The used Specialized mountain bikes I see are either completely worn out, or garage queens.

I have one of these (Specialized Allez SE, red of course) that I have built up with modern components. I'll try to find a decent picture and get it posted.

[/QUOTE]

American Flyers factoid: Kevin Costner refused to wear the ankle length white socks that virtually everyone wore at the time because he said they made his legs look too skinny - so he wore the length of socks seen in this photo and which would become the pro look 25 years later.

My 1986 (if memory serves me correctly) Allez SE, purchased from Breakaway Bikes in Augusta, Ga. The story of the actual purchase makes for a somewhat interesting "bike shop" story. It came with a full Suntour Superb Pro group and a beautiful Specialized crank set. Did my first century and first races on it without changing anything from the stock configuration.
This picture was taken a couple of summers ago just after I did a full resto-mod rebuild.

Very beautiful! Red just goes hand in hand with Specialized doesn't it??

What year would a red, fully lugged Sirrus have been from? I think the one I saw had white decals but I'm not 100% sure.

Thanks for the kind words, the bikes still a blast to ride. And yes, IMHO Specialized road bikes and and Ferrari automobiles look best in racing red.

I have seen several red Sirrus' with black letters that were 1990 models. I think 1991 might have had white lettering, but I'm not sure. I'm sure some one on BF will tell us.

I'll see if I can find it in the catalogs

i am looking at a late 80s Sirrus with Shimano 105 throughout that i may or may not pick up. Were those good bikes back then/now? Similar to the Allez that is being discussed here? What exactly is this specialized special tubing?

Heck yes it's a good bike.

For those of you that have upgraded your 80's Allez with modern components and wheels, do you feel that it was worthwhile? My Allez is still using the original Dura Ace components and while I love the downtube shifters and their direct feel, it would be nice to have more than 12 gears and lighter wheels. I have a set of DA7900 derailleurs and crankset that I'd love to throw on it but I also love it the way it is with everything being as classic as possible. Thoughts and opinions?

Some folks like to keep everything period correct, others like to upgrade nice vintage bikes with modern components. I like the convenience and performance of modern components. I did my Allez in all black 10 speed Shimano 105 with a compact crank. The 105 group was relatively inexpensive and it performs flawlessly. I threw on HED wheels to help lighten things up and give it some snap. It works well for me, it's a blast to ride and I like the look of the red and black.

Here's another red one I picked up locally this past summer. It's an 86, lugged Prestige tubes including that neat fork crown, and has the Cunningham/Suntour cam rear brake under the chainstays. I have kept the road tires on it so far, so maybe a road queen.

I'm so glad someone made this thread! Maybe I can get some info on my classic Allez.

You're welcome Beautiful bike! WOW
I think you should ask specific questions or no one will know what you want to know.

Yes, your blue Allez, SE?, looks pristine! What did you want to know about it?

Jim

My fully lugged 1986 Sirrus had the trademark red paint and a combination of white and teal/celeste green decal lettering.
It had the "s"pantographing on the fork crown painted in the teal/celeste green.

I'll see if I can find pictures.

Nice lugged frame. Definitely a keeper.

That would make it either an 88 with 6 speed SIS, or 89 with 7 speed SIS. IMHO, they are very good bikes. The Specialized tubing was just renamed Tange tubing. Sirrus used Tange No.1 tubing.
89 version had a unicrown fork, less desirable than the traditional brazed crown of the older model.

An 89 that I acquired and painted silver...

Find a picture yet?

And can someone tell me the difference between the Sirrus and the Allez? Was it really as simple as different components for a different price point?

That, and then Waterworld. Sheesh.
Though I liked him in Revenge.

Yes!

I took pics in 2009 when I put it up for sale. It is stock here except for bar tape, cable housing, and tires.

Nice! I love that it still had the pantographed "S" on the fork crown. I'll someday get my dad's Allez but it's an '88 and has the unicrown fork, they just don't look as good.

I have a friend that still has one that he purchased new. It is not for sale. I'll see if I can get a pic of it for this thread.