Hey guys, I’m new to the forum but I’ve been doing sprint distance triathlons for about 5 years now. Also, I do about 20-30 mile training rides on my current road bike, which is a 2010 Specialized Allez Sport. I’m looking to upgrade my bike this year, and I’m really liking the look of the new Allez Sprints. I’ve rode a smartweld frame before, and I really enjoy them. I also like the idea of being 1x11 on my road bike. I am looking for anyone that has gone with a 1x11 road bike and can give some insight into how they perform on the hills. In the rides that I do and the races that I compete in, there aren’t any super huge climbs.
My second question is this: I’m looking at buying a set of the Aerofly carbon bars. Would clip on aerobars be able to clamp on these right away, or would I have to get a special clamp, since the bar isn’t round? Also, I’m 6’1" and am currently on a 56 with a 110 cm stem. I realize it’s extremely hard to tell me what size to get, but if anyone has rode the new Allez and can give me some info on how the size compares to other bikes, that’d be awesome.
I’m looking at the Allez Sprint Expert (SRAM Force, it’s the black/cyan one) Thanks guys!
Hard to say on how 1x goes on hills. It’s really course and rider dependent. You can get different chainrings for different course needs.
Aerobars will not fit on the Aerofly. Headtube height is a bit shorter than the standard allez. check the stack and reach on the geometry charts to see if youd need a change in spacers and stem config.
Note: If the 1x seems to limiting for your riding, know that the Allez Sprint is coming out in a 2x option as well.
Hard to say on how 1x goes on hills. It’s really course and rider dependent. You can get different chainrings for different course needs.
Aerobars will not fit on the Aerofly. Headtube height is a bit shorter than the standard allez. check the stack and reach on the geometry charts to see if youd need a change in spacers and stem config.
Note: If the 1x seems to limiting for your riding, know that the Allez Sprint is coming out in a 2x option as well.
Hey thanks for the reply, that helps. I’ll just have to try it out I suppose. That’s kind of what I was thinking for the aerobars as well. How do you think the size 56 is for my height?
I’ve seen that, but I’m getting a much better deal on the Allez Sprint X1 than I could on the X2. I like the idea of different chain rings, and I could swap to a wider range cassette too if necessary.
EDIT: I checked the stack and reach for both:
Allez 56: Stack 574mm, Reach 392 mm
Allez Sprint 56: Stack 554 mm, 395 mm
Is it much heavier? I realize i could look up the lbs for it versus a carbon tarmac or venge but im lazy and want first hand account. I really want the 1x and living in Texas won’t really need the 2x as i never find myself in the small ring. I think it’s a great offering from Specialized!
From what I’m seeing for frameset weights: 1100 for the 1x and 1150 for the 2x in 56. I live in a hilly area so the 2x is essential. I’m in love with the bike. I’m coming off a BMC SLR01 and I actually prefer the ride/handling of the allez.
Just a heads up, Specialized is releasing a 2x sprint dsw soon.(http://www.bicycling.com/…-allez-sprint-dsw-2x)
I got my hands on one through my team and it’s a seriously awesome bike. As aero as the gen 1 venge and has stiff as the SL3.
Nice, glad to hear it! How tall are you? Just trying to see if I should stick with a 56 cm frame again or bump up to a 58. Also, I saw that. But I can get a much better deal on the 1x, so I’m going to stick with that. I’ll make adjustments as needed. Do you have the 1x right now?
The geo is more of a ‘crit fit’ so the headtube is shorter than usual for sizing. I’m about 5’8 and have a 54 in the 2x. I initially wanted a 52 but was advised to go up to a 54 because of the ht sizing. I’m definitely glad I did that and the fit is spot on.
The geo is more of a ‘crit fit’ so the headtube is shorter than usual for sizing. I’m about 5’8 and have a 54 in the 2x. I initially wanted a 52 but was advised to go up to a 54 because of the ht sizing. I’m definitely glad I did that and the fit is spot on.
Okay perfect. I’m getting a second opinion on the size over the weekend, so I’ll hopefully know which one I want by early next week. Pretty excited for the bike, I think 1x would be fine for around here, as well as for the courses that my triathlons are usually on. Worst case scenario I swap cassettes or chain rings. I really like the 1x on my mountain bike, hence why I want it on the road bike as well.
Are you running any spacers under your stem, and/or what degree angle is your stem?
You’re on a 56 with a 110mm stem, so assuming your position is good you’re looking at either a 56 or 58. Allez’s in general don’t add much reach (5mm) going from 56 to 58, so unless you needed stack (you’re using 10mm+ spacers/positive stem) there’s little benefit to sizing up especially given wanting to use it for tri’s and adding clip ons…in fact you’d want the 56 for the lesser stack for that very reason, imho.
Also, I’ve got the Bontrager Aero Race aluminum aero road bars and they might work for you since you need some round tube to clamp clips ons to. Routing cables is unpleasant, to say the lease. Also be aware they have less reach/drop than many bars.
Lastly, 1x is a personal preference just remember the derailleur mount isn’t removable…you either have it or don’t so you can’t change your mind. General feedback on road 1x is that it comes down to cadence, whether you like a specific number and thus need the smaller spread or can operate efficiently spinning different speeds. I’m a big fan for tri, crit, etc but run 2x on my all 'rounder, a '13 e5 dsw osbb.
Are you running any spacers under your stem, and/or what degree angle is your stem?
You’re on a 56 with a 110mm stem, so assuming your position is good you’re looking at either a 56 or 58. Allez’s in general don’t add much reach (5mm) going from 56 to 58, so unless you needed stack (you’re using 10mm+ spacers/positive stem) there’s little benefit to sizing up especially given wanting to use it for tri’s and adding clip ons…in fact you’d want the 56 for the lesser stack for that very reason, imho.
Also, I’ve got the Bontrager Aero Race aluminum aero road bars and they might work for you since you need some round tube to clamp clips ons to. Routing cables is unpleasant, to say the lease. Also be aware they have less reach/drop than many bars.
Lastly, 1x is a personal preference just remember the derailleur mount isn’t removable…you either have it or don’t so you can’t change your mind. General feedback on road 1x is that it comes down to cadence, whether you like a specific number and thus need the smaller spread or can operate efficiently spinning different speeds. I’m a big fan for tri, crit, etc but run 2x on my all 'rounder, a '13 e5 dsw osbb.
I’ll have to look at it when I get home, but from what I can remember I have whatever spacers came on the bike underneath the stem. My stem is at a positive 7 degree angle right now as well. From what I was seeing, the general rule is that it’s easier to make a smaller bike bigger than it is to make a bigger bike smaller. I agree with you on the sizing, but on the Specialized website I was seeing a slightly different geometry for the sprint models vs the base allez.
Regarding the 1x, yes I know that. Honestly I have no preference, I’m pretty flexible on cadence and find myself not preferring a specific number over anything else. Tri will be the bike’s main use, as well as training rides. I’m assuming there will be a slight learning curve with it, but I think after that, I would be fine. Thanks for the detailed reply!
That’s great to hear. Just stopped by the LBS and they have a 54 but it needs to be built. Gonna spin it next week. Looking to trade in my older Tarmac and most likely go with the Allez 1x. I like the venge but feel like i can get a bit more out of the allez for the price. I also like the sram force. not a huge fan of the color schemes
That’s great to hear. Just stopped by the LBS and they have a 54 but it needs to be built. Gonna spin it next week. Looking to trade in my older Tarmac and most likely go with the Allez 1x. I like the venge but feel like i can get a bit more out of the allez for the price. I also like the sram force. not a huge fan of the color schemes
You’ll have to let me know what you think of it. My LBS doesn’t stock the bike, so I have to special order it. I’m going to get some second opinions on the size over the weekend. I agree with you on the color scheme, but I think I can make the black/blue work.
Timsal, this question is slightly off topic, but I’m hoping you have an answer. How wide of tires can I run on the Allez sprint? I want to put on a pair of Hed Jet 4+ or 6+ rims, and these rims can make a normal 23mm tire as wide as 26mm. Would I have the clearance for this?