Is The NEW Specialized Allez Still Good Value?

The 2023 Specialized Allez is disc-brake only, has space for 35mm tyres and is claimed to be the lightest road bike of its kind at this price point.

But is it any good? Liam Cahill has been testing this entry-level bike and is here with his expert opinion.

Do you agree with him though? Has Specialized ruined this budget road bike by losing the sub-£1,000 option?

Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:45 5 Things To Know
01:49 Headline Features
03:41 Geometry And Handling
05:21 Ride Impressions
08:09 Wheels And Tyres
09:42 Groupset
12:38 Finishing Kit
13:33 Bottom Line

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[bikeradar]

Was Specialized right to drop rim brakes?

[SashaTromsa]

Disc brakes, mudguard mounts. Such innovation. Much wow.

[comedyman]

Decathlon's Van Rysel is offering full carbon + full Tiagra at 1600 euros for their NCR CF

[ESR]

I'm glad I upgraded my 2016 Allez E5 Sport with a carbon wheelset and a few other things. I don't ride in the rain because the roads are slippery with oil from motor vehicles, poor visibility and I don't like being rained on. One good is I can maintain my bike without paying for it. Why not have a rim brake option for the customers.

[bendawson]

Was Specialized right to drop rim brakes? If they are measuring their success by their profit margin, then yes, it was right. If they are measuring it by providing their customer with options at different price points which cater to rider preference, then no, it was not. I would argue the latter should be more important to them.

[thevirtualeconomy]

£1600 for a partial Tiagra groupset with beginner bike geometry, what a joke. Second hand is only option these days it seems

[tomrachellesfirstdance]

They wonder why bike sales are struggling...

£1, 100 for an entry-level bike which cost less than half 5 years ago will not help 🤨

They should keep rim brakes people still like them and they help keep costs down

[yoseeev]

I bought a blue specialized sprint comp from a friend and and barely learning about these road bikes, its a beaut and gives you all the speed and declaration you want and more. I am used to steel single speed but these road bikes are fun.

[Carlosediaz]

1, 800 dollars US for a Tiarga model is crazy expensive, i understand its replacing 105 becuase 105 is now electronic but thats still out rages to me. I also would have loved a rim break Allez version in 2023. The Cannondale Caad13 is 1, 900 Dollars with full 105 and rim breaks and the Caynon Endurace 8 is 1, 800 dollars for a full 105 and dics Breaks. The Cannondale Synapse 105 is 1, 600 Dollars on sale. I'm sure they are many other as well, those are just 3 examples. all being cheaper (Spec wise) and better options for that price point. Mechanical 105 is amazing probably the best and only Groupset anyone ever needs, really. I recon if you are thinking of spending that much money on a bike, get more bank for value and don't get an Allez sport and get a different bike or get the claris version for just a bit over 1000 dollars.

[Peter-cjml]

Management at specialized knows better then consumer . Keep this up and good luck staying in business.

[ehrenfull]

The steel Elite bottle cages make it very unique, love them!
To me it is too expensive but that's the "Specialized" tax for you. Canyon's Tiagra Endurace 6 costs 500€ less for example. Now with the bike market winding down and demand lowering, I bet these Allez will be discounted by 20%ish at the end of the season, which will make the added cost for the "Specialized" name on the frame and having the ability to buy it locally around 150€ more which is fair IMO. The stack and reach is almost the same for them btw.

[Andy_ATB]

There are still some previous versions of the rim-braked Allez Elite i'd prefer that than this new version.

[rabbitsblood]

I managed to find the base Allez on sale (a bit less than €1000) and my LBS threw on a full Shimano 105 12-speed mechanical group set for another €700. Threw on some Conti GP5k's and I'm completely happy with it.

[ismaelsanchez]

Great video! Thanks. I bought the Diverge A1 seven years ago.... and I just ordered the Allez Sport 2023

[jerrolynmcraven]

I just got one for my birthday from my husband. So excited to explore.

[jonpoon]

It looks alright. They needed an alloy endurance bike. But right now, Canyon Endurace AL is the one I’d point to in this category

[rhhmunro]

The entry level bike at £1100 is 8 speed Claris, Suntour cassette and, shockingly, Tektro mechanical disc brakes. Total garbage. I mean they should at least be hydraulic if they're dropping rims and forcing discs on us at extra cost! I still have my 2017 Allez DSW - a fantastic bike with rim brakes. I've never once wished I could slow down more quickly.. It's such a shame that Specialized is trashing the Allez heritage with this POS.

[ΑλέξανδροςΓεκίλης]

For a few pounds or euros or dollars more you can buy a Giant Tcr with 105 which is full carbon and 2 kilos lighter.

[JonFairhurst]

I own a somewhat similarly spec’d bike in a 2017 Felt VR30. I just rode it yesterday and was thinking it’s brilliant. I use it as a winter bike and for commuting where I lock it in public, which I don’t do with my carbon bike.

Discs are great in the winter - not just because of performance in the wet, but also because I can run bigger tires, even with mudguards. Skinny tires, no fenders, and rim brakes aren’t ideal in greasy, claggy conditions.

While my bike has 11-speed 105, it also cost more than the new Allez, in 2017 money.

This kind of bike is great for people getting into the sport and for an off season ride. It’s either this or a gravel bike, if you want a bit more tire for rougher roads.

[Skooteh]

I liked that there was a cheap entry level road race bike for those that were interested, I'm sad to see that disappear.

I also don't really understand why this exists alongside the aluminum diverge models. They're basically the same now.