Touring - Touring with Specialized Allez Sport

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Epicus07
06-20-10, 10:46 PM
I know the geometry is going to be a PITA for any serious touring due to its race like design but how would it do with a light tent, sleeping bag etc on a rear rack for a few days?

My only concern is the Aluminum tubing and the carbon fork. I loaded up a 70's aluminum track bike with camping gear and it handled like a squirrely possessed demon from hell. Will the newer aluminum (2006) be more capable of holding a load without losing its shape?

Will the carbon fork be dangerous?

I will buy a trailer if its necessary but want to hear what you guys think.

Thanks!

Doug64
06-20-10, 11:12 PM
My wife did about six weeks of loaded touring on her Allez. It did OK, and with the loads you are talking about you should do fine. However, If you are on the heavier side it may get a little marginal. We did put 25mm tires on it.

She is a lightweight and rides a 50 cm frame, which is pretty stable. She carries about 30 lbs in her panniers (rear only). I was behind her on a down- hill and she was pulling ahead of me when I started breaking at 40 mph.
do-well
06-21-10, 06:03 AM
My buddy has ridden an early-this decade Allez (not sure the exact model such as Sport) on loaded rides from Atlanta to Louisville and Louisville to Grand Junction, CO.

I just looked at some pictures. The bike has a carbon front fork, aluminum frame. HE runs rear panniers and a medium-sized handlebar bag.

Judging from his blog entries and talking to him, I don't think he has had any problems.

His load does look light and the panniers are on the small side. If you can find small panniers and a rack that allows them to sit further back (to prevent heel strike), you should be fine. Always could change to stronger wheels if need be, although I do think my buddy did his rides on the stock tires.

BigBlueToe
06-21-10, 09:51 AM
I have an Allez with 32-spoke wheels (25mm tires). I wouldn't hesitate to load it with a sleeping bag and tent and a foam pad on the back and take off. Maybe even a small backpack with some clothes. I weigh 200 lbs. myself. However, for my normal touring load - clothes, tools, cooking gear, camera, book, etc. - I wouldn't consider it.

What kind of wheels does your Allez have? The drive-side spokes in the rear wheel are often the first to break if something's going to.