Specialized Allez Elite 18

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at sydney

Favorite Ride:
any

Summary:
made a mistake with value rating in my reveiw below should have been 5\5 great bike

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at SYDNEY

Favorite Ride:
specialized allez elite

Bike Setup:
specialized allez elite 105 gearset alex 330 rims

Summary:
Having never owned a decent road bike i was blown away by the performance of this bike,it screams,the farly lightwieght frame in combination with the carbon forks and seatpost make this combination stiff and fairly comfortable.It looks fantastic in white and blue i love the paint finish,it has not chipped at all.The ALEX 330 wheels are not up to standard they flex under out of the seat acceleration and have STARTED TO BREAK SPOKES,ive replaced 5 spokes in the last 3 months u just keep waiting 4 next 1 to go ,either wheels will be replaced or respoked.Brake pads have just been replaced with ultegra pads,ive read alot of bad reveiws about stock pads but i dont think ultegra pads are that fantistic either,hope they get better once im used to them,also im getting some ultegra callipers so im hopefull of a marked increase in braking performance (i believe front calliper may be bent this would affect breaking significantly).All up a great bike

Strengths:
great looking frame gets comments all the time,responsive,love going down hills at high speed handles any speed you throw at it without problem

Weaknesses:
rims flex brake spokes all the time brake pads alot of the hex bolts on bike have started to rustout

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $849.00 at Al's Cyclery

Favorite Ride:
Honeyville Road

Bike Setup:
Stock with Ultegra 12-27 cassette. 105 drivetrain and shifters. Alex A330 wheelset. Tekro brakes.

Summary:
This is my first ever "real" road bike, so I can't compare the finer points like a seasoned veteran. I saved for a year delivering newspapers with my daughter when this bike went on sale. I had been shooting for a Lemond Zurich, which would have taken me another year or more of saving. The Allez Elite came up on a 20% off sale, that's why my price was so much lower than others. After test riding several bikes, I decided to go with this one and I have never regretted it. I could still be saving money and dreaming of riding. Instead, I'm riding. I tested a two Felts, the Lemond Zurich, and a Cannondale, but maybe because I'm so unrefined, I didn't notice any appreciable difference. This is a great, fast, comfortable bike. I will be riding it on the LOTOJA this fall. It will be my second time, the first was on my mountain bike (which is the reason I started saving for a road bike in the first place). I would recommend the Allez Elite to anyone who is short on cash but not on desire to have a great ride.

Strengths:
Great specs, except for the brake (though they stop me when I need them to). Comfortable. Fast and light. Great climber for my money, too. And it is very easy on the eyes.

Weaknesses:
I'm having a hard time thinking of any, but possibly a little flexy in the wheels, though my wheels are still true after over 1000 miles. The wheel base is a little short for me but passable. Don't take your hands off the bar for long! On the other hand, it tears through corners.

Similar Products Used:
Tested Lemond Zurich, Felt 45, Felt 30, Cannondale R1000

Price Paid:  $1090.00 at Tanner Bikes

Favorite Ride:
Beauty and the Beast

Bike Setup:
Stock

Summary:
This review is actually for the 2004 Allez Elite 18. I have had this bike for approximately a month now and have been VERY happy with it. Some of the reviews for this bike talk of problems with the wheelset but I have had no problems whatsoever. It is a good, fast bike, and very comfortable. My bike is a 58 cm and it weighs almost exactly 19.5 pounds with Look pedals. The brushed aluminum looks geat and the bike rides very nicely. The components function well enough with a mix of 105 and Specialized parts. I highly recommend this bike.

Strengths:
Weight, ride quality, looks, components

Weaknesses:
The stem was a little long for me, but the bike shop swapped it out at no charge.

Similar Products Used:
Cannondale R300 (1998), Raleigh Grand Prix (1974)

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at Al's Cyclery

Favorite Ride:
LOTOJA

Bike Setup:
LBS did a great job...willing to accomodate me

Summary:
I'm an aging 50+ roadie in need of a new ride. I Looked at many options but could not afford a "dream bike" (I've had some in the past. The Allez Elite looked like a good option...test rode one 2 weeks ago. I was immediately impressed with the specs though I was a bit worried about owning another stiff aluminum bike. I like to ride long and my old Klein used to beat me up badly. I was swayed by the reviews I read here about the virtues of the carbon seatpost as standard equipment. Given the test ride, review and great price, I ordered a 2004 model. It arrived a week ago and I've put 140 miles on it including a 70 miler. I'm pleased with the fit and finish...this thing looks like a $2000+ bike...could be too if not for the 105 groupo...it works extremely well too. Had many positive comments fron cycling friends and 10 year old kids.

I weighed the bike at the shop w/o pedals, cages or computer...18.5 lbs. Ride quality is superb...the seatpost is wild looking with the see-thru window...and it does dampen road shock to an acceptable level. ALX330 wheels still true after 140 miles (I'm 180 lbs). I look forward to piling-up the miles on this pony. Great recreational/century ride. I'd recommend to anyone except cat III wannabees and above.

Strengths:
Value, fit and finish, ride quality, stability at downhill speeds

Weaknesses:
Haven't found any yet...oh, except for the saddle...very uncomfortable. Replaced with my comfy Concor Light

Similar Products Used:
Trek 2300 (C/F, Alu), Aegis ARO, Klein Quantum