Specialized Allez road bikes range explained

The Specialized Allez road bikes range is a well known, and well loved, platform that has provided the first springboard into cycling for thousands of riders - and it continues to do so, ranking it among the best aluminium road bikes and, indeed, placing it in our list of the best road bikes.

Arguably the most popular road bike range in existence, it has stood the test of time as a model family, with early steel versions appearing as far back as 1981.

Whilst some models within the family are still purpose designed to provide an excellent introduction to cycling, the range also includes some race tuned machines created for full throttle riding.

The Specialized Allez bike range explained

In 2023, the Specialized Allez range received its latest update, which saw the base-level bikes switch from rim brakes to disc brakes. There are two specs available: the Allez and Allez Sport. 

Rim brake callipers limit how wide a tire can be to fit within the brake arms, but disc brakes remove that constraint, so the disc brake Specialized Allez bikes have clearance to allow you to fit 35mm wide tires. 

The Allez and Allez Sport are fitted with 30mm tires, but these measure up wider than this. You can fit 32mm wide tires and still have space for mudguards.

As well as the new Allez and Allez Sport, Specialized sells the Allez Sprint. This bike has a different frame that's more racy and a favourite among crit racers for its stiffness.

At present, you can still buy old stock rim brake Allez and Allez Sport bikes. These have clearance for 28mm tires and similar specs to the new disc brake Allez and Allez Sport. We've covered them lower down this page.

As well as internal routing through the down tube, all the Allez models include an all-carbon fork with mudguard mounts and also with internal brake cable routing. The new bikes have switched from quick release axles to thru-axles, which give  more consistent alignment if you need to remove and replace a wheel.

Specialized has also slightly adjusted the new Allez's geometry, so that it now matches that of the Specialized Roubaix carbon endurance bike across the wide size range from 44cm up to 61cm.

Turning to the Allez Sprint, the frame features the d'Alusio Smartweld Technology which Specialized first launched in 2013.

Pitched as a welding technique designed to re-invent the way alloy was viewed as a frame material, it's a form of welding that moves the joint away from high stress areas, providing a better "balance of strength, rigidity and weight", according to the company. Effectively it makes the front end lighter and stiffer.

Specialized Allez road bikes range

Here's a look at all the current models in the range and the previous generation Allez bikes.

The Specialized Allez Sport is the higher spec model of the new Allez range. It's distinguished by 10-speed Shimano Tiagra gearing and in-series hydraulic disc brakes.

Like the base model Allez (see below), it runs on Specialized Axis wheels with Specialized Roadsport 30mm wide tires. There's a Specialized Body Geometry Bridge saddle and Specialized's shallow drop bars.

The ride position is quite relaxed and comfortable, making the Allez Sport a great beginner bike. It would also work well for commuting, while the wider tires and clearance put light gravel riding within its reach.

The base model Specialized Allez uses many of the same components as the higher spec Allez Sport: same frame, same wheels and tires, same saddle and handlebars, same gear ratios.

The two bikes differ in their drivetrains, with the Allez being equipped with an eight speed Shimano Claris groupset along with cable-operated Tektro mechanical disc brakes. 

On test, we found the large jumps between the ratios offered by Claris a little disconcerting, but otherwise the Allez has the same easy riding qualities of the more expensive bike.

You can read more of our impressions of the disc brake Allez in our Specialized Allez first ride review. 

The old Allez had always been considered an excellent option for an entry level criterium racer, owing to the geometry and resilient properties of alloy. With the Sprint models, Specialized took it up a gear to create a race-first model.

The frame is lighter and stiffer, thanks to the use of Smartweld technology at junctions. The geometry has been tweaked, with a lower stack, and indeed a shorter reach and wheelbase. All this adds up to a more head down, nippy ride.

This is really more of a crit machine than a first-bike-that-could-do-alright-in-a-race. In fact, Specialized used this frame to make limited edition fixie bikes for racers at the Red Hook Crit - and racing doesn't really get more aggressive than that.

Specialized call this the "stiffest alloy bike we've ever tested", with influence coming from the World Tour-winning Tarmac and fork sizes that alter in line with the frame size for improved handling.

An aero curve at the downtube is complemented by a Allez Sprint aero seatpost. The Praxis chainset features a 50/34 chainset with an 11-28 cassette (racers might want to adjust that). The Shimano 105 set up comes with DT R470 disc wheels and 26mm Turbo Pro tires. Its R7020 hydraulic disc brakes provide powerful braking, particularly in the wet.

Older models still available to buy

The old model Specialized Allez Elite is equipped with rim brakes rather than disc brakes. This and the frame clearances limit you to fitting 28mm wide tires maximum.

In many other respects, the spec mirrors the new model Allez with the same saddle and handlebars, but the bike swaps out the own brand Axis wheels for DT Swiss R460. There's a 2x11-speed SRAM Rival groupset, giving you an extra gear ratio over the same range s the new Allez Sport. SRAM's double tap shifting isn't as intuitive as Shimano's mechanical shifting logic though.

We rated the Specialized Allez among the best road bikes, thanks to its confident, stable ride and quality build that's ripe for upgrades - both qualities that have been carried forward into the new disc brake bike.

The older Allez actually comes with wider range gearing than its replacement, with benefits on climbs. On the way back down though, we found the budget rim brakes lacking in stopping power.

For more, read our full old model Specialized Allez review.

Which Specialized Allez should you buy?

The Specialized Allez and Allez Sport models will both be reliable rides for commuting, sportives, club runs or just enjoyable spins around the lanes. The wide ratio geometry means this bike can suit a selection of needs, from club runs to sportives to commutes.

The Sport spec gives you more gear ratios though, as well as better stopping power and modulation from its hydraulic disc brakes.

When it comes to choosing between them, it's all about how much incremental differences in performance matter to you. The more you spend, the lighter the overall bike will be, and the crisper you'll find the shifting and braking, but the sizeable jump in price between the base model and the Sport might be a deterrent to choosing the higher spec bike.

The Allez Sprint bike really is for a completely different rider: this is a bike for racers who are happy to forgo comfort.

Ultimately, the Specialized Allez range offers comfort and versatility, placing it squarely among the best budget road bikes.