First road bike advice

[JamesD2709]

Hi,

I'm looking to get my first road bike and not wanting to spend too much.

I'm looking at the Specialized Allez Sport 2021 and the Trek Domane AL 3 (2021).

Are there any opinions on these, or alternatives I should consider?

Thanks,

[Jdsk]

Welcome

That's for use only on paved surfaces?

Will you ever want a rack or mudguards?

What's your price range?

Jonathan

[JamesD2709]

Hi Jonathan,

Primary use will be on paved / tarmac surfaces - commutes and road events.

I was toying with the Genesis Croix de Fer 10 (and a few other gravel bikes) because there's more opportunity to go a little off road (I live near Richmond park), but the reviews I've read suggest that they can be a little sluggish. Something fast and nimble for the road is definitely my top priority.

The reviews for the Specialized all seem good, though the breaks aren't disc.

Ideally around the £1k mark.

[Bonefishblues]

If for commutes, do make sure you can fit fatter tyres than the 26cs on the Specialised, and also fit mudguards.

As all-rounders, gravel-type bikes do have much going for them.

[mattsccm]

Sluggish is relative to other things. Plenty of fussy journalists will suggest that what you suggest would be sluggidh or heavy. A so called gravel bike may be set up with a leaning towards rough off road or it may be just designed for smooth family trails. Hard to tell.
Unless you have had experiences, bad or good of something specific then a compromise is usually fine. I would be looking at a gravel bike with a road bias ( double chain ring may be an indicator) or a road bike with scope for big tyres. Something like a Specialized Diverge as one example. Set up with some nippy 30 mm tyres and you won't notice anything on the road and it would cope with gravel and tow paths. Mudguard eyes if you want to ride in the rain as clip on guards are a poor second best. Finally ask 100 people here and you'll get 101 opinions.

[slowster]

If you will be commuting by bike only when you feel like doing so/in good weather/not in winter/not in the dark, then the bikes suggested should be fine.

If you will be commuting by bike to work every day, including in rain and through winter, then it would probably be better to re-consider your needs and priorities.