Road Cycling - 01 Specialized Allez Comp

Hi all. I was the one who posted the Trek 2200 versus Klein Quantum. I went to test these bikes again, and found this Specialized on 'closeout' for $1599 (the original price was $1999). I'm completely new to the sport, and really liked the Trek and the Klein, but this seems like a really good deal. It has complete Ultegra, and a Shimano wheelset (the wheels alone were selling for about $700).

The roads were wet tonight when I tested it, but it seems really responsive. It is very light, and seemed to torque some when I really mashed the pedals, but that might just be my lack of knowledge about riding! Also, the back fork is flared out somewhat (like the Klein's), and I kept hitting my shoe on it, though I was riding in running shoes on top of clipless pedals. Will this problem go away with riding shoes and cleats?

Anyway, any comments about this bike versus the other two? Anything 'bad' about going with last year's model? I put it on hold for a day or two so I could get some thoughts. About the only things I didn't like were the issue of hitting my foot on the rear fork and the fact that it has a double instead of a triple chainring.

Again, I would use this bike for tours, maybe some races, and definitely duathlons/triathlons.

Thanks in advance!

mbologna
houston, TX

Hey where you getting the bike? Bike BArn??? dont really know anything about bikes though. I do like the specialized brands.

I don't think there is anything wrong with buying last years model. I recently purchased a 2001 specialized allez for about $600 less than the price was last year. I still get the full warranty, service, etc. from my LBS. Dealers moving last year's inventory generally means good deals for us customers. :)

especially not with specialized i bought a close out on a 2001 sj comp it was like $500 off.

all of them are good bikes. I think the klein is the better of the three. I own a allez (2000) its a great bike .
the pedal problem should go away when you put your foot
in the clips .. I really like the klein Q race if you coud get a deal on that go for it. this is the order that i would use in picking
1 klein
2 allez
3 2200
all are great bikes. I think the klein is better handling and a much better wow factor .
good luck...

Thanks! That is also the order I have them ranked. I'm going to this morning to try them each one more time on the trainer, but I'm going to get them all fit. I may try for a deal on the Quantum Race to get the Ultegra set.

I really like the Allez ~ it's super responsive, but I'm concerned that over a long ride it will get really rough. Plus, the wheels seem a little mushy.

The Allez is a good bike.

You won't get "beat up" on a long ride. That aluminum frames, even stiffly built like Specialized's, do this is a myth.

The stock wheels on the Allez Sports from the last few years have given many riders some problems. Spokes breaking and wheels going out of true. The fix has been respoking with heavier spokes, then no more trouble. This has been larger riders having this difficulty, I should add. It's not an expensive fix.

In any event, I don't know what wheels come with the 2001 Comp, so the above may not even be an issue. Some sort of Rolf/Bontrager aero wheels?

If it were me, I wouldn't spend very much more for the Klein or the Trek than for the Specialized. If you can get a deal on the Allez Comp I say buy it.