Specialized Allez goes disc only
US company’s longest-running production road bike has waved goodbye to rim brakes
It’s been more than four decades since the release of the first Specialized Allez in 1981, and the bike has been in continuous production ever since. That makes it one of two models still present from the American giant’s original line-up, alongside the legendary off-road Stumpjumper. In that time the Allez developed a reputation for being fast, and has maintained its position at the forefront of aluminium road bike development.
But the big news this year, and a sign of changing times, is the extinction of rim brakes from the Allez line-up. The 2023 redesign of the Allez now offers just two models, both specced with disc brakes, which Specialized hopes will inspire confidence in its entry-level road bike.
Another significant change is the bike’s price. For the first time ever, Specialized’s entry-level road bike now comes in above that symbolic £1,000 threshold. This begs the question, is this justified by the build, ride quality and low weight?
What’s new?
Specialized hasn’t just stuck some disc brakes on the Allez and given it a new paintjob; it has refreshed its whole design ethos for the Allez. The designers set out to create a versatile, lightweight and confidence-inspiring bike.
The frame is formed of double-butted E5 alloy. This means the tubing has a variable wall thickness to provide stiffness and strength where needed
– i.e. at the ends of the tubes – while maintaining a low weight by stripping out unnecessary material. The result is a claimed frame weight of 1,375 grams (56cm), making it the “lightest in class” according to Specialized. Worth noting here, it is hard to make a direct comparison with the outgoing Allez as it is rim-brake only, but the Allez sprint frame comes in at 1,500 grams.
To add a little bit of a ‘modern aesthetic’ to the design, Specialized has added an asymmetric seat bridge to the rear triangle, which is wholly a stylistic choice. The bike comes specced with a Specialized FACT full carbon fork, which features both 12mm thru-axle and a tapered steerer, both of which should improve stiffness and handling.
When it comes to handling, Specialized says the new Allez blends the geometries of both the previous model and the Roubaix – its popular endurance bike.
Across all sizes, the frame has lost around 10mm in reach, gained 5mm in the chainstays, and sits around 1° slacker in the head angle. In theory, this should equate to a slightly more stable riding experience, and a move away from the budget race bike credentials the Allez has been known for for so many years.
The addition of disc brakes also makes room for bigger rubber on the Allez. Now
sporting clearance of 35mm, or 32mm with mudguards, Specialized is quick to note that this is not a gravel bike, but can handle a mixed complement of terrain.
Models and spec
Specialized has slimmed down the line-up for 2023 and now offers just the Allez (£1,100), and Allez Sport (£1,600).
The entry-level Allez E5 Disc spec is an almost unchanged set-up to last year – the same Shimano Claris eight-speed groupset with the only change being the mounting of
Tektro MD-550 mechanical disc brakes, which often leave a lot to be desired.
The frame rolls on a set of Axis Sport Disc in-house hoops from Specialized, set up with 30mm tyres out of the box – another nod to versatility here. Finishing kit is all in-house too, with a standard 27.2mm alloy seatpost, as well as 6061 shallow-drop alloy handlebars.
The Allez Sport offers a few vital upgrades over the entry-level model, however. Shimano Tiagra can be found (almost) throughout, including a set of hydraulic disc brakes which should provide far better braking performance. The Sport also benefits from a lightweight Praxis Alba chainset, as well as tubelessready rims which ought to help anyone looking to push the ‘light gravel’ limits of the Allez.
“It has refreshed its whole design ethos for the Allez”