BIKE LAUNCH
US company’s longest-running production road bike has waved goodbye to rim brakes
It’s been more than four decades since the release of the first Specialized Allez in 1981, and the bike has been in continuous production ever since. That makes it one of two models still present from the American giant’s original line-up, alongside the legendary off-road Stumpjumper. In that time the Allez developed a reputation for being fast, and has maintained its position at the forefront of aluminium road bike development.
But the big news this year, and a sign of changing times, is the extinction of rim brakes from the Allez line-up. The 2023 redesign of the Allez now offers just two models, both specced with disc brakes, which Specialized hopes will inspire confidence in its entry-level road bike.
Another significant change is the bike’s price. For the first time ever, Specialized’s entry-level road bike now comes in above that symbolic £1,000 threshold. This begs the question, is this justified by the build, ride quality and low weight?
What’s new?
Specialized hasn’t just stuck some disc brakes on the Allez and given it a new paintjob; it has refreshed its whole design ethos for the Allez. The designers set out to create a versatile, lightweight and confidence-inspiring bike.
The frame is formed of double-butted E5 alloy. This means the tubing has a variable wall thickness to provide stiffness and strength where needed – i.e. at the ends of the tubes – while maintaining a low weight by stripping out unnecessary material. The result is a claimed frame weight of 1,375 grams (56cm), making it the “lightest in class” according to Specialized. Worth noting here, it is hard to make a direct comparison with the outgoing Allez as it is rim-brake only, but the Allez sprint frame comes in at 1,500 grams.
To add a little bit of a ‘modern aesthetic’ to the design, Specialized has added an asymmetric seat bridge to the rear triangle, which is wholly a stylistic choice. The bike comes specced with a Specialized FACT full carbon fork, which features both 12mm thru-axle and a tapered steerer, both of which should improve stiffness and handling.
When it comes to handling, Specialized says the new Allez blends the geometries of both the previous model and the Roubaix – its popular endurance bike. Across all sizes, the frame has lost around 10mm in reach, gained 5mm in the chainstays, and sits around 1° slacker in the head angle. In theory, this should equate to a slightly more stable riding experience, and a move away from the budget race bike credentials the Allez has
