Specialized Allez Pro 27

Price Paid:  $2700.00 at Pedal Power, San Mar

Favorite Ride:
any ride.

Bike Setup:
removed inner chain ring. replaced bottom bracket with shorter spindle.

Summary:
2nd review... after a year and 7000 miles later, the frame has a rattle from the bottle cage braze-ons - permanent damage. Another friend with 04 model has the same problem. Headset is trashed, bearings fell out on floor when opened (this was an integrated, sealed bearing, threadless headset).

Strengths:
Good value for component group. Everything Dura-Ace seams to be lasting.

Weaknesses:
Company support. Bad communication between dealer and company rep/entire company, which I'm convinced consists of just a couple of people. Not sure who puts the bikes together, but the frames are made somewhere in Asia. Frame isn't lasting as long as I thought it would. Carbon fiber seatpost came with a nick, and rep said he would replace it. Never did.

Similar Products Used:
Raleigh
Hujsak
Canondale
Schwinn (when it represented quality)

Price Paid:  $2200.00 at Cycle Center of Stam

Favorite Ride:
New Canaan extended loop

Bike Setup:
Stock everything except the saddle, which is now a Sella Italia Max Flight.

Summary:
After nearly moving down to a 'comfort' bike due to my discomfort on my previous bike, my dealer recommender I test ride the Allez Pro floor model he had. One ride and I was hooked! It climbs great, accelerates quickly and is extremely comfortable due to the compact geometry.

Strengths:
All Dura Ace components and great Mavic wheels. Between the carbon aero seat post and carbon forks road fatigue is minimal.

Weaknesses:
The standard Body Geometry saddle is sub-par compared to the rest of the bike. Otherwise, no weaknesses to-date.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Sequoai, Trek.

Price Paid:  $2700.00 at Pedal Power, San Mar

Favorite Ride:
Many different favorites. All w/Good qualities

Bike Setup:
This bike was bought as 27 speed, but I had to convert it to 18 speed. 18 speed is offered, but only in the zebra color scheme (Aqua and Sapone). DON'T BUY A BIKE WITH A COLOR SCHEME! A year later it'll be out of style. So I bought the 27 speed with a solid color and the shop switched out bottom brackets, took off the inner ring, and replaced the front derailleur. Made the bike a little lighter and stronger with less torque on the bottom bracket due to the shorter bottom bracket.

Summary:
I've put over 3000 miles on this bike so far. Good ride for the money - light. I had to modify it, though, to make sure it didn't fall apart on me. Check the bike setup below. I'm tough on bikes. I don't rate them high unless they are perfect.

Strengths:
The component group - Shimano Dura Ace. Good price for the component group. Smooth for aluminum. Stiff and responsive. Columbus tubing (the best!) Terrific climbing bike. Good wheels. carbon seatpost and excellent carbon fork. The technology is getting much better frame wise and component wise.

Weaknesses:
Check the bar width, they are getting wider. Will wear out. Mine showed signs of stress after 2500 miles.

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

Price Paid:  $2325.00 at Orange Cycle, Orland

Favorite Ride:
Every ride with a tailwind and no rain.

Bike Setup:
Bike is stock, didn't have to change a thing.

Summary:
Nicest bike I've ever ridden. Light and fast and aluminum. This is my 9th Specialized bike to date.

Strengths:
Great components right down to the tires. Specialized makes a quality bike for a very good price.

Weaknesses:
Haven't found any and don't expect I will based on past experience.

Similar Products Used:
Tried and almost bought a Trek 5200 for about the same price. The Allez Pro has Dura-Ace and better wheels. Just an all around better bike.