MCODave

As much as I like the looks of these bikes, kind of a shame the Allez Smartweld DSW is going away. I was looking seriously at them before I bought my latest bike. They seemed really nice on paper but I couldn't find out much about them. Maybe there will be leftover models being discounted heavily this fall.

As far as the new Sprint, I wonder if they will let you mix and match frames and forks? I would like to see the white or even the light blue frame with the checkerboard fork.

CafeVelo

They have a ton, in most sizes, and they are discounted in the catalog, but not the consumer website. If you're good with your dealer you could get a deal since any discount is under the discretion of the shop. Note that they are sort of soft in the back because of their smallish chain stays. I noticed it and my boss noticed it, but we're both higher wattage riders than the average consumer. Most people who demo'd them loved them, and they are very comfortable bikes. Ride it and see how it works for you

No mix and match sprint frame and fork. I wouldn't expect the exotic paint jobs at all. Specialized does lots of one offs for promotional purposes, and let's their design department go nuts on high profile bikes. Most are one offs and end up in the hands of employees, and are never repeated.

velociraptor

Yeah, I've got a 2015 DSW frameset (the all black one) and I have to run the rear calipers open a good bit because of rear flex when out of the saddle. It actually flexes more than my 2012 E5.

cdiggory

Only two colour options (Green/orange) here in the UK. Know of any instanced where framesets can be sent over? Really like the white version.

CafeVelo

The e5 has larger stays. The entry level frame is a good bit stiffer out of the saddle in the back. The front, however, is much more solid.

CafeVelo

Your UK dealer can't get them but it wouldn't be unheard of to buy one from a US dealer. we have sold to a guy in Denmark more than once. He came to our area for business one time and stopped by for something.

cdiggory

Thanks Cafe. So i could potentially approach a US dealer about shipping one over to the UK? Or get the UK dealer to request one themselves?

jordanair45

+1. But then again it all depends on your body geometry. A cannondle for example doesn't work for my size. But sloping tube specialized do. It's crazy. My 2014 is a 54cm and fits me perfectly, but a new 2016 a 56cm has the same gemotery as my 2014

I was going to pull the trigger on a new Allez Comp DSW because that thing is bad ass imo. Didn't know the 2017s were coming out interested to compare the differences.

My 2014 Elite has an A1 frame, def a piece of crap but it gets the job done lol

CarbonPothole

Wait for the 2017 Roubaix. LBS was invited to Specialized (they're a destination bike shop and sell a lot of custom, and higher end model Specialized gear) for a week of riding, demos, product launches, etc... Can't say much other than the steerer tube/fork area specifically is going to revolutionize the industry. It's such a secret they had to strip their pockets empty, put everything into a plastic baggie and put their name on it. That is all for now. Don't ask how I know. :-)

CafeVelo

+1. Shhhhhhhh!

CafeVelo

You'd have to do an independent transaction with a US dealer, who would have to ship it to you independently. And you'd need to find one willing to do a deal over the phone. We met the guy when he was in town, so we know he's legit. I'm not sure how you'd convince the LBS of that though.

You can also see if your LBS can get one from their rep, or if they can get one from the dealer exchange, but specialized really doesn't like doing that. They had 2x sprints from the start in Brazil, and we all knew it, but we couldn't get them.

Sy Reene

OP could try and set up a Postmates account..

B1KE

Looks like the base 2017 Roubiax has already been released, albeit u intentionally. Don't see too many upgrades in the base model besides a move from the 8r Carbon to 10r. Perhaps the higher end models will get the new technology.

https://m.eriksbikeshop.com/specialized-2017-roubaix-base-road-race-bike/pr3e8739/product

CafeVelo

The base models are retaining the sl4 frame, they were released intentionally, we've known about them for a while. The new roubaix is going to start at ~$2500

cdiggory

I've got in touch with a dealer in London here and they're inquiring about getting hold of one from the US. They're a high end bike builder/dealer so might be best equipped to deal with such requests.

I really do like the look of the white and chrome frame that the OP posted. Anyone know of any details if that will actually be released? Especially in the UK?

What do you mean by that Sy?

Hapsmo911

Looks like Specialized updated their web page. Now showing the new Allez Sprint. Looks like the special paint offerings will be framesets.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/road/allez

Owlex

Yep, my 2016 Allez DSW elite isn't listed anymore on the site, they only have the 2017 non-DSW elite listed now.

Tell you what, though, this frame has been an absolute dream for me. Chainstays do give a bit, as multiple others have mentioned but I'm in the progress of upgrading all the other components. Have no real desire to step to a carbon frame, the E5 Allez DSW is one of those #ThisMachineKillsCarbon bikes IMO.

B1KE

Tell us some details of the new sl4 frame! Or talent hints please!

CafeVelo

In the US at least, allez models are sort of just slotting into holes left when 2016 models sell out, they're mostly all on the dealer list.

CafeVelo

The sl4 will be unchanged, those models should be on the consumer website.


The new frame though...

Based on what we've been given, a few vague pictures, cryptic statements from our rep, and some price sheets, the new model will come on September 9, available in warehousing for immediate delivery when released. It will probably start in the mid $2k retail range, most likely with a mechanical ultegra/105 mix and alloy wheels, which are mostly DT Swiss this year. The color codes are cryptic, but from what I can gather there's a monster green (see 2017 allez sport) and a matte carbon with orange accents. I don't know which models those correspond with. Expect a very loud and a very conservative option.

The frame itself is claimed by specialized to have compliance gains in the order ofthousands of times more than the sl4, in large part due to a layup developed with mclaren. Near as I can tell, there is an elastomer in the seat tube that works on the same principle as the CG-R seat post, which will go along way to that compliance figure. Many of the models will be disc, and I wouldn't be surprised if, like the ViAS this year, the rim brake models are S-Works only because of UCI requirements. The redesign was motivated by a desire to have pros actually use it, so there will be a rim brake option at some level, and despite the compliance figure, the new bike is going to be more aggressive than the sl4. Sagan and Boonen have the bike right now.

velociraptor

The model options as listed right now, no thanks.

eric1971

They are showing the entire lineup, up to and including the S-Works. All still using the SL4 frame.

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bi...FURffgod1vgCGQ

CafeVelo

Doesn't mean there's not also a new one, I saw a picture of it today at work. If you look at tarmacs you'll notice you can still buy an sl4 as well. New isn't always a full on replacement.

eric1971

Yes, but you can't purchase an S-Works SL4 Tarmac. Not saying I don't believe you, I'm just not understanding how a new frame is going to fit in at this point.

CafeVelo

I believe the currently listed models are 2016s. The 2017 price sheet makes it seem that there's a new lineup midrange and up. They're releasing the bike later than other 2017s so they're in warehousing when they're launched, so having something to sell for now in what is arguably their most popular road model is probably in their best interest.