Road Cycling - Frames for Specialized Allez

Hello Everyone,
I have been looking at getting a road bike and am thinking about the Specialized Allez. My budget is about $500 but I can probably go to $750 including tax and accessories. The base Allez is all that really fits in my price range right now. I was wondering if the base Allez has the same frame as the higher end Sport and Elite models? I dont mind upgrading components as needed, but I want a solid frame to work off of.

Also, do you think the upgrade from the base to the sport is worth it for $200? The sport has Tiagra/105 components instead of Sora/Tiagra, carbon seatpost and different/nicer? wheels.

Thanks,
Brian

Hello Everyone,
I have been looking at getting a road bike and am thinking about the Specialized Allez. My budget is about $500 but I can probably go to $750 including tax and accessories. The base Allez is all that really fits in my price range right now. I was wondering if the base Allez has the same frame as the higher end Sport and Elite models? I dont mind upgrading components as needed, but I want a solid frame to work off of.

Thanks,
Brian

Specialized has the bottom line Allez listed for $620, one LBS around me has them for $595. So you will be spending more than your $500 anyway. You will also need shorts and some other gear so that will add to your investment. The Allez has is an 8 speed cassette and has Sora equipment. The Allez Sport ($820) has a 9 speed cassette and Tiagra components. You will save money in the long run (more than the $200 price difference) if you went with the Sport than if you bought the Allez and upgraded it to a 9 speed. It's January right now, so if you have to save a month or two to get the Sport, I'd wait and get the better bike, you may even be able to get the Allez Elite in a couple months or by Spring when it warms up at least.

Hello Everyone,
I have been looking at getting a road bike and am thinking about the Specialized Allez. My budget is about $500 but I can probably go to $750 including tax and accessories. The base Allez is all that really fits in my price range right now. I was wondering if the base Allez has the same frame as the higher end Sport and Elite models? I dont mind upgrading components as needed, but I want a solid frame to work off of.

Also, do you think the upgrade from the base to the sport is worth it for $200? The sport has Tiagra/105 components instead of Sora/Tiagra, carbon seatpost and different/nicer? wheels.

Thanks,
Brian

I forgot, according to Specialized's website they the Allez, Sport, and Elite all have the "A1 Premium Aluminum, fully double butted, heat-treated, replaceable derailleur hanger" frame

Specialized has the bottom line Allez listed for $620, one LBS around me has them for $595. So you will be spending more than your $500 anyway. You will also need shorts and some other gear so that will add to your investment. The Allez has is an 8 speed cassette and has Sora equipment. The Allez Sport ($820) has a 9 speed cassette and Tiagra components. You will save money in the long run (more than the $200 price difference) if you went with the Sport than if you bought the Allez and upgraded it to a 9 speed. It's January right now, so if you have to save a month or two to get the Sport, I'd wait and get the better bike, you may even be able to get the Allez Elite in a couple months or by Spring when it warms up at least.

Thanks for the help. I already have some shorts, pumps, basic tools, etc. I am planning on buying around March when I get income tax money back, so those couple months of saving are already included. I really want the nicer bike, but I wanted to here from others that it is worth it. I am in college and money is a bit tight.

I have a 2003 Allez sport, and I love it. I have put 2000 miles on it, and the Tiagra/105 drive train has been very dependable. I opted for the sport to get a 9 speed set up, in case I wanted to upgrade down the road. However, I have not noticed any real problems with the components that are on it.

I do not know if you are looking at the 2003 or 2004 models, but the 2003 Allez had an alloy fork and seat post, while the allez sport had carbon fiber bits. I think they upgraded the 2004 allez to have a carbon fork, but it still has an alloy seat post.

Either way I am sure you will love the bike. Just be sure you ride it before you buy it. I could not believe the difference between some of the models I tried. I hope this was helpful.

Happy biking.

I will second the 2003 allez sport being a GREAT bike!!! I have never heard people speak bad about their allez's. I'm sure the frame quality betewwn the base and teh sport is very small, but if you can the carbon is a nice touch!

good luck
-Ross

I am looking at 2004's unless I can save substantially on a 2003. My LBS is only offering 2003's $50 cheaper right now I think. I think the carbon fork and new model is worth more than that. Maybe in a few months they will be stuck with some and have some nice prices.

I am looking at 2004's unless I can save substantially on a 2003. My LBS is only offering 2003's $50 cheaper right now I think. I think the carbon fork and new model is worth more than that. Maybe in a few months they will be stuck with some and have some nice prices.

Unless the '03's were more than $100 cheaper, I'd go with an '04, the carbon fork alone is worth more than that.

You should pick up the specialized catalog, any specialized dealer will have them. you can compare every aspect of each model in the back of the catalog
I just got the 2004 Allez sport for christmas and i love it. it's definitly worth a little extra money to go for the 04 model