Specialized Allez Elite Cr-Mo 27

Price Paid:  $1239.00 at Solano Ave Cyclery,

Favorite Ride:
Specialized Allez Elite Cr-Mo

Bike Setup:
Because I live in northern CA and climb a lot, I customized the bike by putting on a 24-tooth front chain ring. I have occasional problems with this setup, though I do enjoy having lower gearing for those steep hills. I added Ultegra pedals, which are very comfortable.

Summary:
I love this bike! I have never owned or ridden a bike as nice as this one, so my experience is limited. However, I can say that I look forward to every weekend, when I can get out and ride for hours on it, in comfort and with ease. I have no problem with the Shimano 105 components.

Strengths:
I love the steel frame, combined with the lightness of the bike. Steering is very responsive, which took a little getting used to, but now I really like.

Weaknesses:
I don't get to ride it as much as I want to! Oh, I did switch out the saddle immediately - stock saddle was horribly uncomfortable.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 520

Price Paid:  $899.00 at Supergo

Favorite Ride:
Long Rides down the coast

Bike Setup:
Added profile bars, computer, HRM

Summary:
Can you believe this price!!! I saved and went to get a Cannondale R1000. They didn't have my size so I looked around. This clearance was unbeatable, I Love this bike. I have rode it 150+ miles and love it. Very smooth 105 components work great. Wheel set not my favorite but seem to be working just fine. This is a great smooth ride, I have always liked steel frames. This one is now my favorite of all.

Strengths:
Price, Components all 105 including bottom bracket and cranks, Smooth Quick Ride.

Weaknesses:
Saddle (although it's fine if the bike is set up just right) is a little hard. Who can complain at this price.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale 3.0, Giant RS940, Test rode all Cannondales upto R1000, Treks upto 2000, Giant upto TCR2

Price Paid:  $0.00 at River City Bicycles

Favorite Ride:
Stupid long Climbs

Bike Setup:
Cannondale CODA 900 crank and BB,Dura Ace F+R Derraileurs,Brake and Shifters, Easton Carbon Bar,USE Alien Post,ITM Stem,Flite Saddle,Speedplay pedals, C.King Rear Hub American Classic Micro Front Hub, Ti Spokes, Velocity Rims, and those new Conti Tires (front and Rear Specific)...

Summary:
Well, it has been almost a year on this bike and I "steel" love it. I have put more miles on this bike that I have ever done on any bike. Even though I have bought additional bikes since I bought the Cro-Mo, I "steel" gravitate back to this bike. I am a bike freak and this is the best feeling bike of 'em all. Sure it doesn't climb as well as my Cannondale CAAD7 R4000Si(nor as light), but I love the ride. I have been able to drop the weight of the bike to below 17lbs., but I used hand-me-downs from another bike of mine.
I don't use the bike for the fast-paced weekend rides or for fast centuries with a lot of climbing, but it is the first bike I pick when it comes to my training rides by myself.
I think I am just going to ride the bike until the frame dies.
But remember, this is a steel bike, so don't forget the frame saver.

Strengths:
Craftsmanship, price, and ride quality

Weaknesses:
I seriously can't complain about the parts spec.. 105 just isn't for me. I know it works well, I just have better parts from another bike laying around.

Similar Products Used:
Lemond 853 Select, Trek 5500 (turd), Cannondale CAAD6 R4000 and CAAD7 R4000, GT 853 Edge, Litespeed Vortex

Price Paid:  $1299.00 at BikeSource

Favorite Ride:
Any

Bike Setup:
Stock w/ Look pedals. Will probably swap out saddle soon.

Summary:
I absolutely love this bike! I rode an '02 Aluminum Allez Sport for about a year until I test rode a steel frame. Really noticed a difference immediately in ride quality. This bike rides smoothly and handles great. It's probably a bit heavier than current high end Al or carbon fiber, but still surprisingly light considering the frame material. It's actually lighter than my girlfriends Giant OCR 3 (which is aluminum). I'll worry about lightening the bikes components after I lose 10lbs! If you're in the market for a steel bike, consider this one. It makes me want to ride more.

Strengths:
Quality Columbus FOCO tubeset, good, solid component specs, great customer service from Specialized, FANTASTIC ride!

Weaknesses:
Not so sure I'm thrilled with the stock saddle

Similar Products Used:
'02 Specialized Allez Sport, Giant hybrid

Price Paid:  $1299.00 at Bikesource, Columbus

Favorite Ride:
Seminole Island to Lakeview

Bike Setup:
Stock, but with Shimano flight deck computer (very very cool.) I also upgraded to Specialized Turbo Armadillo tires after the flat. This is more of a touring tire as they are much more flat resistant, but heavier and with a harder, longer wearing compound. Definitely didn't need to touch anything else.

Summary:
I was looking for a good road bike after riding a BikeE recumbent for a year. I needed some performance! That recumbent was so slow and terrible for hills. Plus I was getting made fun of because I am only 19 and riding a "weird old people bike" So I went looking for something new. Bikesource was the closest reputable dealer of high end stuff. I road Cannondale and Specialized both. Both great bikes, but let me tell you something. Specialized just gives you more for the dollar. Sure Cannondale is an awesome frame, but for the same cash you are getting FULL 105 components. Yes, that means everything is 105, except the wheels. (By the way they work great and I see no reason to touch any of the component stuff) It is true what they say, "steel is real," and even though I probably shouldn't have spent so much to get the steel, I am glad I did. Steel just smooths out those bumps! This bike is wicked fast and the best speed for your wallet, period.

Strengths:
Fast, responsive handling, with AWESOME features like a carbon fiber fork and seatpost, full 105, and a much smoother ride than Cannondale. Cannont be mistaken for a "weird old people bike."

Weaknesses:
I got a flat after only about 150 miles. True, I ran over some glass, but these tires were supposed to be puncture resistant, and it wasn't like I was riding through a mine field or anything. (Otherwise the tires give superior traction from high thread count and soft compound.)
Also this is probably not as efficient of a climbing bike, as steel will be more elastic and flex under heavy pedaling loads. Then again I rarely do those out of the saddle climbs.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale R600, looked at some others but didn't ride them.