Specialized Allez Pro 18

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at bike shop

Favorite Ride:
dalas devide, CO

Bike Setup:
mainly stock, switched the seat to an SLR. H-bar tape, computer, etc.

Summary:
This bike is a decent ride. It's a good value however I'm not too fond of the frame. I rode an allez comp in 2002 and I really don't think that Specialized did a lot to improve their frames for '03. The back end of the bike seems to bounce around a lot and it is very unstable in an intense crit with bumpy roads.

Strengths:
Dura-Ace group with a reasonable price

Weaknesses:
There's too much specialized stuff on there... stem/bars/fork/seat/seatpost/tires. I just like to have other components on there other than the company that makes the frame.

Similar Products Used:
Allez Comp, '02.

Orbea Lobular Carbon (current)
This bike is better than anytihng I've ever ridden

The specialized is for sale... email me
sworks_m4@hotmail.com

Price Paid:  $1600.00 at Gregg's Greenlake

Favorite Ride:
Rainey & Washington Passes

Bike Setup:
Upgraded: wheels to Ksyrium SL SSC; crank to FSA Carbon Team Issue; Stem to FSA OS115; bars to Easton EC90; seat to Sella San Marco ERA; pedals to Dura-Ace; brake pads to Kool Stop, of course.

Summary:
Wonderful bike. I had a Specialized M2 Pro that was 8 years old and had 1000s of miles. It cracked, and Specialized offered a new frame or a complete bike at half of Retail List. New everything was a no-brainer. And this bike devours hills ... albeit, I've spend another $1500 or so shaving some grams. My wife’s bike has benefited from the replaced parts … everyone won on this deal.

Strengths:
Very lively. Breathe on the pedal and it goes. And it’s a wonderfully light / stiff hill-climber. The wheels (credit goes to Mavic) slice the wind, and the Dura-Ace braking and shifting is sublime. I’ve seen it offered on sale at around $2300. It’s a steal at that.

Weaknesses:
A tiny bit loose in the rear-end in hard out-of-the-saddle sprints. That's it. Everything else is spot on.

Similar Products Used:
Too many to list ... my last three were an Allez Pro (steel frame days) ... Free M2 Pro frame when the Allez Pro cracked ... now the new Allez Pro.

Price Paid:  $2700.00 at Pedal Power, San Mar

Favorite Ride:
many favorite rides

Bike Setup:
18 speed after converting the 27 speed solid white bike.

Summary:
Please read my review on the 27 speed Pro. I had to convert that one to 18 speed because they didn't make a solid color in 18 speed. I've put over 3000 miles on it.

Strengths:
Please read my review on the 27 speed page

Weaknesses:
Please read on the 27 speed page, but I have to agree on the review below that says the seat is too hard.

Similar Products Used:
Raleigh, Cannondale, Hujsak, Merlin, Schwinn (before the buyout).

Price Paid:  $2500.00 at Rivercity Bikes

Favorite Ride:
Tour De Blast

Bike Setup:
Full Dura Ace, Ksyrium SSC SL, Selle Aspide

Summary:
Went to an aluminum bike after my Lemond Zurich was in bad shape after impact with a car. The seatpost does a great job of absorbing the rough ride associated with aluminum bikes. The bike is pretty lite for $2500; and the low weight is very noticable when climbing and sprinting. Specialized's 4 position stem, while a bit on the heavy side, is nice to be able to switch hand positions with little labor.

Strengths:
Lite, stiff, very quick. Carbon fork and seatpost are a nice touch.

Weaknesses:
The seat is very heavy and uncomfortable, seatpost tilt adjustment needs more work. Had to pull the bottom bracket and wrap the threads with teflon tape to get rid of the squeaking of the steel BB and Al frame (should have been done at the factory in my mind).

Similar Products Used:
Lemond Zurich - full ultegra

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Turin in Evanston

Favorite Ride:
Lake front North to Lake Bluff, Il

Bike Setup:
Mix of 105, Ultegra and Dura Ace, Richey Pro pedals.

Summary:
As with other reviews I in Roadbikereview this frame is a replacement for my cracked 2000 M4 Pro. Specilaized replaced it quickly (added a carbon fork and seat post) and Turin built it as I wanted. I never did like the STI shifters so went with Dura Ace bar end shifters this time. Was concerned about the seat tube length with a compact frame would be too long. The frame works out great with my 6'-5" 200 lbs dimensions. only have ridden 300 mile since receiving the bike. Will see what I think after 1 year (~3000 miles) - It's smooth and fast. would recomend it for other tall riders.

Strengths:
Fast, smoth ride. Very pleased with the ride with carbon fork and seat post. Bottom bracket has much less flex that the M4. Very light mine is 18 lbs with 61 cm frame, old components and 32 spoke wheels. Life time warranty.

Weaknesses:
Nice Paint job but not as eye catching as my much loved Yellow M4.

Similar Products Used:
2000 M4 Pro