Allez

road

Origin

1981. The Allez debuted as one of the first mass-produced aluminum road bikes, at a time when steel dominated the market. Specialized, founded in 1974 by Mike Sinyard, was pioneering affordable performance cycling — the Allez became their gateway road bike and has remained so for over 40 years.

Specifications

Frame: E5 Premium Aluminum, SmoothWelds, internal routing, threaded BB, flat-mount disc, 12x142 thru-axle (Allez Sprint: D'Alusio Smartweld aero alloy ~1200-1300 g)
Weight: kg
Drivetrain: Shimano CUES 1×10 (Allez 2026); Shimano 105 2×12 mechanical (Allez Comp 2026)
Brakes: Hydraulic disc (2024+): Shimano CUES on base, Shimano 105 hydraulic disc 160 mm on Comp
Wheels: Axis Sport Disc alloy wheelset, 700c (heavy stock wheels are common first upgrade)

Signature technologies

Carbon fork standard on all models
30mm tire clearance
Fender eyelets on fork
Threaded bottom bracket
D'Alusio Smartweld (Sprint only)

The verdict

+Strengths

Exceptional value — premium aluminum frame with carbon fork at entry-level price
Lively, fast, responsive ride quality for an aluminum bike
Disc brakes and thru-axles standard (2024+) — modern spec at budget price
30mm tire clearance adds versatility for mixed surfaces and comfort
Carbon fork with fender eyelets — commuter-capable road bike
Threaded BB eliminates press-fit creaking issues
Highly upgradable — good frame to build upon over time
Allez Sprint offers race-level geometry at fraction of carbon cost

−Weaknesses

Entry-level components (wheels, tires) add weight — first upgrade targets
No official weight data published — likely 9.5-10.5 kg for complete bike
Standard Allez geometry quite relaxed — riders wanting aggressive position need Sprint
Allez Sprint only available as frameset (2025+) — must source own components
Aluminum ride quality harsher than carbon on rough roads despite wider tires

Who it’s for

Beginners getting into road cycling — affordable, forgiving geometryCommuters wanting a fast, lightweight bike with fender capabilityWeekend recreational riders on paved roads and light gravelBudget-conscious riders wanting a platform to upgrade over timeCriterium racers seeking affordable race bike (Sprint frameset)Riders transitioning from hybrid/fitness bikes to drop-bar road bikes

Buyer’s notes

№ 01

The 2024+ models with disc brakes are a significant improvement over pre-2024 rim brake versions. If buying used, prioritize 2024 or newer.

№ 02

Allez Comp (€1,999) with Shimano 105 is the sweet spot — 105 is a proven groupset that lasts years. The €500 premium over base Allez buys significantly better shifting and braking.

№ 03

Best first upgrade: wheels. Stock Axis Sport wheels are functional but heavy. A €300-500 wheelset upgrade dramatically improves acceleration and ride feel.

№ 04

Allez Sprint Frameset (€1,649) is excellent value for experienced riders who have spare components — build a race bike for under €3,000 total.

№ 05

Pre-2024 used Allez models (rim brake) can be found at significant discounts. Good value if you don't need disc brakes and ride mostly in dry conditions.

№ 06

Check for Sprint frame corrosion if buying used Sprint — inspect welds and surface treatment carefully. Request warranty history from Specialized dealer.

Generations

1981-1990s
Original Allez era
- One of first mass-market aluminum road bikes. Steel and aluminum variants. Established Allez as Specialized's entry road platform. Various sub-models: Sport, Comp, Pro, Epic.
2000s-2016
E5 Aluminum era
- Standardized on E5 aluminum. Rim brakes, QR axles. Lineup: Allez, Sport, Elite, Comp. S-Works Allez as premium aluminum option. Tiagra/105 groupsets. 25mm tires.
2017-2023
Allez Sprint + modern Allez
- 2017: Allez Sprint debuts with D'Alusio Smartweld — 'world's first alloy superbike.' 2019: Standard Allez refreshed with new geometry and wider clearance. 2022: Sprint gets Tarmac SL7 geometry. Still rim brakes on standard Allez.
2024-present
Disc brake era
- 2024: Disc brakes, thru-axles, carbon fork standard, 30mm tires, fender eyelets. Biggest single-year update in Allez history. 2026: Shimano CUES replaces Claris/Sora. Lineup simplified to 3 models. Sprint becomes frameset-only.