Introducing the Disc-Only Specialized Allez
Ah, the Specialized Allez. In a world of ever-increasing complexity and specialization, it's a breath of fresh air to see an enduring classic given new life. It's like a good old vinyl record that's been remastered and released for a new generation – the soul of the music remains, but the fidelity and richness of the experience is heightened.
Looking at the new Allez and Allez Sport, you can see that the good folks at Specialized haven't simply rested on their laurels. They've taken this bike, which has a lineage stretching back to 1981, and endowed it with some of the latest technology and thoughtful design features. The inclusion of carbon forks, disc brakes, and an impressive tire clearance of up to 35mm are all gestures towards practicality, versatility, and performance.
The Allez's aesthetic design also strikes a note of modernity without betraying its heritage. It takes a delicate touch to balance the past with the future, and Specialized has pulled it off nicely here. The blend of endurance road geometry with the pure race bike handling is enticing. If bikes could speak, this one would definitely have a lot of tales to tell. It's saying, “I'm ready for whatever you throw at me. Bring it on.”
The decision to phase out rim brakes is one that deserves mention. While it might alienate some purists, the move towards disc brakes strikes me as an overall positive one. They offer better stopping power and reliability in varying weather conditions, which adds to the confidence factor, particularly for those new to road cycling or those dealing with the unpredictable weather of a daily commute.
That being said, the “lightest in its class” claim is a bit of a curiosity. Although the numbers look impressive on paper, real-world application and comparison to other bikes in the market like the Cannondale CAAD Optimo 1 might be warranted. But I suppose we'll have to wait and see, or perhaps take it for a spin ourselves to find out.
The pricing seems quite reasonable, given the features and craftsmanship that go into each model. The Allez starts at $1,200, and the Allez Sport with Shimano Tiagra shifting and hydraulic disc brakes is pegged at $1,800. The color options available for both models give the bike a custom feel, which I appreciate.
At the end of the day, the new Specialized Allez and Allez Sport remind us that sometimes, it's not about reinventing the wheel, but refining it. These bikes have taken a tried-and-true platform and updated it in thoughtful and practical ways, extending the Allez lineage into the future while preserving the spirit that made it a classic in the first place. And there's something really beautiful about that.
Pros:
- Versatility: The Allez line caters to a variety of riders – from those taking their first pedal strokes into road cycling, to daily commuters, and endurance riders. The bike's geometry, tire clearance, and hidden mudguard and rack mounts all contribute to its broad appeal.
- Disc Brakes: The transition to disc brakes for the entire Specialized range improves stopping power, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
- Lightweight Design: The Allez's claimed frame weight of 1,375g and full bike weight between 9.5-10kg in a 56cm frame size makes it light and agile, enhancing its performance on the road.
- Comfortable Endurance Geometry: The bike is designed for comfort over long rides, taking cues from the Specialized Roubaix endurance race bike. This should make it a good choice for those planning extended outings.
- Reasonable Pricing: Given the feature set and quality, the price points for both the Allez and Allez Sport seem fair.
Cons:
- Debate over “Lightest in Class” Claim: While Specialized claims that the Allez is the lightest in its class, competitors like Cannondale offer similarly-sized bikes with slightly lower weight. Though it's worth noting these competitors still use rim brakes, which are generally lighter than disc brakes.
- No Rim Brake Option: Some cycling purists might be disappointed by the discontinuation of rim brakes across the Specialized range, as they prefer the traditional feel and lightweight nature of rim brakes.
- Limited Groupset Options: The groupsets on the Allez (Shimano Claris) and Allez Sport (Shimano Tiagra) might not satisfy riders looking for higher-end components. However, this is reflected in the price and aligns with the entry-level and mid-range positioning of these models.
- Weight Differences between Models: Though minor, there's a half-kilogram difference between the Allez and Allez Sport. Some riders might prefer the slightly lighter Allez Sport, but it does come with a higher price tag.
- Maximum Tyre Width with Mudguards: The recommended max tyre width decreases to 32mm when mudguards are installed, which might limit its ability to handle rougher terrain in wet conditions.
Overall, it appears the new Specialized Allez and Allez Sport models offer a great balance of comfort, performance, and versatility for their intended audience. As with any purchase, potential buyers should consider their specific needs and preferences when deciding if these models are right for them.
