The Specialized Allez is one of the most popular beginner’s road bikes on the market and it’s getting a significant update. The previous model was only available with rim brakes and 28mm tyre clearance, but the new Allez has followed its racier sibling the Allez Sprint by switching to disc brakes, and now it comes with space for 35mm tyres, or 32mm tyres with mudguards.

There’s been a small price rise from the old model, with the entry-level Allez costing £1,100 and the higher-spec Allez Sport priced at £1,600. Read our Specialized Allez Sport review for an in-depth tour of the new bike.

Specialized

It’s been over 40 years since the Allez was first launched and Specialized has had an Allez in its range ever since, with the previous model launched in 2018. 

The new model Allez shares that bike’s E5 aluminium frame material with internal cable routing through the down tube. The profile is similar as well, with dropped seatstays, although the new bike has a slightly more upright look. Specialized says that it’s made small adjustments to the geometry, which is now the same as its Roubaix endurance bike across the size range.

Specialized says the new Allez is the lightest bike in its class, with a painted size 56cm frame weighing 1,375g and full bike weights as low as 9.5kg. There’s a FACT carbon fork, BSA threaded bottom bracket and a non-removable front derailleur mount and a move from quick-release wheels to thru-axles.

The big change is the swap to disc brakes, Tektro mechanical on the base model Allez and Shimano Tiagra hydraulic on the Allez Sport. That’s been accompanied by a large increase in tyre clearance, with the frame now accepting 35mm tyres, up from 28mm on the previous model. There are mounts front and rear for mudguards, which when fitted bring the clearance down to 32mm. You can also fit a rack at the rear.

Specialized has taken advantage of the newfound clearance to fit its 30mm Roadsport tyres on own-brand Axis Sport Disc tubeless-ready wheels. When we reviewed the new Allez, we measured the tyres up at just under 32mm, reflecting the tendency for tyres to size up larger than specified on modern wider rims.

Other finishing kit is also Specialized branded, from the shallow drop bars to the Body Geometry Bridge saddle and 27.2mm alloy seatpost.

Two spec levels

Specialized

At launch, Specialized will offer the Allez in two spec levels. The base-level Allez is equipped with a Shimano Claris 8-speed groupset and Tektro MD-550 mechanical disc brakes. Specialized claims that the base spec Allez weighs 10.0kg.

Move up to the Allez Sport and there’s Shimano Tiagra 10-speed shifting, with a Praxis Alba crankset and in-series Tiagra hydraulic disc brakes. Specialized claims that the bike’s weight drops to 9.5kg.

Both specs get the same gear ratios, with a 50/34 compact crankset paired with a Sunrace 11-32 cassette, offering a decent, if not exceptional, spread of gear ratios. Many road bikes now go down to 1:1 or lower, although a narrower gear range keeps jumps smaller, particularly with only eight speeds. 

Specialized says that the new Allez is a good choice for beginner riders, good for group rides or a first race and also a capable commuter. The 35mm tyre clearance also makes light gravel riding an option. 

Prices for the new Allez start at £1,100, an increase from the £999 of the old model, although that bike cost just £630 when launched in 2018, reflecting the bike price inflation that has occurred in the past few years.

The Allez Sport has increased in price from £1,250 when we reviewed the old model to £1,600 now, although that includes a shifting upgrade from nine to ten speeds. You can also still opt for the Specialized Allez Sprint, which has a more racy geometry and spec.

There’s the same spread of seven frame sizes as with the old model Allez. These start at 44cm, which Specialized says is smaller than many kids’ bikes and makes the Allez a good option for older children.

How is the new bike to ride? You can find out in our accompanying Specialized Allez Sport review.

Specialized Allez specifications and prices

Specialized Allez

SpecializedFrame: E5 premium aluminiumFork: FACT full carbon         Groupset: Shimano Claris 8-speed, Sunrace cassette   Gear ratios: 50/34t, 11-32t       Wheels: Specialized Axis Sport DiscTyres: Specialized Roadsport 30mm, wire bead                                Brakes: Tektro MD-550 mechanical disc                            Bars: Specialized Shallow Drop alloy                                           Stem: 3D-forged alloy, 7 degree rise                                 Saddle: Specialized Body Geometry Bridge, steel rails                 Seatpost: Specialized 27.2mm alloy                                     Sizes: 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61cmWeight: 10.0kg, claimed                          Colours: Lagoon blue, Smoke, Satin maroon                       Price: £1,100, $1,200, €1,200, AU$1,800

Specialized Allez Sport

SpecializedFrame: E5 premium aluminiumFork: FACT full carbon         Groupset: Shimano Tiagra 10-speed, Praxis Alba chainset, Sunrace cassette   Gear ratios: 50/34t, 11-32t       Wheels: Specialized Axis Sport DiscTyres: Specialized Roadsport 30mm, wire bead                                Brakes: Shimano Tiagra hydraulic disc                            Bars: Specialized Shallow Drop alloy                                           Stem: 3D-forged alloy, 7 degree rise                                 Saddle: Specialized Body Geometry Bridge, steel rails                 Seatpost: Specialized 27.2mm alloy                                     Sizes: 44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61cm Weight: 9.5kg, claimed                          Colours: Dove grey, Tropical teal, Tarmac black                       Price: £1,600, $1,800, €1,750, AU$2,500 

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