Specialized Allez Sport 27

Price Paid:  $750.00 at Matthew's

Favorite Ride:
Brown County Indiana

Summary:
I have ridden around 1500 miles on bike. Handles well, looks good, keeps up with bikes that cost"alot" more cash! I have ridden bikes that cost 4-5 times more with no noticeable differences.

Strengths:
easy on pocket book, durable, handles everything i have put it through. good brakes, this bike is a great buy period.The 105 shifter has worked flawlessly>

Weaknesses:
spokes did loosen up on rear wheel only and popped a couple of them. Matthew's bike shop up graded spokes to DT's and have not touched the rear wheel since>

Similar Products Used:
76 motobecane, 84 schwinn tour

Price Paid:  $800.00 at Bayou Bicycle

Favorite Ride:
anywhere with nice roads and light traffic

Bike Setup:
Stock, except Look pedals

Summary:
After approx. 1800 miles I've got to say I love this bike. Had trouble in the beginning with spokes coming loose, but that problem has gone away - go figure. I've only had one flat, so no complaints with tires. As far as the saddle, who knows - I don't have much to compare it to other than an old Pugeot road bike that was stolen a few years back. I upgraded pedals to Looks. Fit and finish is good and I have had several people compliment me on the looks of this bike. I live in a relatively flat area, so shifting the front derailleur is probably less than what some people would do, but I find the rear 105 components work very well - clean and crisp shifts. Handling is good at all speeds up to 40 mph downhills and brakes seem to work well, but again most of my riding is relatively flat. I've ridden a friend's Cannondale that cost twice as much and did not find it to be better in any category. A more experienced rider probably could, but for my dumb ass this bike is fine.

Strengths:
Carbon forks, seat post, Tiagra/105 components work well, looks and build quality.

Weaknesses:
If anything, saddle, wheels although my wheel problems have been minimal, and I'm 6'2" 225# by the way.

Similar Products Used:
Old Peugeot road bike
Cannondale Model ??? ($1,600.00)

Price Paid:  $650.00 at Pleasant Hill Cycler

Favorite Ride:
Contra Costa Canal

Bike Setup:
Allez Sport '03 with Shimano M520 spd pedals to go with diadora geko shoes.

Summary:
A great deal. The carbon seatpost and fork are highly attractive. Only thing wrong with it is the seat. I've only had the bike for about a week so I can't say much about the spoke tension issues others have been having.

Strengths:
Carbon seatpost and fork.
Slightly angled top tube makes it easier to get on the bike.
27 speeds for easier climbing.

Weaknesses:
Seat can get quite uncomfortable.

Similar Products Used:
Nothing road.
Cannondale m300

Price Paid:  $1020.00 at Bike shop

Favorite Ride:
50 miler

Bike Setup:
Alix rims R400 stock every else

Summary:
Great bike, very fast , excellent handleing, conponants are very good. Its just a all a round Great bike for the price.

Strengths:
very fast , excellent handleing , superb acceleration .

Weaknesses:
Wheels, got new ones alix rims r400 so much faster. Seat, replaced it to a san marco Era pro , and tires , old ones are so bad so I just got pair of kenda.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 1200, 1000.

Price Paid:  $400.00 at Ebay

Favorite Ride:
Newport back bay

Bike Setup:
Bone stock

Summary:
Decent entry level road bike for those wants to start cylcing seriously. Adequately light, stiff and agile. Descends ok without any panicking. It certainly makes cycling a lot more fun for me!

Strengths:
Carbon fork and seatpost contribute a reasonably comfortable ride for a stiff aluminum frame. The bike responds to every input immediately. Sprints well, easy acceleration and acceptable in saddle climbing.

Weaknesses:
Made in Taiwan(the weakness which makes it more affordable). Saddle is mediocre. Wheelset is good for daily abuse but not for serious racing. Also you can spend a little more than 100 bucks and get Elite model with much better components (105 vs Tiagra)

Similar Products Used:
Lemond Poprad,Tourmalet classic, Trek 5200(demo'd)