I have done what you want to do, although in a different manner. (2) years ago, I bought the Specialized Allez bike, so that I could start riding again. I bought it knowing that I was buying a nice frame, that I could get on the road and then customize it to what I wanted. As of today, I have changed out everything but the cranks and stem. I cannot speak for the other frames but, I can say that the Allez responds well to just about every condition: uphill, downhill and flats. I used to race and I would feel very comfortable with this frame in a road race.