General Cycling Discussion - Need advice on Specialized bike

I'm looking for advice on Specialized bikes. I don't see too many around here (north San Diego cnty, CA), and am thinking of upgrading from my Motobecane Mirage. I have my eye on an '04 Allez Sport Triple. Any advice/experience with the line would be appreciated.

For the money it is a good bike. I think this year it even has a carbon fork.

For the money it is a good bike. I think this year it even has a carbon fork.
Yep, Carbon fork and seatpost, decent components and DEFINITELY a step up from my current ride.

For the money it is a good bike. I think this year it even has a carbon fork.
I thought all Allez had carbon...?

You'll find a lot of love for the Specialized Allez around here. There's even a whole thread dedicated to them! (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=34330).

I think this year all the Allez series has carbon forks (not sure about previous years). IMHO, the Sport has a great mix of components for the price, and is a good enough frame to consider upgrading components over time. It might be worth considering the Elite model over the Sport - we are for the impending purchase of a new road bike for my wife. It gets the full 105 group, along with slightly better wheels for not much more money.

I got back into biking after 5-6 years and wanted something that would give me good performance for a reasonable price. I got the '04 Elite triple last month and so far I am very happy with my decision. I've put about 350 miles on it and it has met or exceeded all my expectations. The carbon seatpost and fork really seem to smooth out the ride, the frame is of good quality and the 105 components work great. I've taken it on a few longer rides (50-70 miles) and for the most part it's very comfortable. I might end up getting a different seat but other than that there is nothing i'd think of upgrading/replacing. If the bike fits you, which is the most important part, I think you would be making a very wise decision to get the bike. Good luck.

I had/have a 2002 Allez Sport with about 1300 miles. The frame cracked where the head tube met the carbon fork. (Yep, even the 02 has carbon...).

That happened about 3 weeks ago. The good news is Specialized took care of the problem by sending me a 2003 Allez Pro frame with the higher end C4 fork. Way cool.

Anyway, I loved the Sport before the frame cracked. LBS said that was the first one they had ever seen do that...

L8R...

I have an 04 Elite and I have nothing so far but good things to say about it!!! I think that they are a good Company and stand behind their product as far as I can tell.

I finally go to purchase an '04 Elite. So far, i've only had the test/fit ride, but can't wait to get out and see what it can do. I live very near the California fires, so riding is out of the question for the next few days :( , but as soon as the air quality is back to normal, I'll be out there.

Thanks to all for the advice!

I have a 2003 Allez Sport. It has carbon fork and seatpost. Has 105/tiagra group. Very lively and fun ride and very sharp looking stealth black color with silver accents...a keeper frame.

It got lots of great reviews at www.roadbikereview.com