Thoughts on Specialized Secteur?

If it fits you well and you like the way it rides and looks, then you'll be satisfied. It's got good kit.

I recently bought a Secteur Elite Triple for riding on frequent visits to the UK (they apparently don't sell the compact models in that market). I bought it to match the geometry of the Specialized Roubaix that I normally ride at home in the US. I was pretty happy with most aspects of the bike, and did not find the ride to be much harsher than on the carbon-framed Roubaix. My only complaint is that I found it rather less comfortable to ride in the drops on the Secteur than on the Roubaix; the shape seems to be different.

And when I crashed I was happy that I was on the Secteur, as the aluminum frame held up very well indeed. Wish that I could say the same for my collarbone.

The Secteur is a replacement for the Sequoia in the Specialized line. They are nice looking bikes and you would not be taking much of a risk in getting one, especially with the upgraded components you describe. (I had very good service from my old Sequoia).

As someone said: good ride + good looks= go for it.

Would the Sectuer be considered an upgrade over the Allez?

tedstigers said:

Would the Sectuer be considered an upgrade over the Allez?

Not really. The Secteur is listed as a "edurance road" bike while the Allez is called a "competitive road" bike. They sell in about the same price range for the several models of each bike. Top of the line in competitive and endurance categories are Tarmac and Roubaix.

Specialized Bicycle Components : View All Road

billydonn said:

Not really. The Secteur is listed as a "edurance road" bike while the Allez is called a "competitive road" bike. They sell in about the same price range for the several models of each bike. Top of the line in competitive and endurance categories are Tarmac and Roubaix.

Specialized Bicycle Components : View All Road

Can you recommend some bikes to look at that would be considered an upgrade? I currently own an Allez, and it has been a good bike, but I am thinking about moving up from entry-level to intermediate. I'm not into racing, I just want a comfy fast bike at a reasonable price.

tedstigers said:

Can you recommend some bikes to look at that would be considered an upgrade? I currently own an Allez, and it has been a good bike, but I am thinking about moving up from entry-level to intermediate. I'm not into racing, I just want a comfy fast bike at a reasonable price.

If you like the geometry and ride on the Allez, depending on your components, you could upgrade to a higher end Allez, or an entry level Tarmac. The geometry would be the same, with better components.

The F-series from Felt is really nice as well, and typically a bit less expensive than the Specialized.

Lots of options in this range.. the entry Giant TCX are nice as well...

I guess I like the geometry on my Allez. My only complaint is that my back is sore after a long ride. I was told that a carbon fiber frame would help, but I don't know. Maybe I'm just on the wrong type of bike for me.

tedstigers said:

I guess I like the geometry on my Allez. My only complaint is that my back is sore after a long ride. I was told that a carbon fiber frame would help, but I don't know. Maybe I'm just on the wrong type of bike for me.

Sore back may be due to frame geometry or something else... it's hard to say without hearing more. Is your neck also sore? Hands? If so, you probably need a frame with more upright geometry. The Secteur does give you that but it is still aluminum, as is the Allez. Carbon fiber may give a somewhat softer ride than aluminum, but it depends on how the CF is designed and molded.

Staying within he Specialized brand, an entry level Roubaix would be an upgrade in material and a change in frame geometry. A lot of people really like the Specialized Roubaix. I think that might be a safer bet than the Tarmac, which is a change in material but not geometry.

Further thought: You might try flipping your stem more upright on your current bike to see if your back pain subsides. Or a trip to the LBS for a fitting/diagnosis might not be a bad idea.

billydonn said:

Sore back may be due to frame geometry or something else... it's hard to say without hearing more. Is your neck also sore? Hands? If so, you probably need a frame with more upright geometry. The Secteur does give you that but it is still aluminum, as is the Allez. Carbon fiber may give a somewhat softer ride than aluminum, but it depends on how the CF is designed and molded.

Staying within he Specialized brand, an entry level Roubaix would be an upgrade in material and a change in frame geometry. A lot of people really like the Specialized Roubaix. I think that might be a safer bet than the Tarmac, which is a change in material but not geometry.

Further thought: You might try flipping your stem more upright on your current bike to see if your back pain subsides. Or a trip to the LBS for a fitting/diagnosis might not be a bad idea.

You are absolutely correct about the sore neck and hands. I can really feel it in my neck and shoulders the day after a ride. The hands tingle or go numb while riding, but I never really thought that that might have something to do with my bike's geometry; I foolishly thought that everyone dealt with that. I've also heard good things about the Roubaix. I guess the Secteur is the same geometry as the Roubaix but on an aluminum frame? The difference in base price is about a grand ($900 and $1900). Hmmm....

tedstigers said:

You are absolutely correct about the sore neck and hands. I can really feel it in my neck and shoulders the day after a ride. The hands tingle or go numb while riding, but I never really thought that that might have something to do with my bike's geometry; I foolishly thought that everyone dealt with that. I've also heard good things about the Roubaix. I guess the Secteur is the same geometry as the Roubaix but on an aluminum frame? The difference in base price is about a grand ($900 and $1900). Hmmm....

I believe so... or very close to it. On your current bike be sure that your stem is not too long. Looking down from your riding position in the hoods, if the handlebars are in front of your front wheel axle the stem may well be too long... meaning you are stretched out too much on the bike.

Also keep in mind that there are other brands that offer frames with upright geometry. Giant comes to mind but I don't know the model name.

tedstigers said:

You are absolutely correct about the sore neck and hands. I can really feel it in my neck and shoulders the day after a ride. The hands tingle or go numb while riding, but I never really thought that that might have something to do with my bike's geometry; I foolishly thought that everyone dealt with that. I've also heard good things about the Roubaix. I guess the Secteur is the same geometry as the Roubaix but on an aluminum frame? The difference in base price is about a grand ($900 and $1900). Hmmm....

The frame geometry might be just fine. It could be that your fit is wrong. Sore neck and hands can come from too big of a saddle to handlebar drop or from your saddle being too far forward (There can be others causes as well). Frankly, you should suss out your fit before even considering switching to a new frame.

I agree on the fit - I would certainly do that first... if that doesn't help, then consider a more relaxed frame

Giant's is the Defy series
Felt has the Z series
Canondale has the Synapse
Trek has the Pilot

Try 'em out 🙂

ccallana said:

I agree on the fit - I would certainly do that first... if that doesn't help, then consider a more relaxed frame

Giant's is the Defy series
Felt has the Z series
Canondale has the Synapse
Trek has the Pilot

Try 'em out 🙂

Thanks, I will look into it. I'll try a refit first, but I appreciate the bike recommendations. I sort of have new bike fever now...