Specialized Allez Sport review - it's been popular for years for a reason

A smart, fun and versatile road bike whether you're just starting out or been at it for ages

Image shows the Specialized Allez Sport
(Image credit: Future)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

The Specialized Allez is a well-balanced road bike that lends itself to a bit of everything and anything regardless of the experience of the rider. The neat and tidy alloy tubed frame is built with a full carbon fork, there's rack and guard mounts for added utility. The Shimano Sora 2x9 gearing provides reliable shifting across a good range. Overall performance is let down by the Axis brakes which could be better, even at this price point.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Goldilocks geometry to suit range of riding

  • +

    Full carbon fibre fork

  • +

    Guard and rack mounts broadens to commuter and winter bike

  • +

    Reliable gearing with good range

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Toe overlap on smaller models

  • -

    Performance of stock brakes

  • -

    Harsh feel to the ride on rough roads

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

The Specialized Allez has been one of the most popular road bikes for many years. It’s versatile, value for money and benefits from a whole lot of trickle down R&D from the high end of Specialized’s range. But being up at the top is a big reputation to live up to, especially now the big brands struggle to offer the value for money that they once did.

There are three Allez models available as part of the larger range of Allez and Allez Sprint bikes. We’ve been riding the mid-range Allez Sport to see how it compares to the rest of our best cheap road bikes and whether it still deserves its lofty standing.

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