Specialized Allez Expert Triple

Price Paid:  $1000.00 at used at LBS

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
The Streets of San Francisco

Bike Setup:
Stock with Amarillo tires.

Summary:
Prior to this bike, I road a Trek 7.3fx (Hybrid), so my review has limited road bike experience.

The rigid aluminum frame of the 2007 Allez Expert transfers every bit of road vibration to the rider. On short rides, this is not too tiring, but I could see how this may be wearing on longer rides or on rougher roads such as in the city.

The bike is lighter than my hybrid, but about average of the other road bikes that I tested.

The Ultegra components are a much welcomed improvement over the Shimano Deore's that are on my Trek. Still, I experience a few failures to shift even when the shift levers are firmly engaged.

Overall, I am very pleased with this bike. I think at this point, the Allez Expert gives the rider neither an advantage nor a disadvantage over other riders. In the future, I may trade up for a carbon frame because of the road vibration.

Strengths:
Comparable to other road bikes.

Weaknesses:
Road vibration transfered to the rider.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 7.3fx (Hybrid)

Price Paid:  $1600.00 at The Bike Shop

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
neighborhood loops

Bike Setup:
Expert triple.
Odometer.
Shimano 105/Ultregra combo.

Summary:
Love this bike! It's the first road bike I've owned in ~20yrs. I have been on MT bikes in between. I test rode several Specialized and Trek models prior to purchase. Found this to be the most comfortable for my size (5'11", 170lbs). Received a great deal on this bike, due to close out of a remaining 2007 model (retailed at ~$2400). I primarily ride "loops" in my suburban/pastural neighborhood (10-13 miles). Lots of hills. Smooth ride. The bike is plenty responsive to incline changes without feeling heavy. After a ride I feel tired; not sore. My wife is now interested in purchasing a bike as well seeing my enthusiasm with riding. I have no doubt we'll purchase another Specialized. Well worth the investment for anyone considering regular riding.

Strengths:
Stiff frame. Zertz and carbon forks/posts absorb road noise well. Excellent brake responsiveness

Weaknesses:
Chain occassioally slips off front crank while travelling up hill and down shifting (?). Only 3 times in 3 months; 220 miles thus far.

Price Paid:  $1699.00 at University Bicycle C

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
The Woodlands 20 mile

Bike Setup:
Full Ultegra Group with Ultegra 10 speed cassette 12-27t. FACT monocoque carbon fork legs, crown,and steerer with Zertz damping inserts. FACT carbon seatstays with Zertz inserts. Specialized Pavé FACT carbon seatpost with Zertz insert. LOOK KéO classic pedals.

Summary:
Crisp, responsive, smooth ride, like a fine tuned sports car! A great investment level bike that you will not soon outgrow. Just when you think that there isn't any more speed left on this bike you drop another gear and you're flying. If it had wings I'm sure it would take off. IF YOU WANT TO GET THIS BIKE BETTER GET IT FAST BECAUSE SPECIALIZED DOES NOT OFFER IT IN THEIR 2008 LINEUP!!!

Strengths:
Great shifting response from the Ultegra group. The triple comes in quite handy when you're going up the hill and wish you had just one more gear. The brakes are awesome, it stops on a dime and gives you nine cents' change!

Weaknesses:
Saddle is a bit uncomfortable but maybe it's because I went from MTB to road and not quite used to it yet. Played with the positioning and it feels better.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 1500