Specialized Alles 2011

[purpletezza]

So, my budget just went drastically up today (my father said he wants to "sponsor" me). I might even be able to afford the Allez Comp.

Only a bummer that paint job looks a lot less appaeling than the double (here in Belgium):

double

comp

I suggest you get the highest spec Allez complete bike you can afford. The first upgrade that will get you the most extra zing will be a good set of wheels. They will make you accelerate quicker and go up hills easier. If you have a complete Shimano groupset like 105 this will operate great. You wil only get a noticable performance improvement via bike lightness (ie better for going up hill) by jumping to a top spec groupset like Dura-Ace. So ride the 105 till it wears out or you can afford a whole top spec groupset and then sell the used 105 on some auction site or build it onto a 2nd bike. Generally the most important parts of the bike are Frame followed by Wheels followed by Groupset and other bits. So spend your $$ on frame and wheels first. Have fun!!

 

[Buffalo Soldier]

And at the end, i bought this one:

Eddy Merckx AMX-2
Alloy frame, Carbon fork, Shimano 105 double.
€1300

Should be delivered somewhere in November.

 

[Hawkwood]

Very nice, I was looking at the AMX-2 online yesterday as I like the look of the geometry. A great result then.

 

[TheDude]

Nice bike, but no longer a local factory right? I looked at Merckx frames a couple of years back before the company was sold, really nice. Have a load of fun, once you graduate and have a solid job you can always upgrade to Campagnolo then. Now go out there and beat some of these QuickStep guys.

Oh, those bars need to be replaced with a decent shape. I don't know who ever decided to call them ergo, but I think it was intended to be "Err, they hurt my hands when I go". Classic drop is my preferance.

 

[Buffalo Soldier]

Nice bike, but no longer a local factory right?

Since i'm Belgian, Merckx is the local factory, specialized isn't.

(or what am i missing?)