This entry level to Specialized Allez ownership is very impressive, from a great frame right through to the quality finishing kit for just £649, making it one of the best sub-grand bikes out there. There is a return to full mudguard eyelets on the fork, too, although clearance is tight.
I first rode the new style Allez back in 2018 – the Elite model – and I was very impressed.
> Find your nearest dealer here
If you haven't read the review, basically Specialized had taken its aluminium race bike and slackened off the angles a little, raised the front end, extended the wheelbase and given it mudguard mounts, to create a bike set up perfectly for commuters or winter training. It achieved all of this without losing the Allez's fun and appealing ride. Good work.
After that review, though, things went a little bit pear-shaped, with Specialized having to recall the bikes because of issues with the fork. The replacements had no mudguard eyelets – but they are back on this latest version.
Ride
The first time I went out for a ride on the Allez, it was just going to be a quick blast around the block to make sure everything was set up right... 20 miles or so and back home.
It was so comfortable and fun to ride, though, I was out for three times that, and rolled home with a massive grin on my face. It's simple to ride and easy to control, which meant I could focus on the scenery and just enjoy the experience.
The handling is pretty neutral, which will suit commuters tackling the same route day in, day out in a range of weather conditions, and carving your way through traffic if needs be, but if you've had a challenging day and need to blow off some steam you can stamp on the pedals and really go for it on the way home.
It's an exciting bike to ride and you'll easily get that little adrenaline giggle when you really push it. If you're confident, you can definitely take a few risks.
The overall weight is 9.66kg which for a sub-£700 bike is pretty good. It climbs well and acceleration doesn't really feel like it’s hampered too much.
Still think alloy frames are harsh? Well, ride one of these and you'll realise they definitely are not. Specialized has always delivered a comfortable ride from its aluminium bikes and the latest versions of the Allez continue that theme.
Frame and fork
The Allez uses Specialized's own-spec E5 Premium aluminium alloy tubing in various shapes and diameters, finished off with decently smooth welds and what I consider to be a very nice paint job. If you don't like the bright red, there is a satin black option or a Dusty Lilac with graphics that fade from yellow to white.
Up front you get a tapered head tube but in the slightly different 1 1/8in to 1 3/8in size compared to a lot of bikes. There are plenty of options on the market when it needs to be replaced.
The down tube uses a large square section for stiffness and the chainstays are suitably beefy to deliver the power transfer from your legs to the pedals.
Specialized has dropped the seatstays lower for aerodynamics; it's not a major concern for this type of bike but hey, every second counts. They are thin, too, which brings a little bit more comfort to the rear end. They also feature rack mounts.
It's good to see a threaded bottom bracket shell on this type of bike – the fact that it is designed to take mudguards means it'll probably see plenty of wet weather. Bottom brackets screwed into the frame tend to be more resistantto water and dirt getting in, which can causecreaking inpress-fit alternatives.
The fork is a full carbon fibre option, which is impressive for the money. Like I said earlier, the full mudguard mounts are back at the bottom of each leg and when it comes to fitting the guards, things are relatively straightforward.
I offered up an SKS full chromoplastic guard, and the eyelet positions mean there is little fettling to do, though clearance between the guard and the 25mm tyre is very tight. The standard wheels are narrow, which keeps the tyre slim, so if you update to newer, wider rims that expand the nominal size of a 25mm tyre there won't be a lot of daylight left.
The fork itself is plenty stiff enough for riding quickly through the bends while descending.
Groupset
Some might smirk at the thought of using a Shimano Claris groupset, but I tell you what, it's a good 'un. You're getting the same looks, shifting and feel as you'll find with Sora and Tiagra but you're sacrificing a few sprockets on the cassette. If you aren't aware, Claris is 8-speed, Sora 9-speed and Tiagra 10-speed.
> Your complete guide toShimanogroupsets
The Sunrace 11-32t option gives you loads of gears top and bottom, even if it is a little gappy between the sprockets.
Paired to this is a Shimano Claris R200 crankset, which uses a square tapered bottom bracket and 50/34t chainrings. It's pretty old school but it works, and the shifting was absolutely fine. An upgrade to the newer Claris R2000 chainset and bottom bracket would set you back around £90 if you wanted to go for the whole groupset look. It'd bring the whole bike bang up to date too.
Specialized has specced Tektro dual pivots for the braking and they do a decent job. They aren't the best out there, but they offer a degree of power and feel that isn't scary if you find yourself braking consistently in traffic.
Finishing kit
The rest of the kit is own brand: the handlebar, stem and seatpost. It's all alloy and does a decent job.
You also get a Specialized Body Geometry Bridge saddle with steel rails, which offers plenty of comfort.
Wheels and tyres
The Axis Sport wheels use a 20-spoke pattern at the front, and a 24-spoke setup at the rear. They aren't the lightest, but I never felt that they hampered the ride at all. They stayed true throughout testing and I'd only upgrade for something lighter when they wear out.
The tyres are provided by Specialized too: its Espoir Sport models in a 700x25mm size. They are wire beaded so quite heavy and a change to something folding and lighter would make a big impact, although I wouldn't be in a massive rush. Grip is decent enough, wet and dry, and rolling resistance is okay too.
Value
Competition comes from the likes of Forme's Longcliffe 2, which is exactly the same price.
It is heavier than the Specialized at 10.5kg and the Allez has a better ride feel. On the flip side, though, the Longcliffe can take 28mm tyres with full guards.
> Buyer’s Guide: 11 of the best £500-£750 road bikes
Another option could be the Vitus Razor VR. For the 2020 version it has returned to a design similar to that of earlier iterations, with a longer wheelbase, and the mudguard mounts are back. It's a bit heavier than the Allez, but with a similar build it is just £549.99.
Conclusion
Overall, the Allez is a much better bike than any spec list or set of scales will have you believe. I ride many bikes ten times the price of this one, but the Allez left one of the biggest impressions. If you want year-round usage out of it, though, the lack of guard/tyre clearance at the front could be an issue.
Verdict
Massive performance on a minimal budget, but I would like to see a bit more clearance at the front
If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website
road.cc test report
Make and model: Specialized Allez
Size tested: 56cm
About the bike
List the components used to build up the bike.
FRAME Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum, fully manipulated tubing w/ SmoothWelds, 1-1/8"- 1-3/8" tapered head tube, internal cable routing, threaded BB, 130mm spacing
FORK Specialized FACT carbon, 1-1/8" to 1-3/8" taper, fender eyelets
FRONT WHEEL Axis Sport
REAR WHEEL Axis Sport
INNER TUBES Presta, 40mm valve
FRONT TYRE Espoir Sport, 60 TPI, wire bead, double BlackBelt protection, 700x25mm
REAR TYRE Espoir Sport, 60 TPI, wire bead, double BlackBelt protection, 700x25mm
CRANKSET Shimano Claris R200
CHAINRINGS 50/34T
BOTTOM BRACKET BSA, 68mm, square-taper
SHIFT LEVERS Shimano Claris 2000, 8-speed
FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Claris, clamp-on
REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Claris, 8-speed
CASSETTE SunRace, 8-speed, 11-32t
CHAIN KMC X8 w/ Missing Link™, 8-speed
FRONT BRAKE Tektro, alloy, dual-pivot
REAR BRAKE Tektro, alloy, dual-pivot
HANDLEBARS Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp
TAPE Specialized S-Wrap
STEM Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise
SADDLE Body Geometry Bridge Saddle, steel rails
SEATPOST Alloy, 2-bolt Clamp, 12mm offset, 27.2mm, anti-corrosion hardware
SEAT BINDER Bolt-type, 31.8mm
PEDALS Nylon, 105x78x28mm, loose ball w/reflectors
Tell us what the bike is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about the bike?
Specialized says, "All too often, corners are cut to meet price-points in the entry-level road bike market, but the Allez redefines what it means to be "entry level." Focusing on weight, refinement, and reliability like nothing else in its class, the Allez is the first to make these technologies accessible to everyone. Whether you're just getting into road cycling, commuting, or looking for a new bike, the Allez is just as performance-packed as it is versatile.
For the build, this Allez features reliable Shimano Claris shifting, durable Axis Sport alloy wheels, our new super-comfy Body Geometry Bridge saddle, and well-protected Espoir Sport tires.
Not only does a lightweight bike feel better when you're climbing up a hill, but it's also essential when you're carrying your bike up to the 5th floor, and this was at the forefront of the frame design. With a redesigned E5 Alloy frame, the Allez features a class-leading weight. Aggressively thin-walled, yet tough, tubes have been implemented to save weight and this results in over a 450g (1-pound) reduction in the frame and fork alone when compared to some models of yesteryear.
Entry-level road bikes often times feature either alloy or cheap carbon fiber forks that greatly detract from the overall ride quality. But with a full FACT carbon fiber fork, the Allez is better handling, smoother riding, and lower in weight – floating over rough chip-seal and carving through corners like a slalom skier.
For the geometry, we developed the Allez by utilizing our vast Retül fit database. This meant creating a geometry that's sure to cover a broad range of positions, while still providing the performance-minded handling you'd expect from your first bike.
This Allez also features integrated rack and fender mounts, allowing you to get weight of your backpack off you and onto a lightweight rack. This not only makes for a good road bike, but it also enables you to transform it into a fast commuter."
The mudguard clearance limits the Allez a little as a year-round trainer but without them it is one of the best-riding entry-level alloy bikes out there.
Where does this model sit in the range? Tell us briefly about the cheaper options and the more expensive options
This is the entry-level model to Allez ownership. The Allez Sport gets a Shimano Sora groupset and Praxis chainset for £849, with the 105-equipped Elite coming in at £1,049.
Frame and fork
Overall rating for frame and fork
8/10
Tell us about the build quality and finish of the frame and fork?
A very good frame in terms of ride quality finished off with a solid paintjob that makes the bike look more expensive than it is.
Tell us about the materials used in the frame and fork?
The frame uses Specialized's E5 aluminium alloy tubeset, while the fork is full carbon fibre.
Tell us about the geometry of the frame and fork?
The front end height has been increased a bit and the Allez now has a longer wheelbase than the previous iteration, although it is still quite race-orientated compared with a lot of endurance bikes.
How was the bike in terms of height and reach? How did it compare to other bikes of the same stated size?
Stack is 596mm with reach being 385mm for this 56cm frame. That is pretty typical of an endurance style riding position with the taller front end.
Riding the bike
Was the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you felt about the ride quality.
Yes, the frame has no harshness to it at all.
Did the bike feel stiff in the right places? Did any part of the bike feel too stiff or too flexible?
Stiffness is good throughout the frame and fork.
How did the bike transfer power? Did it feel efficient?
Well, the chainset isn't the stiffest, but overall considering its weight, the bike does feel efficient.
Was there any toe-clip overlap with the front wheel? If so was it a problem?
No, none.
How would you describe the steering? Was it lively neutral or unresponsive? Neutral.
Tell us some more about the handling. How did the bike feel overall? Did it do particular things well or badly?
A really easy bike to ride quickly.
Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's comfort? would you recommend any changes?
The Specialized Bridge saddle is a nice place to sit.
Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's stiffness? would you recommend any changes?
I'd upgrade the chainset to the new four-arm Claris R2000 for a little more stiffness.
Which components had the most effect (good or bad) on the bike's efficiency? would you recommend any changes?
Upgrade the tyres when they wear out as they are quite heavy.
Rate the bike for efficiency of power transfer:
8/10
Rate the bike for acceleration:
8/10
Rate the bike for sprinting:
7/10
Rate the bike for high speed stability:
8/10
Rate the bike for cruising speed stability:
9/10
Rate the bike for low speed stability:
9/10
Rate the bike for flat cornering:
8/10
Rate the bike for cornering on descents:
8/10
Rate the bike for climbing:
8/10
The drivetrain
Rate the drivetrain for performance:
7/10
Rate the drivetrain for durability:
7/10
Rate the drivetrain for weight:
7/10
Rate the drivetrain for value:
8/10
Tell us some more about the drivetrain. Anything you particularly did or didn't like? Any components which didn't work well together?
Using the majority of a Shimano Claris groupset, the components offer confident shifting and a good spread of gears. The brakes are decent enough too.
Wheels and tyres
Rate the wheels for performance:
7/10
Rate the wheels for durability:
8/10
Rate the wheels for weight:
6/10
Rate the wheels for comfort:
7/10
Rate the wheels for value:
7/10
Tell us some more about the wheels.Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the wheels? If so what for?
They are a solid set of wheels and stood up to any abuse they saw from the road surface. You could upgrade them to something lighter but there is no rush.
Rate the tyres for performance:
6/10
Rate the tyres for durability:
8/10
Rate the tyres for weight:
6/10
Rate the tyres for comfort:
7/10
Rate the tyres for value:
7/10
Tell us some more about the tyres. Did they work well in the conditions you encountered? Would you change the tyres? If so what for?
Decent enough performers for a bike of this value, but they are a bit weighty which impacts acceleration. An upgrade to something lighter/folding would be a good move in the long run.
Controls
Rate the controls for performance:
8/10
Rate the controls for durability:
8/10
Rate the controls for weight:
7/10
Rate the controls for comfort:
7/10
Rate the controls for value:
6/10
Tell us some more about the controls. Any particularly good or bad components? How would the controls work for larger or smaller riders?
It's all basic stuff from Specialized but it does the job. The compact handlebar gives you plenty of hand options without requiring any extreme positions.
Your summary
Did you enjoy riding the bike? Yes
Would you consider buying the bike? Yes
Would you recommend the bike to a friend? Yes
How does the price compare to that of similar bikes in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?
It's of a similar price to the Forme I mention in the review and comes with much the same finishing kit, as does the Vitus I mention too. That one is £100 cheaper, although the Allez is lighter than both.
Rate the bike overall for performance:
8/10
Rate the bike overall for value:
7/10
Use this box to explain your overall score
One of the best cheap bikes out there from a rider's point of view. If you want to use full mudguards, though, you are going to be very restricted when it comes to tyre sizes.
Overall rating: 8/10
About the tester
Age: 41
I usually ride: This month's test bikeMy best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components
I've been riding for: Over 20 yearsI ride: Every dayI would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,
FAQs
Is Specialized Allez a good beginner bike? ›
The Specialized Allez has been a go-to entry-level £1,000 road bike for new riders for years as it consistently offers a good balance of performance and value.
Can you race on a Specialized Allez? ›Specialized Allez Sprint Comp Disc bike
The old Allez has always been considered an excellent option for an entry level criterium racer, owing to the geometry and resilient properties of alloy. With the Sprint models, Specialized took it up a gear to create a race-first model.
The Allez Sprint Ltd is claimed to be the fastest alloy bike ever, a full 41s faster than the previous model over 40km. While the Comp doesn't have the full aero suite of deeper carbon wheels and aero handlebars with fully internal cables, it holds its speed remarkably well on the flat.
Is Allez an endurance bike? ›2021 Specialized Allez Sport Endurance Road Bike in Grey. The 2021 Specialized Allez Sport in Gloss/Satin Dove Grey is a light, fast road bike that is a great choice for entry level road riders and commuters. The Allez Sport comes with 9 speed Shimano Sora gears.
How heavy is a Specialized Allez? ›Weight: 1,511 g (52 cm painted frame with hardware). 7.65 kg (16.87 lb) complete as tested, without pedals. Price: US$1,700 / AU$2,400 / £1,599 (frameset, as tested), complete bikes from US$3,000 / AU$4,200 / £2,650.
How much does a Specialized Allez frame weight? ›Specialized says frameset weights are “in line with the previous Allez Sprint Disc”, but declined to put a figure on it. The claimed weight for the lightest (and most expensive) Allez Sprint LTD build is 7.9kg for a size 56cm. Our size 56cm Allez Sprint Comp test bike weighs 8.8kg, according to our scales.
How do you pronounce Allez? ›French Grammar: How to Use Allez - YouTube
Is the Specialized Allez carbon? ›The Specialized Allez has been in continuous production since 1981. As one of the original models in the company's lineup (alongside the Stumpjumper and the now discontinued Sequoia) it has noticeable sentimental value on a corporate level.
How heavy is the new Allez Sprint? ›| Price | GBP £2650.00 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.8kg (56cm) |
| Year | 2022 |
| Brand | Specialized |
Using your child's inseam in relation to the bike's seat height is the best and most accurate way to ensure a perfect bike fit. The frame and the wheel size work together to determine the seat height of a bike.
Is Allez Sprint good? ›
The Allez Sprint is a fantastic bike to ride, with excellent handling and plenty of stiffness. It easily matches the Tarmac SL7 on fast group rides, but the weight does mean it suffers a little on the climbs, and at this price there are brilliant carbon bikes to tempt you, as well as cheaper aluminium options.
What size road bike should I get? ›| Height (inches) | Height (cm) | Frame Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 4'10” – 5'3″ | 148 – 160 | 46-50 (Extra Small) |
| 5'3″ – 5'5″ | 160 – 165 | 50 – 52 (Small) |
| 5'5″ – 5'7″ | 160 – 165 | 52 – 54 (Small – Medium) |
| 5'7″ – 5'9″ | 170 – 175 | 54 – 56 (Medium) |
Interjection. allez. As an expression of encouragement; there you go, let's go, come on, that's it, attaboy, attagirl quotations ▼
What year was the Specialized Allez made? ›Released in 1981, the original Allez was Specialized's first road bike. Since then it's been produced in steel, aluminium and carbon. Long since overtaken by more expensive models like the firm's Tarmac or Roubaix, the bike eventually settled into a new role as its entry-level aluminium racer.
How many gears does a Specialized Allez have? ›The Allez Elite features an 11-speed cassette, the Allez Sport a 9-speed cassette and the Allez an 8-speed cassette; the more gears that are squeezed into the cassette the wider choice of gearing you'll have.
What does a Specialized Allez Elite weigh? ›The original Allez Sprint (launched in 2015) was stiff, aero, and relatively affordable compared to its carbon big brother, the Venge. So it quickly became a favorite bike of racers who wanted all-out performance without the carbon price tag or durability concerns.
Where does the word allez come from? ›Etymology. From French allez, from French aller (“go”).
What is the meaning of Comment allez vous? ›(formal or plural) how are you.
How do you pronounce en garde? ›How To Say En Garde - YouTube
What are the different levels of specialized bikes? ›
Specialized Build Levels
The hierarchy of builds from lowest to highest is: Base, Sport, Elite, Comp, Expert, Pro, and then S-Works.
At under 25 lbs, the bikes are very light for being a commuter bike, and gives off a very high-end feel. The disc brakes are easily one of the biggest advantages with the Haanjo Series.
What size bike should a man get? ›| Rider Height (feet/inches) | Rider Inseam (inches | Bike Frame Size (centimeters) |
|---|---|---|
| 5'0"-5'3" | 26.5"-28" | 48-50 cm |
| 5'2"-5'5" | 27.5"-29" | 50-52 cm |
| 5'4"-5'7" | 28.5"-30" | 52-54 cm |
| 5'6"-5'9" | 29.5"-31" | 54-56 cm |
| Rider height | Suggested frame size | |
|---|---|---|
| Feet/Inches | Centimeters | Centimeters |
| 5`3″-5`6″ | 160-168 cm | 51-52-53 cm |
| 5`6″-5`9″ | 168-175 cm | 54-55 cm |
| 5`9″-6`0″ | 175-183 cm | 56-57-58 cm |
Mountain bikes use standard measurement, and a 6-foot tall man will fall somewhere between 18 and 20 inches, depending on your inseam measurement. If you're between sizes, it's best to size up, since you can make up the differences with a higher seat and longer stem.
What is the bottom bracket for Allez Sprint? ›All Allez Sprint models have a 68mm BSA threaded bottom bracket, 142x12mm and 100x12mm thru-axles and are compatible with 160mm or 140mm rotors.
Is it better to get a bigger or smaller bike frame? ›If your arm span is longer than your height, go for a bigger frame. If it's shorter, get the smaller one. On a bigger bike, the reach to the handlebars will be longer. If you have proportionally longer arms, you are likely to feel more comfortable on a bigger frame.
How do I know if my road bike is too big? ›- Struggling in Tight Turns. ...
- Lack of Front Wheel Grip. ...
- Challenging to Lift the Front Wheel. ...
- Feeling Like a Passenger. ...
- Not Comfortable. ...
- Feeling Squashed. ...
- Feeling Unstable at Speed. ...
- Not Comfortable.
In more modern times, pros often use a smaller frame that a similarly sized recreational rider because they want to ride a big drop to the handlebars. As head tubes continue to grow for a given frame size, pros are forced onto smaller frames to maintain their positions.
Why do the French say Allez? ›Allez is the vous form of the verb aller which means to go. You can use it as a command when you are speaking to more than one person or one person when you want to show respect or distance.
Why do climbers say Allez? ›
Allez allez!
There's a lot of cheering as you climb. Allez is the French expression for “come on” and is also used by other nations. The climbing nation of Japan cheers on with “gamba, gamba.
Comment allez-vous? (How are you?)
It's used in formal situations, such as with your boss or French teacher. Respond with a simple “Je vais bien, et vous?” (“I'm doing well, and you?”). Likewise, you can just say “Bien, et vous?” (“Well, and you?”).
The Allez is equipped with 26mm tires. The frame will accommodate a tire width up to 28mm. Generally speaking, lower tire pressures provide better control on wet or loose terrain, as well as a smoother ride. Higher tire pressures provide better puncture protection.
How many speeds is the Specialized Allez? ›The Allez Elite features an 11-speed cassette, the Allez Sport a 9-speed cassette and the Allez an 8-speed cassette; the more gears that are squeezed into the cassette the wider choice of gearing you'll have.
What does a Specialized Allez Elite weigh? ›The Allez is equipped with 26mm tires. The frame will accommodate a tire width up to 28mm. Generally speaking, lower tire pressures provide better control on wet or loose terrain, as well as a smoother ride. Higher tire pressures provide better puncture protection.
How do you shift gears on Specialized Allez? ›How to Change Gears Properly on a Road Bike - YouTube
What year was the Specialized Allez made? ›Released in 1981, the original Allez was Specialized's first road bike. Since then it's been produced in steel, aluminium and carbon. Long since overtaken by more expensive models like the firm's Tarmac or Roubaix, the bike eventually settled into a new role as its entry-level aluminium racer.
How do you pronounce Allez? ›French Grammar: How to Use Allez - YouTube
Is the Allez Elite worth it? ›The bike is fun to ride, and also comfortable over long distances. It is good for climbing hills, and just as good for coming back down them. The fork and the inserts play a large part in this comfort and speed perhaps. The saddle on the Elite is also very comfortable.
How do I know what bike size I need? ›
Using your child's inseam in relation to the bike's seat height is the best and most accurate way to ensure a perfect bike fit. The frame and the wheel size work together to determine the seat height of a bike.
Is Specialized Allez Elite an endurance bike? ›2021 Specialized Allez Elite Endurance Road Bike Black. The 2021 Specialized Allez Elite in Satin Black is a light, fast road bike that is a great next step for new road riders and also makes a great winter training bike or fast commuter. The Allez Elite comes with 11 speed Shimano 105 gearing.
Can I put 28mm tires on my road bike? ›Most road bike frames can accommodate a tire as wide as about 28mm. Cyclocross and touring bikes are generally designed to accommodate wider tires. We recommend 23mm and 25mm wide tires for recreational road cyclists. The 25mm width is nice for long distance riding since it will provide a more comfortable ride.
Can you put thicker tyres on a road bike? ›That depends on the width of your current tyres and if your frame and rim will accept wider tyres. Fitting wider tyres is a common upgrade and even going from 23mm to 25mm, or 28mm to 32mm, can provide a noticeable change in the ride quality of the bike.
Does tire width matter bike? ›The main disadvantage to the wider tires is weight. Switching to a slightly narrower tire will give you a little better acceleration performance and provide a zippier ride. For mountain biking, a wider tire (2.0 to 2.5") will provide more air volume which is beneficial for riding on loose surfaces.