Sold my beautiful disc Synapse and lovely Dual Sport 3 specifically to go back to rim brakes . Can't tolerate the extra weight, and it's not 'a bit ' of extra weight like you say - its alot and it zaps acceleration and climbing ability. In fact just took delivery of a 2022 Allez elite rim brake model last week at sale price and its a breath of fresh air.
From customers perspective it was definitely not right. But it might be right for profit. Cheap rim brake bicycles from yesterday to clearly show how overpriced bikes are nowadays.
I'm glad I upgraded my 2016 Allez E5 Sport with a carbon wheelset and a few other things. I don't ride in the rain because the roads are slippery with oil from motor vehicles, poor visibility and I don't like being rained on. One good is I can maintain my bike without paying for it. Why not have a rim brake option for the customers.
You could learn to fix/service hydraulic disc brakes 😉 I'm not a fan of riding in the rain, but in the UK getting rained on is something that you have to just accept 😂 Braking wise, rain or dry doesn't matter, the braking from hydraulic disc brakes is better and more confidence inspiring.
@@tonywilson5468 Servicing discs is a constant headache though, at least it is if you ride in wet and dirty conditions. On one of my commuters I went from hydro to mechanical discs, to get rid of half of the headaches at least. They're not a panacea. Half the braking performance is lost in rain. Pads begin to wear away like chalk. Discs get scored. Better than rim brakes in the rain yes, but perfect no. Indeed if someone rides a particular bike only in dry conditions, there's really not a convincing justification for discs.
Was Specialized right to drop rim brakes? If they are measuring their success by their profit margin, then yes, it was right. If they are measuring it by providing their customer with options at different price points which cater to rider preference, then no, it was not. I would argue the latter should be more important to them.
1,800 dollars US for a Tiarga model is crazy expensive, i understand its replacing 105 becuase 105 is now electronic but thats still out rages to me. I also would have loved a rim break Allez version in 2023. The Cannondale Caad13 is 1,900 Dollars with full 105 and rim breaks and the Caynon Endurace 8 is 1,800 dollars for a full 105 and dics Breaks. The Cannondale Synapse 105 is 1,600 Dollars on sale. I'm sure they are many other as well, those are just 3 examples. all being cheaper (Spec wise) and better options for that price point. Mechanical 105 is amazing probably the best and only Groupset anyone ever needs, really. I recon if you are thinking of spending that much money on a bike, get more bank for value and don't get an Allez sport and get a different bike or get the claris version for just a bit over 1000 dollars.
I got a rim-brake Allez in 2020, and have since upgraded it with a 50 mm carbon wheelset and a 105 groupset. In total, I spent USD 800 on the bike (with alu wheels and Claris groupset) and USD 900 for the upgrades. For endurance rides, this bike has served me very well over the past 3 years. I’d get a used Allez and upgrade it, simple.
I bought a blue specialized sprint comp from a friend and and barely learning about these road bikes, its a beaut and gives you all the speed and declaration you want and more. I am used to steel single speed but these road bikes are fun.
They wonder why bike sales are struggling... £1,100 for an entry-level bike which cost less than half 5 years ago will not help 🤨 They should keep rim brakes people still like them and they help keep costs down
The steel Elite bottle cages make it very unique, love them! To me it is too expensive but that's the "Specialized" tax for you. Canyon's Tiagra Endurace 6 costs 500€ less for example. Now with the bike market winding down and demand lowering, I bet these Allez will be discounted by 20%ish at the end of the season, which will make the added cost for the "Specialized" name on the frame and having the ability to buy it locally around 150€ more which is fair IMO. The stack and reach is almost the same for them btw.
What are you talking about. Giant tcr has also gone up in price. Everything is expensive now at least here I Canada a tcr rim brakes version is $1200 more than this allez sport
The entry level bike at £1100 is 8 speed Claris, Suntour cassette and, shockingly, Tektro mechanical disc brakes. Total garbage. I mean they should at least be hydraulic if they're dropping rims and forcing discs on us at extra cost! I still have my 2017 Allez DSW - a fantastic bike with rim brakes. I've never once wished I could slow down more quickly.. It's such a shame that Specialized is trashing the Allez heritage with this POS.
Had an alloy emonda and Trek destroyed it the same way so instead of ‘upgrading’ to a modern bike I found a nice Madone frame with DI2 and rim brakes and revamped the drivetrain and maybe have 15% of what a new bike in weight would cost me. If a Dura Ace direct mount caliper can’t stop you…
I own a somewhat similarly spec’d bike in a 2017 Felt VR30. I just rode it yesterday and was thinking it’s brilliant. I use it as a winter bike and for commuting where I lock it in public, which I don’t do with my carbon bike. Discs are great in the winter - not just because of performance in the wet, but also because I can run bigger tires, even with mudguards. Skinny tires, no fenders, and rim brakes aren’t ideal in greasy, claggy conditions. While my bike has 11-speed 105, it also cost more than the new Allez, in 2017 money. This kind of bike is great for people getting into the sport and for an off season ride. It’s either this or a gravel bike, if you want a bit more tire for rougher roads.
There's no reason for you to sell it, there's not much to fault about it, including its mechanical design. I totally don't mind having one as my everyday road bike.
Alloy is not the same as aluminium. Any mixture of elements with at least one metal in it is called an alloy. If you mean aluminium, just say so, please. (I know it sounds silly, but some of us regularly have their brains melt every time we hear it being used this way.)
@@richardmulligan2540 I got the super team 50mm deep carbon wheels for really cheap. I have no complains for the price. It made my bike bit more agile and faster. I like the hub noise too and it just looks cool
I’m not a weight weenie and if I was I’d lose a few off my body so I’m okay with disc and actually like the idea of disc brakes. I like the Allez sprint but I’m so inflexible so can’t handle the sprint model. Hoping the Allez is stiffer than my caad12 without the aggressive position of the Allez sprint. That price of the Allez sport hurts a bit with the specs it comes with. I’m gonna try to find one in my size second hand.
I liked that there was a cheap entry level road race bike for those that were interested, I'm sad to see that disappear. I also don't really understand why this exists alongside the aluminum diverge models. They're basically the same now.
In the Bike Radar news mail this bike is described as “New Specialized Allez loses rim brakes and ups versatility with 35mm tyre clearance”. What is UPS versatility in this context?????
I'm 172cm. Like you I'm often stuck between 2 sizes, but I like a longer stem with a shorter headtube for my position. Showing more seatpost also improves comfort a bit, so I mostly go for the smaller size. Liam
Why are there separate categories for gravel and road bikes anymore? It’s pretty well the melding of a gravel and endurance bike and calling it a race bike.. I hate modern bikes.
i am using sunrace since a while and in my experience they shift as well and fast (with di2) as shimano does, however the gearchange feels a bit harsher and not as smooth (doesnt bother me) sometimes.
Never liked specialized -- they just seem to never be able to compete in my cost/performance calculations. My dream low cost per kg bicycle will always be a stiff aluminium setup with rim brakes.
I got the last rim brake model , 28 mm tyres are wide enough , swiss stop pads ,, Brakes sorted , If I wanted 32 mm tyres I would purchase a gravel bike , The new disc is heavy rimmed , Cheap componentry and big price tag makes it over priced trash imho ,, Shame on Spesh...
This is actually an embarrassing move by specialized. For starters they have now changed the core DNA of the Allez and what it was intended to be. As an Allez owner and lover for the best part of a decade I have never needed my trusty steed to be versatile to the point where I don’t know whether it’s a gravel bike or a road bike. This is a £1600 semi Tiagra bloated mess that doesn’t know what it wants to be. The Allez should be a classic light weight aluminium rim brake bike with a range of Shimano groupset offerings. £1200 with full 105 rim brake.
This bike was really easy to assemble th-cam.com/users/postUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.
£680 for an allez sport in 2020, no wonder they arent shifting bikes. The prices are a joke. Its a winter hack or commuter. Have a word with yourself if youre buying one of these.
Get a Ribble specialized are taking the piss . The price of new bikes is crazy. You could get a custom ti with with better components for just a bit more
Trash... ill take a old allez anyday. Then they have the nerve to add a mechanic disc. What a slap in the face. 105 group minimum! Who did they hire for this design? Must not be a cyclist.
Have two alu bikes, one with cable discs and one with rim brakes, guess which one always climbs faster and is lighter. Breaking performance is the same, with less noise on the rim brakes of course.
If you’re a fit white male cyclist struggling to find employment post COVID…. Specialized Bicycles: “We want to increase representation of all races, genders, and body types in the cycling industry and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where all people thrive. We encourage everyone - especially those from marginalized groups - to apply to our job postings and help us earn the position as the rider's brand of choice. We are always looking for creative, innovative, and passionate people who are eager to contribute to our mission of pedaling the planet forward. Regardless of your qualifications, if you are ready to make a difference, please apply and let us know how you can make an impact at Specialized!” So no need to be qualified… just don’t be a fit white male.
Was Specialized right to drop rim brakes?
Options are always better than none.
No, having the option at a lower price would have been good.
Sold my beautiful disc Synapse and lovely Dual Sport 3 specifically to go back to rim brakes . Can't tolerate the extra weight, and it's not 'a bit ' of extra weight like you say - its alot and it zaps acceleration and climbing ability. In fact just took delivery of a 2022 Allez elite rim brake model last week at sale price and its a breath of fresh air.
@@greengrass9572 I also got a rim roubaix, it really feels nice.
From customers perspective it was definitely not right. But it might be right for profit. Cheap rim brake bicycles from yesterday to clearly show how overpriced bikes are nowadays.
Disc brakes, mudguard mounts. Such innovation. Much wow.
this was a funny comment
imagine using disc brakes on a racing bike.. what a joke
Decathlon's Van Rysel is offering full carbon + full Tiagra at 1600 euros for their NCR CF
press fit bb bikes worth $5
£1600 for a partial Tiagra groupset with beginner bike geometry, what a joke. Second hand is only option these days it seems
there are brands giving value for what you paying. Specialized only want the money
For the same price you could buy a carbon, uci certified full 105 vitus.
I think you could also not buy a Specialized 😊
I would opt for a used diverge if you are going down essentially gravel specs.. 🤷♂️
Or canyon
I'm glad I upgraded my 2016 Allez E5 Sport with a carbon wheelset and a few other things. I don't ride in the rain because the roads are slippery with oil from motor vehicles, poor visibility and I don't like being rained on. One good is I can maintain my bike without paying for it. Why not have a rim brake option for the customers.
You could learn to fix/service hydraulic disc brakes 😉 I'm not a fan of riding in the rain, but in the UK getting rained on is something that you have to just accept 😂 Braking wise, rain or dry doesn't matter, the braking from hydraulic disc brakes is better and more confidence inspiring.
@@tonywilson5468 Servicing discs is a constant headache though, at least it is if you ride in wet and dirty conditions. On one of my commuters I went from hydro to mechanical discs, to get rid of half of the headaches at least.
They're not a panacea. Half the braking performance is lost in rain. Pads begin to wear away like chalk. Discs get scored. Better than rim brakes in the rain yes, but perfect no.
Indeed if someone rides a particular bike only in dry conditions, there's really not a convincing justification for discs.
Was Specialized right to drop rim brakes? If they are measuring their success by their profit margin, then yes, it was right. If they are measuring it by providing their customer with options at different price points which cater to rider preference, then no, it was not. I would argue the latter should be more important to them.
Yeah those disc brakes on the lower version, cost the same as the rim brake ones, maybe, less. They are selling them for 200$ more
capitalism babe
1,800 dollars US for a Tiarga model is crazy expensive, i understand its replacing 105 becuase 105 is now electronic but thats still out rages to me. I also would have loved a rim break Allez version in 2023. The Cannondale Caad13 is 1,900 Dollars with full 105 and rim breaks and the Caynon Endurace 8 is 1,800 dollars for a full 105 and dics Breaks. The Cannondale Synapse 105 is 1,600 Dollars on sale. I'm sure they are many other as well, those are just 3 examples. all being cheaper (Spec wise) and better options for that price point. Mechanical 105 is amazing probably the best and only Groupset anyone ever needs, really. I recon if you are thinking of spending that much money on a bike, get more bank for value and don't get an Allez sport and get a different bike or get the claris version for just a bit over 1000 dollars.
Thanks your comment is what I was looking for versus listening to this commercial.
I got a rim-brake Allez in 2020, and have since upgraded it with a 50 mm carbon wheelset and a 105 groupset. In total, I spent USD 800 on the bike (with alu wheels and Claris groupset) and USD 900 for the upgrades. For endurance rides, this bike has served me very well over the past 3 years. I’d get a used Allez and upgrade it, simple.
105 still has a mechanical variant, why would anyone want one beats my imagination
There are still some previous versions of the rim-braked Allez Elite available......Think i'd prefer that than this new version.
I bought a blue specialized sprint comp from a friend and and barely learning about these road bikes, its a beaut and gives you all the speed and declaration you want and more. I am used to steel single speed but these road bikes are fun.
They wonder why bike sales are struggling...
£1,100 for an entry-level bike which cost less than half 5 years ago will not help 🤨
They should keep rim brakes people still like them and they help keep costs down
The steel Elite bottle cages make it very unique, love them!
To me it is too expensive but that's the "Specialized" tax for you. Canyon's Tiagra Endurace 6 costs 500€ less for example. Now with the bike market winding down and demand lowering, I bet these Allez will be discounted by 20%ish at the end of the season, which will make the added cost for the "Specialized" name on the frame and having the ability to buy it locally around 150€ more which is fair IMO. The stack and reach is almost the same for them btw.
The Elite cages are one of the best purchases I've ever made. Liam
but the Endurace 6 is not in stock 😩
Great video! Thanks. I bought the Diverge A1 seven years ago.... and I just ordered the Allez Sport 2023
For a few pounds or euros or dollars more you can buy a Giant Tcr with 105 which is full carbon and 2 kilos lighter.
What are you talking about. Giant tcr has also gone up in price. Everything is expensive now at least here I Canada a tcr rim brakes version is $1200 more than this allez sport
The entry level bike at £1100 is 8 speed Claris, Suntour cassette and, shockingly, Tektro mechanical disc brakes. Total garbage. I mean they should at least be hydraulic if they're dropping rims and forcing discs on us at extra cost! I still have my 2017 Allez DSW - a fantastic bike with rim brakes. I've never once wished I could slow down more quickly.. It's such a shame that Specialized is trashing the Allez heritage with this POS.
Had an alloy emonda and Trek destroyed it the same way so instead of ‘upgrading’ to a modern bike I found a nice Madone frame with DI2 and rim brakes and revamped the drivetrain and maybe have 15% of what a new bike in weight would cost me. If a Dura Ace direct mount caliper can’t stop you…
Mechanical discs is always a strange selection for me. Liam
Sounds pretty expensive
Enough to put a lot of people off and look elsewhere.
I own a somewhat similarly spec’d bike in a 2017 Felt VR30. I just rode it yesterday and was thinking it’s brilliant. I use it as a winter bike and for commuting where I lock it in public, which I don’t do with my carbon bike.
Discs are great in the winter - not just because of performance in the wet, but also because I can run bigger tires, even with mudguards. Skinny tires, no fenders, and rim brakes aren’t ideal in greasy, claggy conditions.
While my bike has 11-speed 105, it also cost more than the new Allez, in 2017 money.
This kind of bike is great for people getting into the sport and for an off season ride. It’s either this or a gravel bike, if you want a bit more tire for rougher roads.
Management at specialized knows better then consumer . Keep this up and good luck staying in business.
Probably the bike I would buy. All the bike you need.
I just got one for my birthday from my husband. So excited to explore.
I feel like this release increases the value of my Allez Elite (rim brakes) 🤣. Not looking to sell it ever. Love my snappy Allez
There's no reason for you to sell it, there's not much to fault about it, including its mechanical design. I totally don't mind having one as my everyday road bike.
Amen!
It looks alright. They needed an alloy endurance bike. But right now, Canyon Endurace AL is the one I’d point to in this category
Alloy is not the same as aluminium. Any mixture of elements with at least one metal in it is called an alloy. If you mean aluminium, just say so, please. (I know it sounds silly, but some of us regularly have their brains melt every time we hear it being used this way.)
Yes, this is a pet hate of mine also. Steel is also an alloy.
@@drooghead!!!!!
I'd be looking at what Chain Reaction Vitus bike range has to offer. Guessing much better value for money 🤔
The Vitus Zenium with Tiagra is £1,200, but you get mechanical discs. The 105 bike at £1,600 would certainly offer better value.
1600 for tiagra... Lol i got a crap tier no brand big box 105 11s with rim brakes for 1000€ NEW last year. If a brand sticker is worth 600€, ouch.
My 2014 Allez Race still runs well, but is in need of some upgrades. I am still in awe how light it is (9 kg).
whoah! it looks like a bicycle!
I have last year version with the rim brake. I changed the wheels for some Chinese carbon and put conti tires on it. Excellent bike now
I have a allez rim brake. Put 105 on it with a new set of dt Swiss wheels. It’s faster than my 15lbs ultimate lol
@@ralphmartinez8616 how much did it cost you to put 105 on it if you don’t mind sharing
@@cowboysmfoo2 600$ usd plus install at bike shop. Remember it’s rim brake. Much cheaper tan disc group sets
How do you like the carbon wheels?….I upgraded my 10 year old Allez with 11s 105 mechanical and was eyeing those carbon wheels
@@richardmulligan2540 I got the super team 50mm deep carbon wheels for really cheap. I have no complains for the price. It made my bike bit more agile and faster. I like the hub noise too and it just looks cool
I’m not a weight weenie and if I was I’d lose a few off my body so I’m okay with disc and actually like the idea of disc brakes. I like the Allez sprint but I’m so inflexible so can’t handle the sprint model. Hoping the Allez is stiffer than my caad12 without the aggressive position of the Allez sprint. That price of the Allez sport hurts a bit with the specs it comes with. I’m gonna try to find one in my size second hand.
I liked that there was a cheap entry level road race bike for those that were interested, I'm sad to see that disappear.
I also don't really understand why this exists alongside the aluminum diverge models. They're basically the same now.
In the Bike Radar news mail this bike is described as “New Specialized Allez loses rim brakes and ups versatility with 35mm tyre clearance”. What is UPS versatility in this context?????
it gives riders more power - that's the UPS (uninterruptible power supply)
Sorry, but does that make sense on road bike? I am non the wiser.
@2:39 McIntosh Lake in Longmont Colorado, nice view
will there be an Allez Elite with Shimano 105?
Curious how tall you are, kinda stuck between getting a 52 or 54...
I'm 172cm. Like you I'm often stuck between 2 sizes, but I like a longer stem with a shorter headtube for my position. Showing more seatpost also improves comfort a bit, so I mostly go for the smaller size. Liam
This is a 54 Frame - how tall are you and which inseamlength do you have?
I’d like to see another Allez comp with 105 10 speed and rim brakes. Ok for 2010 and £1000. Imagine the low price now with no development costs
I like this bike, but I don't get why they wouldn't have a lower spec bike. Thats turning people new to cycling to other brands for a lower cost.
How does this groupset compare to the 105?
The terrain around Ford and Slaughterford are a good test of any bike.
This bike is too expensive!
I would like to get 105 in this category!
Look at a cube Attain Slx for less money but with 105!
Why are there separate categories for gravel and road bikes anymore? It’s pretty well the melding of a gravel and endurance bike and calling it a race bike.. I hate modern bikes.
I’m surprised to k ow the first allez was steel, I always thought it was a good pun.
indeed, bit of an anticlimax
12:20 - How would you rate the shift performance of this cassette? I have an 11-28, 9sp version and I feel like the Alivio version shifts smoother.
i am using sunrace since a while and in my experience they shift as well and fast (with di2) as shimano does, however the gearchange feels a bit harsher and not as smooth (doesnt bother me) sometimes.
Have to say I was surprised when I checked the spec sheet and saw it was a SunRace. It's been really accurate for me. Liam
For 40 years it has been descent value for money... for a Specialized.
I think there still is a place for rim brakes. That being said, this bike would be perfect for my needs.
Never liked specialized -- they just seem to never be able to compete in my cost/performance calculations. My dream low cost per kg bicycle will always be a stiff aluminium setup with rim brakes.
Hmmm… disc brakes are good, but rim brakes were, too. It’s not like cars where disc brakes were a huge improvement over drums.
1600 for that? Just stick with my triban
I got the last rim brake model , 28 mm tyres are wide enough , swiss stop pads ,, Brakes sorted , If I wanted 32 mm tyres I would purchase a gravel bike , The new disc is heavy rimmed , Cheap componentry and big price tag makes it over priced trash imho ,, Shame on Spesh...
this or 2019 allez sprint ?
This is actually an embarrassing move by specialized. For starters they have now changed the core DNA of the Allez and what it was intended to be. As an Allez owner and lover for the best part of a decade I have never needed my trusty steed to be versatile to the point where I don’t know whether it’s a gravel bike or a road bike. This is a £1600 semi Tiagra bloated mess that doesn’t know what it wants to be.
The Allez should be a classic light weight aluminium rim brake bike with a range of Shimano groupset offerings. £1200 with full 105 rim brake.
This one or trek alr 4???
Can anyone suggest me a cheaper road bike alternative to this one? Please any answers welcome thank you
Van Rysel NCR CF
A real Porker...Luckily their Allez Elite from last year is still available if anyone wants one
"That's as long as I've been alive"
Yep. We should certainly listen to this guy.
It's not his fault that you're old
@@ShredST It's not my fault that you don't get it.
the fork is the only part worth keeping on this bike
So…. It’s a disc break Tricross?
35mm taller is HUGE???
This bike was really easy to assemble th-cam.com/users/postUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.
£680 for an allez sport in 2020, no wonder they arent shifting bikes. The prices are a joke. Its a winter hack or commuter. Have a word with yourself if youre buying one of these.
Get a Ribble specialized are taking the piss . The price of new bikes is crazy. You could get a custom ti with with better components for just a bit more
Selling us polished shit for twice the price......no thanks
Please stop, it's JUST a low end aluminium bike, nothing special.
Low end aluminum bike with a price tag that’s not low end (for a lot of us filthy casuals)
10 speed really???
3:06 i.e. greed.
I’ll take my steel Allez over this new piece of garbage any day
Disc Brakes = Yes! Big Tire Clearance = Yes! 😎💯
get a gravl bike then
You get the same thing at a lower price point buying a BikesDirect gravel bike.
Specialized entry bikes are a joke. You can buy better equiped bikes at a lower price.
Trash... ill take a old allez anyday. Then they have the nerve to add a mechanic disc. What a slap in the face. 105 group minimum! Who did they hire for this design? Must not be a cyclist.
Tragic
who the F uses rim brakes still?
Keep your discs and calipers and all the weight that comes with them.
I do and there is nothing wrong with them
lmao pogacar uses rim brakes given the chance. superior to disc
Have two alu bikes, one with cable discs and one with rim brakes, guess which one always climbs faster and is lighter. Breaking performance is the same, with less noise on the rim brakes of course.
@Ryan Terence it’s not the bikes buddy it’s the fresh new dope! Heavier Brakes don’t make you go faster 😂😂
Rim brakes on road bikes are shit, I will never buy a road bike with rim brakes.
then you have only disc brake bikes now, so you can pick them all!
If you’re a fit white male cyclist struggling to find employment post COVID….
Specialized Bicycles: “We want to increase representation of all races, genders, and body types in the cycling industry and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where all people thrive. We encourage everyone - especially those from marginalized groups - to apply to our job postings and help us earn the position as the rider's brand of choice.
We are always looking for creative, innovative, and passionate people who are eager to contribute to our mission of pedaling the planet forward.
Regardless of your qualifications, if you are ready to make a difference, please apply and let us know how you can make an impact at Specialized!”
So no need to be qualified… just don’t be a fit white male.
I just got mine from a junkie. 😂😂😂 know he spent my brand new bike for drugs. But I win. 😂