Specialized Allez Race M2 (2014)

Great alloy road/race bike option

Pros

- Tarmac borrowed geometry
- Frame weight and quality

Cons

- Typical aluminium harshness

Review

The new Allez from Specialized is an entry to mid-level alloy road bike with top shelf inspirations. The frame geometry is the same as the Tarmac, which means this bike is designed to be ridden fast or raced.

The frame incorporates Specialized's Smart weld technology which apparently revolutionizes the way frame tubes are joined. I won't get into boring details, but these guys paved the way with tube butting so I'm sure we will all win with lighter, stronger road bikes, and the Allez is certainly light for its price point.

The front end has a high spacer stack above the headset which is easily replaced, resulting in a much lower front end - important if you really want to get down and dirty. Aluminium is usually quite a harsh ride compared to steel or carbon, but the frame design certainly helps alleviate most annoying feedback. As always, upgrading to carbon seatposts and bars can help smooth out the ride even more.

Shimano 105 is kitted throughout as you would expect at this price and it works as well or better than ever. These days 105 is fine for racing; it is robust, smooth and precise and the best thing is it doesn't empty your wallet if something does go wrong.

Overall the Allez continues Specialized's run in the affordable road bike market. This bike has all the qualities of a bike twice its price and would be perfect for the intermediate rider looking for a performance machine that would be worthy of upgrades over time.