Road Cycling - Specialized Allez Comp??

The whole Specialized subject has probably been done to death but any keen owners out there would probably be keen to join in again (I hope!)

I have the chance of buying a used 2002 Sprecialized Comp, however I know little about the bike. I have done loads of research into a new bike and I am leaning towards a new entry level Specialized Allez in Black. This used bike would be a bit more expensive, about £200, it is the black and white zebra colours. It is mint and owned by a real enthusiast who has bought a new titanium Omega, amongst others!!

Spec as follows:

SPECIALIZED Allez Comp Columbus E5 SLX tubing 54cm compact equivalent. Aqua Sapone team colours Integrated C3 carbon fork Dura Ace rear mech, brake calipers Ultegra C/set, B/B, F/mech, Sti’s Mavic Cosmic Elites ITM Millenium finishing kit Flite saddle

cheers

John

If the comp is in good condition I'd go for that,
which Allez are you talking about (the 2004 model)?
I wouldn't get anything under the elite series, and they
are 105 gruppos, your 2002 ultegra/durace are better
groups.
I also think the comp would have a better frame (slx) than the newer allez.
Just my .02 worth.
Marty

I agree with Lotek. I was just looking at the new Allez. I first started off looking at the base model and I was a bit disapointed. Then I went to the sport and was still disappointed. Ended up with an Elite Cro-Mo. Provided the frame and wheels of the used Comp are in good condition and components are still in decent condition it should be significantly nicer. The frame on the bike is very nice and should last sometime if treated well.

He has emailed me pics, frame is mint, components are immaculate (his words) wheels are also mint although he has told me "the rear could do with new cartridge bearings sometime in the future as it's running slightly roughly at the mo (tho you can only tell this when the wheel is spun with nobody on it). "

Any thoughts?

He seems a genuine guy and his email is his work's (gov't) so appears OK. If I buy I will pick up anyway

JOhn

John,
the cartridge bearings should be easy to replace,
and relatively inexpensive even if done by LBS.
If its as good as it sounds I'd do that.

Marty

Just emailed him to say I will think about it over weekend, he has left his mobile number (cell phone in US!!)
Think I will go for it though, its a bit over my budget but I am sure I would be keen to upgrade the entry level bike quickly anyway so this initial outlay will be worth it long term. Also, I get to ride a good bike!!!!

I purchased the same 03 bike for xmas from supergo new in a 52 for $1299.00 so it was $1500 after taxes. Don't know how many £ that is. IMO it's an excellent bike. I was actually shopping for a cromo but it was a very smooth ride and cheaper than the 04 cromo elite.
Plus the zebra graphics look cool.

Any good photos of the black and white zebra bike anyone????

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2003/bikes/allez_comp_as.jpg

I love mine, it was a great bike for the money and it's been a real workhorse. I've commuted a few thousand miles and have completed more centuries than I can count without replacing more than a few spokes (have since replaced the default wheelset with Xeros) and a stuck shifter (result of a head on collision with another cyclist (#&@$ American River Trail on a Sunday).

Picked it up on sunday, maiden ride was great, major difference from the old bike!!

Will post pic when I get chance to take digi camera home from work

Nice, can't wait to see!