Specialised Allez Sport - The classic
It could hardly be more classic: Specialized has had the Allez in its range for more than 40 years. Initially with a steel frame, the racing bike has enjoyed great popularity as a robust aluminium racer since the mid-1990s. The latest generation aims to build on this, continuing to play the role of the affordable entry-level model in the US company's rather high-priced portfolio and available for just under a tenth of the price of the exclusive S-Works carbon models.
Low price, high performance?
In addition to the attractive price, the manufacturer's claim that the Allez is the "lightest road bike in its class" is particularly intriguing. The TOUR scales show a different result: Although the aluminium frame is the second lightest of the disc models in the test, overall the Allez Sport joins the ranks of the heavier bikes. In order to achieve the low price, Specialized has cut back on the components and bolted simple parts to the frame.
The greatest tuning potential lies in the aluminium wheelset, which weighs almost 3.9 kilograms. Here too, the simple brake discs spoil the riding pleasure, but this could be remedied with a manageable investment. Tall and heavy riders might also wish for a more stable base: The carbon fork turns out not to be a particularly directionally stable specimen of its kind.
Shimano's ten-speed Tiagra drivetrain does its job flawlessly. Thanks to mounts for mudguards and pannier racks, the Allez also presents itself as a quick-change artist for a commuter or winter bike. With tyres up to 35 millimetres wide, you are not only dependent on tarmac roads. In addition to the Allez Sport, Specialized also offers a basic version with Shimano's Claris 2x8 gearing for 1200 euros.
TOUR also tested these aluminium road bikes
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Cube Attain HPA SLX
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Fuji SL-A 1.3
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Canyon Endurace 7
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Radon R1 Disc Ultegra
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Rose Reveal AL Ultegra
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Stevens Aspin
- Aluminium road bikes in the TOUR test: The Trek Emonda ALR 5
Specialised Allez Sport - Details and rating
- Price: 1750 Euro
- Weight: 9,6 Kilo
- Frame/fork/steering bearing weight* 1521/460/61 grammes
- Frame sizes** 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61
- Seat/top tube/head tube 530/555/176 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR*** 590/375 millimetres/1.57
- Wheelbase/caster 1010/66 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/Circuit Shimano Tiagra (2x10; 50/34, 11-32 t.)
- Brakes Shimano Tiagra (160/160 millimetres)
- Wheels/tyres (weights)**** Axis Sport/Specialized Roadsport 30 millimetres (front/rear: 1656/2202 grams)
Strengths: Lightweight frame, space for wide tyres, eyelets for mudguards
Weaknesses: Heavy components, relatively low driving stability
>> The Specialized Allez gets an overall TOUR score of 2.7
* Weighed weights.
** Manufacturer's specification, Test size bold.
*** Stack/Reach Projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube;
STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright sitting position.
**** Impeller weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if necessary.
Julian Schultz
Editor
