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What do you feel about Allez Elite the shape of the frame and ride? I find the handle bars a little far or low, i was told the stem can't be raised? Should i try a Giant OCR type or is Allez far better in parts. Only thing i didn't like about the Allez are the brakes.
The price seems high about $1500plus 15% tax is it worth it for 3months of weekend riding hated the sora specialized entry level. Can anyone suggest what its worth ALLEZ elite?

my friend has a Allez Elite, and she's not to fond of it, but i think it's an 02. i've heard that Giants OCR's come with great parts for the money, but their frames leave something to be desired, and that's something that you should think about. if i was going to get a bike that's not made in the U.S.A. i would go with a Felt over a Giant, but that's just my opinion. i've heard Felt makes excellent bikes...

I bought a 2005 Allez Elite a month or so ago. I'm guessing the $1500 figure you were quoted is not USD given the 15% tax... I paid $1050 USD for mine and the MSRP is only $1200 USD for a triple.
They come with a four position stem... it can be set at +16 or +8 degrees by loosening the bolts and rotating a sleeve that's under the cap. It can also be flipped over and set at -8 or -16 degrees so there's definitely room for adjustment. I also felt a little stretched out and had them swap out the standard 130cm stem with a 110 from another bike. I agree, the brakes are crap but they do the job... I've heard that replacing the pads can make a big difference. The only other negative I've read about this bike is some people don't like the wheels.

I'm very, very happy with my choice. I think the frame is a lot better than you get with giant or trek at this price point.

Agreed. I have the 05 Elite Triple. The frame is last year's Allez Comp. I love it so far. Mine came with Kool Stop (or whatever) pads which I heard were pretty good.

the 05 allez elite is a great bike. thats the same frame they used on the 02 s works and the same frame as the03 04 comp and pro allezs. its a great bike with a full 105 setup. im gonna pick me up one for training cos damn, what bang for the buck. the msrp in the usa is 1100 dollars without tax. but i bought my girlie one for 1050 out the door. so dont be paying 1500, thats rubbish. anyways pick one up, you will enjoy it. the handlebar issues is just to do with ergonomics. eveyone needs the bike set up for their size. when you buy a bike, fit is part of the service the bike shop provides , they do all that stuff for u for free, including swapping out the stem, so no matter what bike you buy, u will get that service. so no sweat there. happy shopping

I picked the 2005 Allez Elite after test riding almost all of the other brands in the same price range. I thought the Allez Elite had the smoothest ride when the road conditions were harsh. My LBS spent about an hour fitting me to the bike and I find it really comfortable.

I paid $1050 for mine in March.

My advice is to ride as many different brands as possible and pick the one that feels best to you.

I purchased an '05 Elite this spring and have loved the bike. Being a Cannondale fan, I had to be sold hard on purchasing Specialized, but am very happy I went that way. The components are the best package deal I could find for the price range ($1000-1200), and the frame is what they were using for the s works (e5 columbus slx tubing) in the past.
My first rides were uncomfortable, but once my ass adjusted to the seat (and the seat adjusted to my ass) the rides have been truly pleasurable.
A lot of the 05 elites came with an ultegra rear derailer to boot, since they had supply problems with the 105 components.
My wheels are still true after 1500 miles ridden this summer.
Overall I have been very happy, and would reccomend this bike strongly.

awesome bike.....Road my 05 Elite for many miles and enjoyed everyone of them. While the ALEX wheelset may mot be the best, I am not sure it deserves the bad rap that it gets. I was 250lbs (lost 40lbs on the Elite) and never tweaked a wheel. They did creak a bit when I was hammering but that was about it. The seating position is sporty but with the stem flipped it is pretty easy on the back. No matter what you buy....the fit is most important