Road Cycling - Specialized Allez questions

Hi

I am on the verge of buying a Specializd Allez triple as my next road bike having ridden a cheap bike for a year to see if I take to road biking.
I have looked through these forums for weeks to get advice and it has been most helpful. Anyhoo, questions....

1. As the Allez is the entry level bike is the frame still as good as the better spec bikes? What I am thinking is that I could always upgrade components in the future if i start with a good frame?

2. Is it an ideal bike for a novice rider?

3. Is it light enough for when I start doing some climbs later in the year?

4. Is the triple the best option bearing in mind question 3?

Thanks in anticipation

John

1) The Allez's frame - "A1 aluminium" - is common to the range up to the Allez Comp (which has a Columbus E5 SLX).

2) Have a look at the comparable offerings from Giant, Trek, Cannondale et al. Specialized usually offers decent value for money, but not everyone's their greatest fan. In the January 2004 issue of Cycling Plus, the Guess RB1 won huge praise and is in a similar price range.

3) My 14kg mountain bike will climb even the steepest hills. Depends how fit you are, and how much effort you wish to expend. The Allez won't be the lightest one available, but it'll be OK.

4) If you live in a really hilly area, go for the triple. If not, the double should suffice.

I have an Allez Elite. I've made some upgrades here and there, but I think it's a great bike. I've had no problems whatsoever. It's my opinion that until you get into the titanium, carbon, supergrade aluminum or steel, or combonations of those materials in the $3000+ range, the frame will simply not make the impact that better components will. A lot of people will disagree with me, but for the same money, I'd rather have just a solid, average aluminum frame, with a great wheelset and group, than a really nice frame with entry level components.

In light of that opinion, I think you can't go wrong with an Allez.

Hi,
you should test ride a few bikes and try to get a feel for what feels good, and what you like to ride. Having said that, the Allez has a lot of fans. It's a nice bike; I think the steel Allez is even better. I try to encourage people getting back into riding to get a triple. A year or two from now, when you're in killer shape and looking at performance bikes, then the couple ounces you'll save in weight by getting a double will be important to you. Building your knees up gradually is a very good idea; I mean it's just amazing how much bigger a mountain looks from the saddle..The bike is not heavy. If you can afford to avoid the cheapest model, that would be a good idea too.

I would suggest getting a triple as this will allow you to achieve the lowest gear you need with a close ration sprocket at the back. The close ratio sprocket will give much snappier shifting.

thanks guys, sounds like a good bike, searching the forum brings up plenty of specialized fans!!

it looks cool in black also !!!!!

I am looking at an Allez as well. I am leaning towards the Sport though. For an extra $200 you get a Carbon seatpost, little nicer wheels, a bit better components and 27 speeds instead of 24. The 9 speed cassette will make it easier to upgrade the components later on.

The base Allez and Allez sport are only offered as triples according to Specialized's website. Doubles are offered starting at the Elite which is $1050. Personally I would prefer the double as I really have no use for the triple. My area is almost completely flat and I have only shifted out of the 42T chainring on my MTB twice.

John mac, a triple should be ideal for you in the hills. You may want to look at the Sport model as well.

" In the January 2004 issue of Cycling Plus, the Guess RB1 won huge praise and is in a similar price range."

Where can we find out more info about this Guess RB1 bike, and how much it costs?

quick search found this.....

www.supercycles.co.uk

I have 2000 miles on an '03 Allez Elite Aluminum triple. It's been a good bike for me to start riding on a regular basis. The only problem I've had with the bike is I busted two spokes on the back wheel. I'd see about trading in the Alex wheels for something better if you buy this bike. Also, I'd try both the steel & aluminum and see if there's a difference for you-I might be happier with the steel, but it was $300 more and I'm not 100% sure that I could tell that $300.

Ive got a Blue 02 Allez Alu model, this was my first ever road bike so i went for the tripple version and ive been over the moon with it for a novice it felt great, the componets have been fine but the only problem has been spokes breaking on the rear wheel so far its had 3 new spokes so i would advise u to look for some new wheels as your first upgrade.

Good luck