Where are the vintage Specialized bikes?
09-27-13 | 02:40 PM
#76
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Bikes: 1986 Alan Record Carbonio, 1985 Vitus Plus Carbone 7, 1984 Peugeot PSV, 1972 Line Seeker, 1986(est.) Medici Aerodynamic (Project), 1985(est.) Peugeot PY10FC
I think a comparison to Univega, Nishiki, Takara, Sekai, Centurion and the like would be more appropriate since I don't think Specialized ever ran a retail shop for other brand names like PBS, Nashbar or SuperGo.
Seems like they went from a component specialty importer like Avocet to full line bike importer.
Their Turbo tires were out of this world compared to other clinchers.
Seems like they went from a component specialty importer like Avocet to full line bike importer.
Their Turbo tires were out of this world compared to other clinchers.
Turbo S, Turbo R, Turbo VS...... All great fast and very light tires! Loved their latex tubes too. I had one set of the latex tubes last me from the 80's into early 2000's Only reason it failed was the old Turbo VS tire sidewall that was encasing it finally split and blew up from dry rot.... Lucky I wasn't riding the bike at the time....
09-27-13 | 08:43 PM
#79
My Allez SE. Bought as a bare frame from a member here, and STUPIDLY sold it to try and make someone happy(It didn't). Wish I still had it now, it rode SO nice!,,,,BD
https://www.flickr.com/photos/60000045@N08/5772598078/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/60000045@N08/5772598078/
09-27-13 | 08:48 PM
#80
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From: Forksbent, MN
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Outsourcing makes a difference. As example, I think everyone agrees that not all Paramounts are the same from a C&V perspective. Most all are excellent, but there's a distinction in terms of what raises C&V lust.
Though, if any of you want to loan my your Yoshi Allez for a couple years, size 57, I'll be willing to overlook the whole provenance thing...
Though, if any of you want to loan my your Yoshi Allez for a couple years, size 57, I'll be willing to overlook the whole provenance thing...
Last edited by Chrome Molly; 09-27-13 at 09:08 PM.
09-27-13 | 08:55 PM
#81
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Loving this thread, some nice examples in here. I still remember being 14 and seeing my first nice road bike, an Allez parked in front of the public library. It was the first time I recalled being in awe of a bike.
09-27-13 | 10:21 PM
#82
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 30
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Bikes: 81 Specialized Sequoia, 87 Wangel, 85 Specialized Stumpjumper, 86 Bridgestone Atlantis, 94 Yeti Pro FRO
Some previous posts pointed out that Specialized is a relatively new company, I think that's spot on as they were not around in a big way in the 70's. As for the "outsourcing" thing, I doubt that has anything to do with their not being big in C&V. If we took that to heart we'd have to stop collecting most late model Schwinns, ALL Centurions, most 80's Raleighs, all entry level Nishikis, you can add others to the list. Also, just because they outsourced doesn't mean they didn't design. In fact Specialized was and always has been a leader in MTB design. Move into the 90's and Specialized also designed some of their road bikes. From the pics here, I would expect Specialized to become part of the next wave of C&V bikes. Vintage Stumpjumpers already command more than double the amount some of their counterparts do. It took me around 5 years to find an older Stumpy for $100 or less, and even then I had to settle for an aluminum frame. Like'em or hate'em Specialized is about to become a player in the C&V world.
However, the first Specialized road bikes, Expedition, Allez and Sequoia were designed by Tim Neenan for Specialized in 1981. He also oversaw the manufacturing during that time according to his website https://lighthousecycles.com/tims-story/.
10-02-13 | 07:02 AM
#84
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From: Pacific Northwest
Bikes: 1975 Eisentraut Ltd, 1995 Trek 7000 MTB, 2007 Masi Vincere, 1974 Masi GC, 1981 Specialized Allez, 1984 Specialized Sequoia
+ 1
However, the first Specialized road bikes, Expedition, Allez and Sequoia were designed by Tim Neenan for Specialized in 1981. He also oversaw the manufacturing during that time according to his website https://lighthousecycles.com/tims-story/.
However, the first Specialized road bikes, Expedition, Allez and Sequoia were designed by Tim Neenan for Specialized in 1981. He also oversaw the manufacturing during that time according to his website https://lighthousecycles.com/tims-story/.
I was also interested in the early Allez, Sequoia, Stumpjumper and Expedition because of the Tim Neenan design. He was a "local" frame builder out of Santa Cruz in the late '70s and I first saw one of his Lighthouse bikes at the Vandenberg Century in about 77. I was hooked. So while I continue to look for a vintage Lighthouse to call my own I can at least have their Specialized cousins. Here's a couple. The blue Sequoia is a very early 3Rensho-built beauty. The red Allez is also a very early build but not a 3Rensho. There are still mysteries surrounding who else built the early models. Both of these have the "Designed by Tim Neenan" decal on the LH chainstay. In 1981 the Allez and Sequoia were only available as framesets by mail order.
Later Specialized designers like Jim Merz, Dave Tesch and Mark DiNucci also created some awesome models for Specialized, so overall I am quite a Specialized fan!
Last edited by leaping_gnome; 10-02-13 at 07:08 AM.
10-04-13 | 11:06 PM
#85
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Joined: Jun 2011
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Bikes: 81 Specialized Sequoia, 87 Wangel, 85 Specialized Stumpjumper, 86 Bridgestone Atlantis, 94 Yeti Pro FRO
++
I was also interested in the early Allez, Sequoia, Stumpjumper and Expedition because of the Tim Neenan design. He was a "local" frame builder out of Santa Cruz in the late '70s and I first saw one of his Lighthouse bikes at the Vandenberg Century in about 77. I was hooked. So while I continue to look for a vintage Lighthouse to call my own I can at least have their Specialized cousins. Here's a couple. The blue Sequoia is a very early 3Rensho-built beauty. The red Allez is also a very early build but not a 3Rensho. There are still mysteries surrounding who else built the early models. Both of these have the "Designed by Tim Neenan" decal on the LH chainstay. In 1981 the Allez and Sequoia were only available as framesets by mail order.
Later Specialized designers like Jim Merz, Dave Tesch and Mark DiNucci also created some awesome models for Specialized, so overall I am quite a Specialized fan!
I was also interested in the early Allez, Sequoia, Stumpjumper and Expedition because of the Tim Neenan design. He was a "local" frame builder out of Santa Cruz in the late '70s and I first saw one of his Lighthouse bikes at the Vandenberg Century in about 77. I was hooked. So while I continue to look for a vintage Lighthouse to call my own I can at least have their Specialized cousins. Here's a couple. The blue Sequoia is a very early 3Rensho-built beauty. The red Allez is also a very early build but not a 3Rensho. There are still mysteries surrounding who else built the early models. Both of these have the "Designed by Tim Neenan" decal on the LH chainstay. In 1981 the Allez and Sequoia were only available as framesets by mail order.
Later Specialized designers like Jim Merz, Dave Tesch and Mark DiNucci also created some awesome models for Specialized, so overall I am quite a Specialized fan!
10-05-13 | 11:59 AM
#86
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From: Victoria
10-05-13 | 12:28 PM
#87
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Bikes: 1986 Alan Record Carbonio, 1985 Vitus Plus Carbone 7, 1984 Peugeot PSV, 1972 Line Seeker, 1986(est.) Medici Aerodynamic (Project), 1985(est.) Peugeot PY10FC
10-05-13 | 12:43 PM
#88
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From: Stillwater, OK
++
I was also interested in the early Allez, Sequoia, Stumpjumper and Expedition because of the Tim Neenan design. He was a "local" frame builder out of Santa Cruz in the late '70s and I first saw one of his Lighthouse bikes at the Vandenberg Century in about 77. I was hooked. So while I continue to look for a vintage Lighthouse to call my own I can at least have their Specialized cousins. Here's a couple. The blue Sequoia is a very early 3Rensho-built beauty. The red Allez is also a very early build but not a 3Rensho. There are still mysteries surrounding who else built the early models. Both of these have the "Designed by Tim Neenan" decal on the LH chainstay. In 1981 the Allez and Sequoia were only available as framesets by mail order.
Later Specialized designers like Jim Merz, Dave Tesch and Mark DiNucci also created some awesome models for Specialized, so overall I am quite a Specialized fan!
I was also interested in the early Allez, Sequoia, Stumpjumper and Expedition because of the Tim Neenan design. He was a "local" frame builder out of Santa Cruz in the late '70s and I first saw one of his Lighthouse bikes at the Vandenberg Century in about 77. I was hooked. So while I continue to look for a vintage Lighthouse to call my own I can at least have their Specialized cousins. Here's a couple. The blue Sequoia is a very early 3Rensho-built beauty. The red Allez is also a very early build but not a 3Rensho. There are still mysteries surrounding who else built the early models. Both of these have the "Designed by Tim Neenan" decal on the LH chainstay. In 1981 the Allez and Sequoia were only available as framesets by mail order.
Later Specialized designers like Jim Merz, Dave Tesch and Mark DiNucci also created some awesome models for Specialized, so overall I am quite a Specialized fan!
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10-05-13 | 02:09 PM
#89
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From: Portland, Oregon
Bikes: 1993 Bridgestone XO-1, Chris Chance road, 1981 Trek 710, 1982 Specialized Sequoia
++
I was also interested in the early Allez, Sequoia, Stumpjumper and Expedition because of the Tim Neenan design. He was a "local" frame builder out of Santa Cruz in the late '70s and I first saw one of his Lighthouse bikes at the Vandenberg Century in about 77. I was hooked. So while I continue to look for a vintage Lighthouse to call my own I can at least have their Specialized cousins. Here's a couple. The blue Sequoia is a very early 3Rensho-built beauty. The red Allez is also a very early build but not a 3Rensho. There are still mysteries surrounding who else built the early models. Both of these have the "Designed by Tim Neenan" decal on the LH chainstay. In 1981 the Allez and Sequoia were only available as framesets by mail order.
Later Specialized designers like Jim Merz, Dave Tesch and Mark DiNucci also created some awesome models for Specialized, so overall I am quite a Specialized fan!
I was also interested in the early Allez, Sequoia, Stumpjumper and Expedition because of the Tim Neenan design. He was a "local" frame builder out of Santa Cruz in the late '70s and I first saw one of his Lighthouse bikes at the Vandenberg Century in about 77. I was hooked. So while I continue to look for a vintage Lighthouse to call my own I can at least have their Specialized cousins. Here's a couple. The blue Sequoia is a very early 3Rensho-built beauty. The red Allez is also a very early build but not a 3Rensho. There are still mysteries surrounding who else built the early models. Both of these have the "Designed by Tim Neenan" decal on the LH chainstay. In 1981 the Allez and Sequoia were only available as framesets by mail order.
Later Specialized designers like Jim Merz, Dave Tesch and Mark DiNucci also created some awesome models for Specialized, so overall I am quite a Specialized fan!
10-05-13 | 05:25 PM
#91
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From: Pacific Northwest
Bikes: 1975 Eisentraut Ltd, 1995 Trek 7000 MTB, 2007 Masi Vincere, 1974 Masi GC, 1981 Specialized Allez, 1984 Specialized Sequoia
I have a PBS "Blue Ridge" in the garage also. Actually, it's my wife's. I built it up for her back in about '85 or so. It's one of those BMZ-made models out of Columbus SP, ordered from the catalog. Really quite nice, same as the slightly more respected Palo Alto bike shop version of exactly the same bike. Some companies just can't overcome their names.
10-05-13 | 05:31 PM
#92
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From: Pacific Northwest
Bikes: 1975 Eisentraut Ltd, 1995 Trek 7000 MTB, 2007 Masi Vincere, 1974 Masi GC, 1981 Specialized Allez, 1984 Specialized Sequoia
I have a 1981 Sequoia with the same decals as yours, but not built by 3rensho. I've never seen an Allez of this vintage, with the old decals. I also have a 1982 Sequoia. They have the same forks, but the 1982 has different lugs, different seat and chainstay bridges, and stare reinforced bottle bosses. Also, the 1982 has a chromed drive-side chainstay, whereas the 1981 has a painted stay, with the entire rear triangle chromed beneath the paint. Both have Tim Neenan decals on the chainstays.
Jim
10-05-13 | 05:32 PM
#93
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From: Waukesha WI
Bikes: 1978 Trek TX700; 1978/79 Trek 736; 1984 Specialized Stumpjumper Sport; 1984 Schwinn Voyageur SP; 1985 Trek 620; 1985 Trek 720; 1986 Trek 400 Elance; 1987 Schwinn High Sierra; 1990 Miyata 1000LT
Using a basic inflation calculator, the $1249 in early 1980s money would be worth around $3000 these days.
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Commence to jigglin’ huh?!?!
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10-05-13 | 06:05 PM
#94
$3000 is a bargain for a top of the line bike these days. We sold quite a few 5-6k bikes, and a handful of 6-10ishk Specialized Shiv's and other brands TT bikes, wheels and powertaps, etc jacked the price that high, and TT guys are known for paying through the nose, like a grand for a set of carbon handlebars. It is quite stupid these days. You really don't get a alot unless you start at 1-3 grand.,,,,BD
10-06-13 | 12:10 PM
#96
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From: Victoria
I was comparing a new Super Record equipped bike from the 80's (the Allez) with a new one from now. It's common for a Super Record 11 bike with EPS to get over $10k. This Pinarello Dogma with SR EPS is marked down from $16k to $13k: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/pi...kJpa2VzOjE6MTA
Indeed.
Indeed.
10-06-13 | 02:15 PM
#97
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Portland, Oregon
Bikes: 1993 Bridgestone XO-1, Chris Chance road, 1981 Trek 710, 1982 Specialized Sequoia
10-07-13 | 02:15 AM
#98
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From: Bay Area, CA
Here's my 80's Allez. Not too sure of the exact year but it has full Dura Ace including hubs, headset and seatpost. Unfortunately the original Dura Ace seatpost has some decay after sitting in the previous owner's garage for a number of years so I have a modern carbon post on it currently. This was a lucky find on Craigslist when I went to look at his Bianchi but ended up walking away with this.
10-07-13 | 07:03 AM
#100
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From: Pacific Northwest
Bikes: 1975 Eisentraut Ltd, 1995 Trek 7000 MTB, 2007 Masi Vincere, 1974 Masi GC, 1981 Specialized Allez, 1984 Specialized Sequoia
^^^^^^^^ Love it! 
That model, best known for its role the movie "American Flyers", is pretty special indeed!
I am looking for another just like it - Jim
That model, best known for its role the movie "American Flyers", is pretty special indeed!
I am looking for another just like it - Jim