Specialized Allez Elite Cr-Mo Triple

Price Paid:  $1280.00 at Wheelsport

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Still trail #7 on lookout Pass

Bike Setup:
105 drive train with FSA Gossamer compact crank, Specialized fork/bars/stem/seat post, SRAM R9 12-26 Cassette

Summary:
This is my one year follow up of my review below. I have put about 3,000 miles on the bike since I first bought it. I upgraded the 105 12-25 cassette to a new SRAM R9 12-26 for no particular reason except I got a smokin deal on the R9. As mentioned below this bike offers an outstanding overall ride. A few minor issues, the Gossamer developed some minor creaking and I removed the bearinings applied some grease to the threads and the creaking went away. Another problem that I encountered was with the rear Pro Mondo tire. About all I can say is the casing on the inside of the tire came undone causing the tire to develop a warp that was off center. Didn't flat or rub the frame but I had to ride 10 miles home with the tire thumping every revolution. Took the tire to the shop and they replaced it no problem. On the outside they have held up well and they roll great which I do ride some pretty rough roads. The Alex wheels are still running perfectly true and changing the tire on these rims is very easy. Again 105 shifting/braking flawless even with the compact crank.

Strengths:
Great bike for the money. Rides much better than aluminum in this price range.

Weaknesses:
Again, come on Specialized, no 06 or even and 07 steel bike in the future? As far as the rear tire goes I will call it a fluke for now. If the same problem comes up in the next year or two then I will swap to a different brand tire.

Similar Products Used:
Bianchi Record 910
Paramount w/105/Ultegra mix
Cannondale CAD3 all XT Mt bike
Cannondale CAD3 cross bike

Price Paid:  $1089.00 at Mineola Bike Shop

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Specialized Allez Elite

Bike Setup:
Stock

Summary:
Have put about 300 miles on this bike in the past 2 months including a century out to Montauk, NY. This bike is a wonderful ride. Shifts great, and while many complain about these tires, i have yet to get a flat and I commute to Jamaica, NY everyday! Anyone who has driven in NYC knows that the road here are terrible! Overall i really enjoy riding this bike.

Strengths:
Everything is smooth, and Carbon really makes a difference with road vibration.

Weaknesses:
nothing major, just difficult to shift from middle crank to outer crank, but thats how it is with all triple cranks that ive had.

Similar Products Used:
1980 Panaracer (that bike was sooo much slower than this one!)

Price Paid:  $859.00 at Bicycle Sports Roche

Model Year:
2004

Favorite Ride:
This Bike

Bike Setup:
Stock

Summary:
I was looking for a road bike when I came across the Allez Elite Cro Mo Triple. This bike had everything I wanted including an unbelievable price.I had a Specialized Crossroads which is a great bike but very heavy. I do alot of long distance rides and was sick of guys on road bikes passing me like I was standing still.The Allez is very light and scary fast! I was a little worried about comfort but have had no problems.

Strengths:
Steel frame, carbon seatpost & fork make it a smooth ride. Shimano 105's good quality components.

Weaknesses:
I have yet to find any

Price Paid:  $900.00 at Performance Bicycle,

Model Year:
2004

Favorite Ride:
Specilized Allez Elite CroMo Triple

Bike Setup:
Swapped tires for 700X28; saddle for Brooks B-17; cassette for 13X24; chainrings for 48X38X24; stem for 40 degree 85cm; and voila, a Rivendellized all round road bike, comfortable, fast, reliable for $hundreds$ less than the real thing;

Summary:
Great bike; last of the all steel Allez frames; very versatile; speed or comfort, your choice; particularly good value as NOS if you can find one;

Strengths:
Light; fast; sweet steel ride; room for 700X28 tires; Shimano 105 gruppo

Weaknesses:
None that I can see, unless you don't trust carbon because it does have a carbon fork and seat post.

Similar Products Used:
1978 Basso tre-tubi lugged steel racing bike; Rivendell Quickbeam single speed

Price Paid:  $1280.00 at Wheel Sport

Model Year:
2005

Favorite Ride:
Trail #7 on Lookout Pass

Bike Setup:
105 drive train with FSA Gossamer compact crank, Specialized bars/stem/seat post

Summary:
The price listed included swapping out the triple 105 crank for a FSA Gossamer compact crank. I also swap out the stock saddle for my own Selle Italia Oktavia and flipped the stem over for a more aero position. Its a 2005 model 56CM and I was able to extensively test ride 3 other Specialized models. Ranging from the all Aluminum Allez to the Alum/carbon Roubaix models. After each test ride I went back to the all steel Allez and it for me was a much better ride. I was able to test ride it on a small hill in a large gear and noticed no bottom bracket flex. I'm 5'10" at 190 lbs. with 12 years of MTB racing in these legs.

Strengths:
A lot of my road riding is on chip sealed roads and this bike just feels rock solid without beating you up. After riding the Paramout for 12 years this bike has a much better overall ride quality. It does it all better. The most noticeable is sprinting out of the saddle going up hills. The 105 drive train shifts and brakes as advertised. The compact crank and 105 triple front derailleur
work great together, I have not missed a shift or dropped the chain yet. Tires and wheels have held up fine and as mentioned I ride some pretty rough roads.

Weaknesses:
No 2006 model? Shame on you.

Similar Products Used:
Bianchi Record 910
Paramount w/105/Ultegra mix
Cannondale CAD3 all XT Mt bike
Cannondale CAD3 cross bike