Brian6751

So, I want to get to the bottom of this once and for all. I have read through all of the searches and have come up with nothing.

My question is. What is the difference between my 2006 E5 Columbus Aerotec Allez Comp frame and the E5 Aerotec S-Works frame?

I emailed Specialized and got a dimensions chart. Everything is exactly the same except the head tube length. The S-works headtube is 10mm shorter than the Allez. So I asked "Is the Allez the same frame except for the Headtube length and the carbon seat-stay's?"

He answers "They are both constructed with M5 alloy tubing."

That didnt answer my question. I replied "So...I would not benefit from the S-works?"

He replies "Not necessarily, the S-Works has a better design so it will be lighter and stiffer than the Allez."

I replied "What about the design makes it lighter and stiffer?"

He said "I don't know the specifics, but it is the way the tubing is manufactured and more specific in width of the tubing in certain areas of the frame, where the allez is a more straight forward all around the frame.

This is a bad answer as well because my frame is obviously NOT NEARLY the same thickness or shape in any area of the frame. I think he is comparing the cheaper Allez frames. I am tired of emailing him though.

I feel like they are dodging me. Can anyone give me a better comparison?

halfspeed

It sounds like you got someone who runs the website and is relaying messages through a filter of ignorance. He doesn't know what he's talking about but he's getting answers from someone who does and munging the response while rewording it for you. I suspect that he's being told that the S-works is butted while the Allez is not.

Brian6751

The guy definitely does NOT know his stuff. They are both double-butted by the way. I am convinced that these are the same frame except for head tube length and the seat-stays.

mrbubbles

Yup, just checked my frame, it's butted and not the same shape throughout. Mine is a E5 with carbon stays. S-Work E5 is the same frame as Allez E5, only difference is geometry and paint job.

sagginwagin

The Specialized rep mentioned that the difference is that "Allez is a more straight forward all around the frame". This implies to me that maybe the S-Works has more variances in tube thickness overall than the Allez. This would account for the lighter weight of the S-Works frame compared to the Allez.
The larger headtube dimensions indicates that it could be more geared towards the performance/comfort segment (Roubaix, Synapse) while of course the S-Works is race specific frame.

Brian6751

Thing is, the Allez is NOT straight forward anywhere on the frame and if the S-Works is thicker in places and they are both made from the same material, how would the S-Works be lighter?

briscoelab

They are made from the same grade of tubing. But, the S-works tubing is processed more, ie has been drawn to thinner wall thickness in places. Also, some of the tube diameters are larger on the S-works, to match the thinner tubes. This is why the S-works frame is a good bit lighter than an Allez.

But, the Allez E5 from that era is a hell of a good frame. The fork is pretty crappy though.

Brian6751

What makes it crappy? Is it just heavy? I never noticed anything negative but I dont have much to compare it to.

shabbasuraj

Geez.. to the OP...just go ride your bike.

Brian6751

Nice reply. Why dont we all just go ride our bikes and stop posting?

I'm looking at about 4" of snow on the ground here, Whats your excuse?

markyore

Yup it's a great frame, I have the 06 s-works E5 with an Alpha Q GS-10 fork......accelerates and climbs like crazy. However I'm thinking of selling it as it may be slightly too big for me!

Tequila Joe

Differences.
1. Shorter head tube.
2. Diffent tube manipulation. The top tub is vivibly different
3. Carbon seat stays

I have the Specialized C4 full carbon form on my Allez Pro. Its super stiff and tracks well. No problems wit it. It weighs ~350 grams.

triagony

The tubbing is different in places to save on weight and the fork is better of the S-works but it's not that different that you'll notice miles an hour in your biking. I think the S-works is stiffer and more responsive adn the S-works carbon fork helps with a smooth ride. I have one if your looking for one and if you not I hope your question is answered.

WCroadie

the s-works E5 does not have carbon stays, only a carbon fork.

Brian6751

THIS ONE does.