Specialized Allez A1 Elite

Price Paid:  $1050.00 at Bicycle Center

Favorite Ride:
Desert, hilly terrain

Summary:
This is my first road bike and I don't know much differance but I really have enjoyed the speed, respone of the 105/ultegra combo and the overall looks of the bike. I have riden 50 to 60 miles a day on vacation and then gone golfing so I guess the bike doesn't overly hurt my body. It needed a couple of tuning sessions right after I got It some adjustments in cable routing, but now when I shift I goes clunk, smartly and sounds cool. When I ride with other guys my age (50) I generally out run them, they are as tough as me-but I think the bike is just fast!!!!!

Strengths:
Light weight, fits good, great combo of components-fabulous bike for the money.

Weaknesses:
Specialized techs said the shift cables should be crossed under the front bar not parallel, I had my set parallel and it shifts great now-lost one chain also and change to ultega grade-noticable differance.

Price Paid:  $1100.00 at Ski Barn

Favorite Ride:
All of 'em

Bike Setup:
Mostly 105, Ultegra rear derailleur, Ritchey pro handlebars & headset. Handmade Ritchey rims, Specia

Summary:
I just bought the Allez A1 Elite about two months ago. Got back into road riding/racing after 20 years! The bike is great...fast, responsive and light. Climbs like a champ, I know, as I live in the mountains!

Strengths:
Components:Much more "bang" for the $$$ vs other manufacturers of complete cycles. Specialized does not seem to "skimp" on the spare parts such as hubs, seat, and handlebars. Rims and tires although not the lightest...perform well and they're very durable. I rode the New York Century without a puncture or pinch! 105/Ultegra mix is great for entry level racing, centuries..etc...
The compact geometry was a perfect fit for me.

Weaknesses:
None so far...agreat looking quality bike...Lots of looks!

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale R600 (test ride)
Cannondale Silk Road (test ride)
Serrotta (test ride)
Le Mond Buenos Aires (test ride)

Price Paid:  $1050.00 at Sonoma Valley Cycler

Bike Setup:
Look pedals

Summary:
I'm incredibly pleased with the Allez elite...stiff ride, ultegra/105 drivetrain and quality Ritchey components make it an awesome first road bike.

Strengths:
Stiff frame, Specialized carbon fork, Ritchey components over the Shimano counterparts, fast!

Weaknesses:
Getting used to road bike stopping power after 10 years of mountain biking.

Price Paid:  $1399.00 at Bike Line

Favorite Ride:
Philly Bike Path

Bike Setup:
Full Shimano 105 except Ultegra rear derailleur.

Summary:
I moved from a Trek 1000 to this bike and love it. It is so much lighter and smoother than the Trek. The only problem I had was with the wheels. All of the nipples on the spokes on the front wheel began to come loose and fall off. I took it back to the shop and the replaced the nipples and made adjustments and I have not had a problem since. The bike climbs like a champ and is super fast in the flats. I would like to upgrade to lighten the bike but all in all it is awsome.

Strengths:
Climbing and stiff frame

Weaknesses:
Wheels and seat.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 1000

Price Paid:  $990.00 at Deerfield Cyclery (E

Favorite Ride:
Its a secret

Bike Setup:
Stock w/Shimano 105 Double Chainring Crank

Summary:
Accelerates like a dream. Light weight. Great fit. The Ritchey stuff is a lot better than Specialized's normal in-house components. Shimano 105/Ultegra drivetrain is very quick and crisp. Carbon fork absorbs vibrations crom the road.

Strengths:
Full Shimano 105/Ultegra Drivetrain, Frame, Carbon Fork; Light, Strong, Smooth ride. Price

Weaknesses:
For some stupid reason the bike comes with a triple chainring. Lucky enough for me, my local shop switched the cranks out for a double ring, no questions asked. Now it has absolutely no weaknesses.

Similar Products Used:
Giant TCR 2, Trek 2200, Trek 2000, Litspeed Atlas, Trek 5500, Trek 5900, Litespeed Ultimate, Specialized S-Works