having a bike. No excuses now.

ax0n

Congrats! That's a nice entry-level road bike. A clydesdale friend of mine was commuting crazy miles on one, ~55 miles per day. It's a solid piece of gear. Looking forward to the pics.

bdewberry

Thanks ax0n. That's good info about your clydesdale friend since I”m the same.

http://chrisfit2009.wordpress.com/ chrisfit2009

AWESOME!

bdewberry

It is. I feel like a kid at Christmas.

http://mildstallion.wordpress.com/ Al

That sounds like a sweet setup. I have to disagree with ax0n a little – I think it's better than an entry-level bike. Maybe entry-level if you're going to race it, but I don't think that is it's purpose here.

Other than that, I'm totally jealous. I hope you got it for a good price. Now get out there and ride that sucka!

bdewberry

I'm not sure if it's entry level or not. I'm inclined to think it might be a step above entry level for everyday riding but not sure it would meet race entry-level needs. Like you said though, racing isn't it's purpose so it's fine for me. It's definitely a step above what I had so it's a vast improvement.

I paid $500 for it and I think I got a steal of a deal. The bike is in beautiful shape and just needs a good detail cleaning. The previous owner did wipe off some of the major dirt that was in the pics I showed earlier but my OCD will get the best of me and a detailing session will be in order in the next day or so. I'm going to head to the LBS today to pickup some degreaser and a few other things.

The weather is due to turn bad today and tomorrow here in North Texas so I'm not sure when my first ride will be. In the meantime, I need to get in touch with Cliff about a trainer.

http://mildstallion.wordpress.com/ Al

Looking forward to the pics.

bdewberry

I'll get'em up when I can. I business to take care of last night and only got a little cleaning done. Baby wipes are phenomenal by the way. I only wiped down a couple of surfaces and I'm blown away by the results.

jodycb

Congratulations! I recently got a new bike too so I know how you are feeling. I am trying not to ride mine until spring because I don't want to take any chances of it getting rusty and nasty due to all the salt on the roads.

bdewberry

Thanks! I remember reading on your blog that you got a new bike.

cyclochip

Man, I'm really happy for you – You got something nice at a great price! I'd offer to roll around WRL with you sometime, but I dunno if my Surly Crosscheck could keep up!

Oh, and apparently it's your fault it's raining.

bdewberry

I'd be happy to ride WRL with you. And, yes, it would be my fault it's raining and the weax has turned to crap. I remember one year as a kid that I got a telescope for Christmas. It was solid clouds for like two weeks after. This is kinda the same thing.

dwb

Yeh, no more moaning and bellyaching! Time to get riding!

bdewberry

Dwb, thanks for stopping by. I've started on the trainer yesterday and can't wait for some good weather.

http://therapyon2wheels.blogspot.com/ Glenn_in_MA

Hey Bryan…just had to comment because I think that's a tremendous deal you got on the Allez Elite. I was pretty happy when I picked up my 2005 Trek 2100 on eBay for $800…your deal is better! BTW, I'm challenged in the same way…riding for the same reason!!

bdewberry

Glenn, thanks for stopping by and commenting. I think I got a great deal too. Good luck in your cycling to help with the challenges we face. I've subscribed to your blog.

bdewberry

Dwb, thanks for stopping by. I've started on the trainer yesterday and can't wait for some good weather.
bdewberry

Glenn, thanks for stopping by and commenting. I think I got a great deal too. Good luck in your cycling to help with the challenges we face. I've subscribed to your blog.