Start:A stripped-down race bike, the second-generation Allez Sprint retains the magic elements that made the original a cult classic among criterium racing bikes. In addition to improved aerodynamics and integrated cable routing, the new Sprint is a well-handling race bike that excels at cornering at the limit of traction.
- The Allez Sprint now has tube profiles borrowed from the Tarmac SL7 that share the same carbon fork and seatpost.
- Cable routing is now integrated into the headset, keeping cables largely hidden while allowing riders to easily replace parts of the cockpit.
- Tire clearance increased to 32mm; perfect for riders who don't have the perfect surface on every ride.
Cena:$3,000
Libra:19.2 ponds
Specialized Specialized Allez Sprint Comp
Specialized Specialized Allez Sprint Comp
Advantages
Solidity and pure speed- Great turning ability
In exchange for
- Expensive for a equipped 105 bike
The new Allez Sprint is a unique bike that not everyone will like. In fact, it's probably not a bike for most riders, and that's what makes it so good. This is not a chef's knife for general kitchen work, but a single-task sushi knife. This is not your average sports sedan that you can easily drive around town, it's like a race track, just a Porsche GT3 RS with no air conditioning, no stereo and no roll cage. In other words, it is a purpose-built object created for a specific task. With the Allez Sprint, this task can be done quickly on two wheels.
Riding the Allez Sprint can be an overwhelming sensory experience, especially if you're used to riding carbon bikes. The ultra-stiff aluminum frame provides a tactile feel to the road, of course, but even the sound when riding this bike is different. The way the freehub resonates through the massive aluminum downtube, the way the frame hums on fast descents, all these things are not necessarily better or worse, they just feel different.
Whether stiffness - perhaps the most colloquial term to describe a performance bike product - actually makes you faster is still up for debate. But that stiffness is undoubtedly what makes the Allez SprintfeelingQuick.
Zthe original Go Sprint(launched in 2015) was stiff, aerodynamic and relatively inexpensive compared to its carbon fiber big brother, the Venge. So it quickly became the bike of choice for riders who wanted full performance without the cost of carbon and durability. The hype on Allez really took off when Specialized sponsored the Red Hook Crit as well as Specialized/Rocket Espresso Team races in that series until they were canceled in 2018 (Editor's note(Dan won the Red Hook Crit three times.) Even though the bikes were initially plentiful and affordable, the prices of used Allez Sprints are actually a joke (because they are so high), along with an Instagram page that makes fun of the worst criminals.
For the 2022 Allez Sprint, Specialized pretty much stuck with the same recipe but added some new ingredients. While the original Sprint was intended to recreate the Specialized Venge in aluminum (both bikes had identical seatposts), the new Sprint is intended to be an aluminum version of the Tarmac SL7. Not only do the bikes share geometry, but Sprint has also borrowed the fork and seatpost from the SL7, and like the latest Tarmac, Sprint can now only mount disc brakes.
Other features include a redesigned Smart Weld frame. It uses hydroformed aluminum tubing and joints that keep weld points away from stress joints on the frame. The bottom bracket is now molded as one piece with the down tube and features a 68mm English thread bottom bracket (much to the relief of many professional and home mechanics).
In terms of aerodynamic performance, Specialized says the new Allez Sprint is slightly more aerodynamic than the previous version, and also claims to be within 12-16 seconds of the Tarmac SL7 over a 40km run. In terms of stiffness, according to Specialized, the new Sprint is close to the targets set for the Tarmac SL7 and surpasses the previous Sprint version.
The new Allez Sprint supports tires up to 32mm, significantly reducing stiffness and buzzing on longer rides or on rough roads. The Sprint's internal cable routing system allows riders to easily replace handlebars or stems and fit the spacers to the bike. The frame is suitable for any group, whether it has a battery or not, as long as it uses disc brakes.
Family on a bike
Specialized offers two complete Allez Sprint build options. There is a Shimano 105 Allez Sprint Comp we tested that costs $3000. For those looking to build an Allez Sprint with their favorite groupset and wheels, Specialized offers the platform as a frameset in six different colors (I prefer raw aluminum and black finish) and six sizes (49cm to 61cm) for $1700. Finally, there's a limited-edition complete bike option that uses the SRAM Force eTap AXS 1x groupset—complete with carbon wheels—for $6,800.
Driving experience
The special thing about the Allez Sprint that makes this bike great to ride is its great cornering. I am amazed at how reliable this bike takes a turn at a speed that makes me feel a bit unsafe, then rolls over effortlessly with a slight flick of the handlebars. It predictably goes down a bend and guides you through the turn, then politely waits for you to wipe the shitty grin off your face before moving on to the next turn.
On paper, the Allez Sprint will not appeal to riders looking to climb the Q/COM. This is because all the new features on the bike have added weight. The addition of internal routing, threaded bottom bracket and disc brakes to the Allez Sprint adds around 400 grams of weight over its rim brake predecessor. However, actually riding the bike uphill wouldn't give away its weight. When you steer the Allez uphill and step on the pedals, it climbs like the best. All the extra grams this frame brings is offset by the extremely efficient power transfer. Throw in a stock 11-28-tooth cassette and the Allez practically invites you to crush oversized gear in the driveway next door.
For all the excellent handling and engineering complexity of the Allez Sprint, two aspects of the bike's design didn't strike my fancy: stock tires and stock wheels.
While the individual parts are fine on their own, when combined they prevent the engine and rider from reaching the full potential of the Allez Sprint. For example, if the standard wheels had a larger inner diameter, the standard tires would not be as narrow and would ride better. If the standard tires were wider, it would partially overcome the narrow rim and improve the ride quality again. The best upgrade to the stock setup would be to install tubeless wheels and replace them with larger tires. I would recommend a 30mm width if local roads are in poor condition, but a 28mm tire would be fine for most.
But the Allez's ultimate upgrade would be a lighter and stiffer wheelset, perhaps carbon fiber, and a bit more aerodynamic. While this suggestion relates to my other complaint about the Allez Sprint, it's the price. At $3,000 for a complete bike with Shimano 105 Allez Sprint components, that's a solid $700 more than a comparableCannondale 13 CAD. This makes the prospect of adding a set of wheels in this price range a bit daunting.
While the price is getting closer and closer to the realm of carbon, the Allez Sprint is not your typical aluminum race bike. With integrated cables, wild hydroformed aluminum tube shapes and technical tricks, the bike certainly makes a compelling case for Specialized's claim to be "the first aluminum superbike."
Allez Sprint doesn't try to tick all the boxes and doesn't even come close. It's a bike that's best when you're on the edge, where the difference between going down and running away is how little you brake in the next corner. The Allez Spring requires your full attention while riding. ThisI feelit's fast, it breaks when you step on the pedals, it's super communicative and it has all the makings of a modern race bike. If you like such bikes, this bike won't let you down.
Dan Chabanov
Test editor
Test Editor Dan Chabanov started cycling as a bike messenger in New York City but quickly found his way into road and cyclocross, competing in professional cyclocross from 2009-2019 and winning the national title in 2018. 2021. Dan has worked as part of the racing organization for the Red Hook Crit, as a trainer for EnduranceWERX, and as a freelance writer and photographer.
FAQs
Is Specialized Allez Sprint good for climbing? ›
Climbing the steeper stuff isn't where the Allez Sprint shines, though I'd suggest that the build has a lot to do with the underwhelming feel when going uphill. Build the bike from the frameset up with some decent parts and I think it'd fly.
Is Allez Sprint fast? ›The Californian company states the new Allez Sprint is the fastest alloy road bike ever created. In wind tunnel testing, its aero shaping and hidden cabling supposedly puts it far closer in efficiency to the Tarmac SL7 than to its less speedy predecessor.
How heavy is the Allez Sprint? ›7.65 kg (16.87 lb) complete as tested, without pedals.
Is the Specialized Allez fast? ›The Allez Sprint is the fastest alloy road bike in history, thanks to the time its sibling, the Tarmac SL7, spent in the wind. It's details like the most complex alloy head tube we've ever made and integrated cables that make it 41 seconds faster over 40km than the previous Allez Sprint.
Is the Allez Sprint uncomfortable? ›So the comfort thing: Yes, aluminum has a reputation for harshness and, yes, the Allez transmits more road vibration than a good carbon bike. But it is in no way uncomfortable. In fact, we have to say the Allez is a good reminder of just how much more alive a good metal frame feels than even a high-end carbon one.
What is the max tire size for Allez Sprint? ›Minimum tire size is 24mm; maximum tire size is 26mm (28mm on disc models). Clip-on fenders are compatible but will reduce clearance and may not fit with wider tires. The frame is not compatible with front or rear racks. The Allez Sprint Comp and Sprint Comp Disc models are equipped with tubeless compatible rims.
How fast can Peter Sagan sprint? ›Across the 177km run from Lanciano to Tortoreto, Sagan rode at an average speed of 43.9kmh for 4 hours 2 minutes, hitting 84.3kmh as his highest speed.
Is Allez Sprint an Aero bike? ›With the Allez Sprint, you're getting aero and cheap (relative to a Tarmac SL7). At this price point, carbon road bike options are plentiful.
How fast do sprint cyclists go mph? ›Road sprints often reach at least 35 MPH and it's not uncommon to get up to 40–43 MPH or sometimes even faster. What can I do to sustain high cycling speeds and enter CRIT races?
What is the lightest Allez? ›Lightest in class
The Specialized Allez frame weighs a claimed 1,375g. Specialized claims the latest Allez is the lightest bike of its kind on the market.
What is the clearance of the Specialized Allez Sprint? ›
The new Specialized Allez, launched today, has switched from rim brakes to disc brakes, with thru-axles replacing quick releases. Frame clearance is also up from the previous bike's 28mm to provide room for 35mm tyres with 4mm clearance.
How much does a Specialized Allez Sprint x1 weigh? ›Weight: 16.8 lb.
Is Specialised Allez a good bike? ›The Allez Sport is an excellent option do-it-all road bike regardless of whether you're just starting out or a more experienced rider. Its balanced geometry and reliable componentry makes it just as capable as a fast commuter as it does out on the Sunday club run.
What Specialized bike is used in the Tour de France? ›Their one bike for every road stage of this year's Tour is the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7.
What are the fastest bicycle types? ›If you're hunting for the fastest road bike on the market, you'll struggle to beat the Canyon Aeroad.
Is Allez an endurance bike? ›Our review
The 2023 Specialized Allez also ditches rim brakes, and is more like an endurance road bike than ever before, with space for 35mm tyres boosting versatility.
There are just two build options in the 2022 Allez Sprint range; the Allez Sprint LTD, which costs $6,800, and gets a SRAM Force eTap AXS 1x drivetrain and Roval Rapide CL wheels, and the Allez Sprint Comp, which costs £2,650 / $3,000 and gets a Shimano 105 R7020 2x drivetrain, and DT Swiss R470 DB wheels.
What size tires do pro cyclists use? ›Not long ago we all used 19mm tyres pumped up to 15,000psi, and now you see pros using tyres as wide as 32mm in races, so 28mm tyres likely won't slow you down a great deal if that's your main concern.
What size tire is best for racing? ›Modern road wheels are getting wider and are designed to optimize 25-28mm tires. And according to Specialized, to get the most out of your time on the road in specific events and training, “a 26mm [is best] for racing” and training tires of 28 – 32mm are ideal.
Can I install 185 tires instead of 175? ›Yes. The 185 is the width of the tire. Most rims that support a 175mm wide tires will easily handle a 185mm wide tire.
How many watts is a good sprint? ›
According to their chart, if you can hit 1,136 watts for 5 seconds, that puts you in the top 20 percent of male cyclists. If you want more of an apples to apples comparison, you'll need to be able to hold 15.3 watts per kilogram for 5 seconds to be in the top 20 percent of male sprinters.
Who is the fastest biker in the world? ›Rocky Robinson holds the claim to fame as the fastest bike rider in the world, setting a motorcycle land speed record of 376 mph (605 km/h) in 2010.
How many watts do Tour de France riders average? ›During a normal stage of the Tour de France, pro riders can pump out around 230-250 watts on average, which equates to burning about 900 calories per hour. But on some of the harder stages they can average over 300 watts, or 1,100 calories per hour.
When did Allez Sprint come out? ›But this stiffness undeniably makes the Allez Sprint feel fast. The original Allez Sprint (launched in 2015) was stiff, aero, and relatively affordable compared to its carbon big brother, the Venge.
What BB does Allez Sprint use? ›All Allez Sprint models have a 68 mm BSA threaded bottom bracket.
What is the tire clearance on Specialized Allez? ›The making of the Specialized Allez Sprint frame
We can easily believe that! Tire clearance is 32 mm, which makes perfect sense for a road bike designed for maximum speed.
But the other major way that professional cyclists go much faster than the rest of us in a race like the Tour de France is their expertise in drafting or slipstreaming. This is where they cycle "on the wheel" of the rider in front so they are protected from some of the air resistance.
What is the average man cycling speed? ›In a nutshell, the average cycling speed for leisure rides performed on pavement (in miles per hour) is 14.2 mph, with an average distance of 11.5 miles. Leisure rides on dirt saw an average speed of 8.2 mph, with an average distance of 10.3 miles.
How fast is 20 mph on a bike? ›Is 20 mph (32 km/h) fast on a flat road? 20 mph or 32 km/h is a very good road bike speed for one-hour rides even if you are an experienced cyclist. You should be proud of yourself for hitting that speed. In most casual group rides, the average speed people usually aim for is 20 mph or lower on a flat road.
What is the meaning of Allez? ›let's go; → allez; allons-y; interjection.
What is the lightest road bike of all time? ›
What is the lightest bike available? Often touted as the lightest road bike is a creation by Gunter Mai using custom made parts including the carbon fibre frameset back in 2008, weighing around 3kg. It was then rebuilt by a new owner who managed to get that weight down to an incredible 2.7kg.
How many gears does Specialized Allez have? ›As third tier in the range, the standard Allez differs only slightly from the Allez Sport, with 8-speed gearing and Tektro brake calipers. For those looking to experience the same E5 alloy frame with a cheaper price tag, the Allez could do the trick.
What are the different levels of Specialized bikes? ›Specialized Build Levels
The hierarchy of builds from lowest to highest is: Base, Sport, Elite, Comp, Expert, Pro, and then S-Works. For example, the various Specialized Tarmac builds will be named: Tarmac, Tarmac Sport, Tarmac Elite, Tarmac Comp, Tarmac Expert, Tarmac Pro, and the S-Works Tarmac.
All Allez models feature an E5 alloy frame and a full FACT carbon fork. The fork is tapered from 1-1/8"– 1-3/8".
Are Specialized E Bikes mid drive? ›SPECIALIZED TURBO 1.2E MOTOR
The Brose motor series is unique among mid-drive motors in the clutch that allows for a friction-free pedal experience when using your ebike without a motor.
How much does the Roubaix sport weigh? On our scales and in a size 54cm, the Roubaix Sport came in at 8.73kg or 19.2lb.
How much does a 2017 Specialized Allez weigh? ›The Allez is a stiff little thing too with hard acceleration or climbing not highlighting any major flex issues around the bottom bracket or headtube areas. At 9.44kg (20.8lb) the Allez is no lightweight but its ride quality belies its numbers on the scales.
How much does a Specialized sl7 Pro frame weigh? ›And with the help of the FreeFoil Shape Library, tools like isotopic FEA analysis, and some engineering wizardry by the best engineers in the industry, we delivered a frame that weighs a mere 920 grams, without giving up a gram of aero, stiffness or ride quality.
Why are Specialized road bikes so expensive? ›This is mainly due to their high quality. It's also because of investment in research. Production numbers are low when compared to larger bike companies. This, paired with high demand, means that prices have risen.
Are Specialized bikes made in China? ›With its operations center in California, at its Morgan Hill factory, and distributors all over the world, Specialized manufactures almost all of its production in Taiwan, including road bikes, mountain bikes, etc.
What company owns Specialized bikes? ›
Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc., colloquially known as and stylized as SPECIALIZED, is an American company which designs, manufactures and markets bicycles, bicycle components and related products under the brand name "Specialized", as well as the premium and professional oriented "S-works".
What bike does Peter Sagan ride? ›The 2022 Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 bikes raced by Sagan and his TotalEnergies teammates are fitted with Roval wheels and cockpit, and Shimano components.
Why don t they use TT bikes in Tour de France? ›Normally, the brake levers on a TT bike are positioned at the "normal handlebar" while the gears are positioned at the extension bars. The result of that configuration is that you can not brake while in the more aerodynamically position, which makes it extremely dangerous to ride such bikes in the peloton.
What happens to bikes after Tour de France? ›They are given back to the team, and in most cases, the team gives them back to the sponsor that supplied them; usually the bike brand itself. Once those bikes have been received back by the brand, a select few – usually any that win high-profile races – are kept.
Which bicycle is best for daily use? ›Cruiser bicycles are the most comfortable type of bicycle. Cruiser bicycles have padded seats, wide handlebars, and low gears, which make them easy to ride. Cruiser bicycles also have a wide wheelbase, which makes them stable.
What is the easiest speed on a bike? ›Low Gear = Easy = Good for Climbing: The “low” gear on your bike is the smallest chain ring in the front and the largest cog on your cassette (rear gears). In this position, the pedaling will be the easiest and you'll be able to pedal uphill with the smallest amount of resistance.
Which bike is good for climbing hills? ›Road. Road bikes are the best type of bikes for climbing hills. Generally speaking, road bikes hit all 6 of the criteria for a good climbing bike that we covered above. There are occasional exceptions depending on the specific model you buy, but most road bikes are going to be pretty solid climbers.
Which cycle is best for mountain climbing? ›The best type of mountain bike for climbing smooth trails with few obstacles is a cross-country bike. For more technical climbs up rougher tracks a trail bike will perform better given the additional grip from the tires and increased suspension.
What is Allez in climbing? ›Allez allez!
There's a lot of cheering as you climb. Allez is the French expression for “come on” and is also used by other nations. The climbing nation of Japan cheers on with “gamba, gamba.
For most assistance on the ascents when riding on the road an 11-32 to 11-36 may prove most beneficial. Closer ratio cassettes such as 11/25, 11/28 or 11/30 are better for riders with a high level of fitness or who prefer flatter terrain.
What gears are best for climbing road bike? ›
A common setup on a road bike adapted for climbing is a compact road crankset with 50-34 chainrings and an 11-32 cassette, which gives a lowest gear of 34:32 or a ratio of 1.06:1. There are useful tools for turning speed into cadence when using a certain gear ratio here and here.
Is it better to do mountain climbers slow or fast? ›Mountain climber tips
This should be a fast movement so try pick your feet as fast as you can but if you're new to mountain climbers, take it slowly, and increase your leg speed as you get more confident and experienced at the exercise.
The average speed is ≈ 17 mph (27 kph) with peak speeds upwards of 30 mph (48 kph) during downhill mountain bike riding.
What is the best mountain bike gear for uphill? ›Low Gear = Easy = Good for Climbing: The “low” gear on your bike is the smallest chain ring in the front and the largest cog on your cassette (rear gears). In this position, the pedaling will be the easiest and you'll be able to pedal uphill with the smallest amount of resistance.
How do you pronounce Allez? ›- IPA: /a.le/
- Audio. 0:02. (file)
- Rhymes: -e.
Gamba Gamba Gamba. Whip, whipper. A hard or dynamic fall in which the person falling is nearly freefalling for a significant amount of time before the rope catches them.
What is a grade 5 climb? ›Grade V: A full-day climb in alpine terrain with a long approach, long technical descent, and objective dangers. Grade VI: A long waterfall with the character of an alpine route; usually requires at least a day to complete.
How good is Specialized Allez? ›Conclusion. The Allez Sport is an excellent option do-it-all road bike regardless of whether you're just starting out or a more experienced rider. Its balanced geometry and reliable componentry makes it just as capable as a fast commuter as it does out on the Sunday club run.
Is the Specialized Allez a race bike? ›Select a color and size
The Allez Race name says it all—it's a bike begging to be ridden at top speed. Its E5 aluminum frame features Smartweld technology and full monocoque Tarmac carbon fork, and is partnered with a Shimano 105 drivetrain to make sure you're always riding as fast as possible…