Bike Setup: My bicycle is stock save for the KEO Classic pedals previously mentioned. I have also, as noted above, added a wireless Cat Eye Cycle Computer to the bike. I may change the seat - yet to decide. I may also add lights to the front and back for riding around dusk... not for seeing the road but so that others will see me. I have also had discussions about changing the wheels, but have yet to do anything about that. At my level as a rider it simply may not make sense to do that. I just don't suspect that it would do anything except show others that I can spend money needlessly when it will actually have very little return on the investment.
Summary: Having had this bicycle for 3 years now I can honestly say that it has really been a fine bike! I have not changed any of the major components on the bicycle save for the pedals. I took off the bad/retro toe clip pedals and replaced them with KEO Classic pedals. At my level of riding shaving grams was simply not worth it. The KEO Classics are great and allow the use of superior clipless pedals. I also added a Cat Eye Cycle Computer. I am comtemplating a seat replacement, but have not done it yet. The bicycle is wonderful as is, save for the cheap pedals - they must figure you will replace them anyway, so they just put cheapies on to allow it to get out the door. The bike is light with a superior fit and finish. I would think that a used one in good shape would be a fine value. You could always update the components. The frame wonderful! As a whole this, although not the bike that is currently sold now (approx $1500.00), it is a much better value for the dollar than what is currently in production. If you are looking for a used bicycle in good shape for road riding, I'd snap that up for a fraction of the price of the new model rather than spend a lot of money on this year's model. I rate this a 5 for both Value and Overall because this fits my needs perfectly!
Strengths: The geometry for me - I'm 6'1". This bike was better than the similar Trek bicycle for me, which I originally intended to purchase. After riding the Trek, the salesman suggested the Specialized as a comparison. I tried it and it was love at first sight! The feel was great and it didn't seem as though I was stretched out trying to reach for the handlebars and shifter/brake levers. Additionally the shifting levers were "unitiezed" in the brake levers, not having that nasty little nub under your thumbs found on cheaper component sets. This isn't the "best" (most expensive) bike but is very nice for my and I suspect most people's needs. Trek does make a nice bike too, but I like the Specialized better. I would buy another one.
Weaknesses: Over time it seems that the cable housings have rubbed a couple of areas on the bicycle and have worn the paint in a couple of small areas away. This may be inevitable and there is nothing I can do about it. It is the ONLY small irritant with the bike.
Similar Products Used: I had a Trek "comfort" bike from 2003-2006 after my kids started riding. Trust me when I tell you there was NOTHING comfortable about it! I HATED the shock in the seatpost and everything else was too spongy about the bike. I had been a road rider in high school and college, having built my own bicycle from separately purchased components. Not wanting to do that again I simply wanted a new, fully assembled bicycle with nicely matched components. I got on a road bike and recalled what I had forgotten - the thrill and fun of having a nice road bike. I knew I had to have one again.
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Summary: This bike was my introduction to road cycling. I have nothing but good things to say about the Allez triple.
Strengths: The frame is good, and the bike is pretty light. Plus, it looks badass.
Weaknesses: The components are pretty poor, and you will probably replace them before too long. The seat isn't the best either, but these are small potatoes for the price.
Similar Products Used: Trek 1.2
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Bike Setup: stock except for spd pedals, mavic ksyrium elites, and new tape.
Summary: this was my first bike and did it's job. I was nice enough that it didn't limit my enjoyment, yet after about 1000miles i realized that i was going to need a better bike. I have put 3500+ miles on it now, and now i'm saving for a full race bike. When i first got it i weighed about 220 i now weigh 195, so i'm confident in my torture abilities. This bike has seen it all! I've commuted off road at times, wrecked it multiple times, ridden on some of the worst road in Indiana, raced it, spent long hours on it, and climbed some STEEP ascents. It goes as fast as i want, it climbs well enough, the triple saved my fat butt a few times, but it does have some weaknesses set up as stock.
The wheels sucked!! which, sadly, is all but expected at this price point. They didn't last 1000miles before the rear wheel melted down(broke spokes galore, stayed out of true, kept giving me flats because of burrs). As for the front wheel, it's as true as the day i bought it.
Shifting, what can i say? sure front shifting sucks, 700bucks doesn't get you record, but it got me on the road. But the shifting had not been as bad as some of the reviews i have read. If the chain pops off, I just shift up or down in the opposite direction of dismount, and then take it to my shop so they can re-adjust the limit screws in about 2.5 seconds for free. Sure, the front won't shift under pressure, you're not supposed to do that anyway if want to keep your drivetrain any amount of time. I haven't had any problems other than the parts that should be upgraded anyway.
In the end, I think this is a great starter bike that is sure to get anyone hooked on cycling.
Strengths: will get you hooked on cycling!
Geometry is all but identical to 2009 Tarmacs.
Frame is super durable! i am heavy guy that can pound the pedals and the frame has never cracked. Add in rough roads, pot holes, and road rash (on me not the bike) and you have a rider that is surprised his bike isn't in two pieces.
rear shifting is good (so is the front if you keep it adjusted properly)
front shifting is 100% better than the sora you get on $700 bikes nowadays.
Zertz handle bars are sweet
my bike shop has to be the best in the country, free adjustments for three years, coffee, and all the bike porn you can stand.
This bike can be fixed no matter what happens (for those of you that gave it bad reviews)
Weaknesses: -brakes are spongy with stock pads, add dura-ace pads for $9.00 and you're set.
-wheels blow, i upgraded to ksyrium
elites
square taper bottom bracket has to be rebuilt from time to time
i have had issues with it creaking, sometime bars, stem, b-b, seat but always fixable by tightening bolts
Similar Products Used: little 5 bike, test ridden almost every bike in production
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Bike Setup: Full Shimano Ultegra extept for Specialized Strongarm crankset.
Summary: I bought this bike as a leftover in 1999...it is my first road bike and I LOVE it. The components are all Shimano-Ultegra and I've had no problems with performance or maintenance...everything has worked exactly as intended. Actually, the frame just broke where the chainstay meets the drop-out (right through the hole for the replaceable derailleur hanger) but the frame has a lifetime warranty and Specialized is sending me a brand new replacement frame (I should have next week). I would highly recommend this bike for anyone who is into serious recreational road riding (charity rides, excercise, etc., NOT just putzing around).
Strengths: Light weight, beautiful color and paintjob, high quality hardware and components.
Weaknesses: None
Similar Products Used: N/A
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