Editor’s note: Since posting this review certain 2018 Specialized Allez models have been subject to an important safety recall. Voluntary action from Specialized has seen the company recall approximately 13,000 bikes due to a manufacturing defect in the fork crown of affected bikes. For more information on this recall please visit this article.
The Specialized Allez is a road bike so popular that it's almost ubiquitous on the road, and it's had a major makeover including an overhaul of the geometry, new mudguard and pannier rack compatibility, and some serious weight savings — partly courtesy of a new carbon fork.
First things first, that new geometry.
The frame has been completely redesigned, moving more towards an endurance performance geometry with a longer wheelbase, taller stack, longer chainstays, and a more relaxed angle on the fork rake.
Together, this pulls the geometry in the direction of the Specialized Roubaix, rather than the more aggressive Specialized Tarmac where it sat before.
Endurance performance geometry
Why the change? Specialized's bike design philosphy is 'rider led', which means it looks first and foremost at the data it has with regard to the optimal positions and riding needs of specific groups of riders.
The access it has to data from the Retul fit company, which not only records body dimension and fit data, allows the company to work out what geometry is likely to best suit the type of rider that buys the Allez and design accordingly.
In this case, Specialized states that the data indicated that the entry-level Allez customer was a budget conscious purchaser, frequently near the start of their cycling journey, and for whom a more comfortable position was important as well as a bike that was light and adaptable.
They company maintain that while the bike has now moved slightly towards the endurance end of the spectrum from it's previous position, it's still a bike that can be raced and tweaked to give a more aggressive ride position without compromising handling.
The new geometry is on the Allez, Allez Sport and Allez Elite. The Allez Sprint Comp remains unchanged.
Carbon forks and weight saving
The next significant update is the weight saving, which Specialized claims is in the region of 400g to 500g, depending on the frame size. The bulk of the saving is made by the addition of a full carbon fork, which will be fitted across the three entry-level models.
Further savings are made to the E5 alloy frame via variable thickness in the frame tubing.
Other touches include internal cable routing for a clean look.
Another significant element is mudguard and pannier rack compatibility. The new Allez will now be able to take both full mudguards and a pannier, which acknowledges the popularity of this bike as a commuting machine.
Unlike the new Diverge, the Allez is only available in a men's version. That is to say that the company has focussed on men's body dimension data and ride preferences in the development of this bike, and it's fitted with men's specific finishing kit such as saddles.
The popular women's model, the Dolce, continues as it is to meet the brand's female entry-level road market.
The Allez is available in sizes 49 to 61, with the Allez Junior in a size 44 available for the smallest riders.
UK pricing is yet to be confirmed on the new Allez, but is likely to be competitive, placing certain models at or around that magic sweet spot of the cycle scheme voucher amount.
Australian pricing is also yet to be confirmed and we'll update this article as soon as we have that information.
Specialized Allez — models, specs and prices
Specialized Allez
- Tapered head tube
- E5 Alloy frame
- Specialized FACT carbon fork
- Shimano Claris 8-speed groupset with Sunrace cassette and Shimano RS200 crankset.
- 11-32t cassette
- 50/34t chain rings
- Tektro alloy dual-pivot brakes
- Axis Sport wheelset
- Espoir Sport, 60 TPI, wire bead, double BlackBelt protection, 700x25mm
- Body Geometry Toupe Sport saddle with steel rails
- Specialized Shallow Drop handlebars, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp
- Price: £TBC / $750 / AU$TBC
Specialized Allez Sport
- Tapered head tube
- E5 Alloy frame
- Specialized FACT carbon fork
- Shimano Sora 9-speed groupset with Sunrace cassette and Praxis Alba 2D crankset
- 11-32t cassette
- 50/34t chain rings
- Tektro Axis caliper brakes
- Axis Sport wheelset
- Espoir Sport, 60 TPI, wire bead, double BlackBelt protection, 700x25mm
- Body Geometry Toupe Sport saddle with steel rails
- Specialized Shallow Drop handlebars, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp
- Price: £TBC / $950 / AU$TBC
Specialized Allez Elite
- Tapered head tube
- E5 Alloy frame
- Specialized FACT carbon fork
- Shimano 105 11-spd groupset with Praxis Alba 2d crankset and Shimano 105 STI shifters
- 11-32t cassette
- 50/34t chain rings
- Tektro Axis caliper brakes
- DT R460 wheelset with sealed cartridge hubs
- Espoir Sport, 60 TPI, wire bead, double BlackBelt protection, 700x25mm
- Body Geometry Toupe Sport saddle with steel rails
- Specialized Shallow Drop handlebars, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp
- Price: £TBC / $1200 / AU$TBC
