ONE BIKE TO RULE THEM ALL
THE REVAMPED AL LEZ ELITE NOW HAS EVEN MORE ALL ROUND APPEAL
We say this every year, but this year’s Bike of the Year test really is our biggest and best yet. Our four testers put 75 bikes through the testing wringer, of which 39 appear in this month’s issue (the rest you can read about on BikeRadar.com). Given the recent broadening of road cycling’s horizons, it won’t be a surprise to learn we picked a versatile winner...
“WE’ D ARGUE THAT THIS IS STILL THE BEST CIRCA £1000 ALL ROUNDER AVAILABLE FROM A MAJOR BRAND AND BRICKS AND MORTAR BIKE SHOP”
Specialized’s Allez underwent a major redesign for 2018. The curved top tube was replaced with a straight one, the seatstays were dramatically dropped, geometry was relaxed marginally, the cabling is now internal, tyre diameter increased and the bottom gear lowered. It also shed around 450g in weight, to dip in under 9kg.
It’s now more versatile too. There are new rear rack mounts and neat mudguard fittings, as well as clearance for full-length fenders. The result is a more practical allround machine rather than a wannabe race bike, making it suitable for a wider range of riders, in particular older cyclists who may have lost a little of their flexibility. For 2019, Specialized’s Allez Elite gained a fantastic brand-spanking-new ‘gloss light blue and rocket red’ paint job, though the price snuck its way up to £1050. The price rise is unwelcome, but we’ll be surprised if more brands don’t follow suit.
GEAR CHANGE
The new 7000 series Shimano 105 predominates, and while there’s a step down to the Tektro brakes, the Praxis chainset has a great industrial look, a 105-equalling performance and comes with a threaded bottom bracket. The 11-32 cassette provides ‘oomph’ at the top end and a knee-friendly bailout bottom gear.
The new Allez frame has a slightly longer wheelbase and taller head tube, resulting in a more stable, marginally more upright ride, which is perfect for long days out, commuting and big training miles. Step on the gas, though, and the handling is still sharp and taut, the descending poised and controlled.
We’d argue that this is the still best circa-£1000 all-rounder available from a major brand and bricks-and-mortar bike shop. You can get slightly better value bikes, but you have to be confident about buying online. Overall, this new incarnation is hard to fault. Wellconsidered geometry, great looks, fine performance and excellent versatility. Allez, allez, allez, allez!