Specialized Allez upgrades ?

supernotts
supernotts Posts: 20
edited November 2011 in Road buying advice
Hello all,

I have a 2011 Specialized Allez Triple which I bought when I started cycling in March. Now I have become addicted I want to do some upgrades.

My budget is about £350, I am thinking of changing the wheels, saddle and crankset. Are these a good place to upgrade and any advice will be much appreciated.

Bear in mind I am doing a 400 mile 4 day charity ride next year.

Thanks in advance for any help
Matt

Comments

  • Bobbinogs
    Bobbinogs Posts: 4,841
    Hi there Supernotts, welcome to the forum.

    The forum is all about opinions so here is my ten bob's worth:

    I would start with the crankset, as in, forget about changing/upgrading that all together!

    Saddle? Well, some folks have bought cheap saddles and found them very comfortable, some folks have spent a fortune on saddles and hated every second. It goes the other way too. Hence, if you are currently happy with your saddle, keep it.

    So, I reckon that comes to wheels and tyres. Given where we are with the seasons, some decent training tyres would fit the bill, something like Michelin Kyrylions (very durable if a little lifeless, but great protection relatively). They will get you through the next couple of seasons.

    Wheels, well no doubt RS80s are great (I have some) and at £340 (Merlin) would do a lovely job (you won't go faster but the bike should feel more responsive and certainly a little lighter, etc). Then again, it depends how risk adverse you are. A factory wheel with a low spoke count means that if you pop a spoke on day one of your 4 day tour then your charity ride is over, whereas if you spent £300 on some handbuilts (I have some of those too) then you could buy an extra spoke as insurance and sort out any breakage yourself. However, either way, this is not a good time to be buying bling wheels so you might just want to keep what you have, trash them over the next 6 months and then look at your options again next spring.

    So, spend your money on some decent tights/overshoes/gloves and have fun in whatever mother nature throws at you (and leave the change burning a hole in your pocket) :)
  • I've made a few changes to my Allez which seem to have worked (despite my track record of breaking things)

    My one came with Mavic CXP-22's which kind of seized up but were heavy anyway so I swapped for Fulcrum 7's for commuting on and Fulcrum 3' for Sportives and stuff. I picked up the 3's in a sale from planet X and they make a world of difference especially on the hills, I also put a more hill friendly cassette on it (ultegra 12-27) which probably helps too.

    I also switched the bars to some FSA Wingpro compact ones, made a massive difference actually, I never used to use the drops as gave me back ache, these are far more comfortable. I also got a new stem as knackered the old one by overtightening! Otherwise wouldn't have.

    New saddle too but this is very much a personal thing, I did not get on with the Spesh one but if you find it comfy stick with it.

    I found shoes makes a big difference too

    Wouldn't worry about the crankset, don't think this would make a notable difference. Once you go that far you might as go the whole hog and get a new bike!
    Allez
    Brompton
    Krypton
    T-130

    Never tell her how much it costs ......
  • Thanks very much for the replies guys. Looks like a decent set of wheels and tyres are a must. Hadn't thought about the bars, will take a look at a few at my LBS.

    Has anyone used Planet X Model B or Mavic Askium's ? If they are any good might get some of them with decent rubber and get a decent pair of shorts with the rest.

    Cheers
    Matt
  • Paul E
    Paul E Posts: 2,052
    Aksiums are an upgrade over the standard wheels spesh put on a lot of the models they produce, when I had a sectuer the cxp22 rims on it were fine if a bit lifeless with my light frame on it so I changed them after using them once or twice.

    Next best thing was to change the tyres to krylions, feel so much better than the lifeless all condition pro 2 tyres from spesh
  • m00nd0g
    m00nd0g Posts: 176
    Fulcrum 5s worth a look
    Toupe saddle
    Google Merlin for chainsets, might be a good buy
  • Thanks once again guys. Will check out your recommendations.
  • crescent
    crescent Posts: 1,201
    I am in a similar position i.e. quandary about what to do with my Allez. I love the bike, it hasn't put a foot wrong in 3 years of ownership.......... yet still i want to change stuff :?
    I was torn between a new bike next year (something Italian and carbon probably 8) ) or upgrading my Allez into something that would essentially be a custom build. At the moment, my train of thought is that I will change various components over the next year or so and perhaps buy a new frame and move all the new components onto that, rebuild the Allez to original spec and sell it. I have just bought and fitted a set of Fulcrum 7s and Schwalbe Luganos. On paper, probably not a huge difference in performance over the originals but definitely noticeable and pleasing to the eye to boot. Will probably look at changing the groupset next year (SRAM Apex?) and finishing kit at some point not long after that. A Planet X nanolight frame is my current favourite target to move all the new stuff onto.................or maybe I'll just buy a Bianchi next year :? Arrrgh I don't know??? If only the Allez wasn't such a good bike it would be an easier decision.
    For the record I love the Specialized saddle, find it very comfortable.
    Would be interested to hear what you decide.

    Cheers
    Bianchi ImpulsoBMC Teammachine SLR02 01Trek Domane AL3“When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race. “ ~H.G. Wells Edit - "Unless it's a BMX"
  • I had the 2010 base model Allez, the first change I made was to the crankset, this was for a hill climb comp and switched the stock 2300 53-39 to a compact 50-34, a noticable weight difference, those suare taper BBs do carry some weight.

    The second change was to the tires, switched to GP4000s definitely recommend this upgrade, the bike felt so much more lively and grippy, I have also purchased some deep section carbon clinchers (not specifically for this bike, but have been running them on this one until the race bike is ready) and the difference is amazing, half a kilo weight saving over the stock wheels and the deep sections aren't the lightest of wheels (approx 1650g) changed the bike completely almost as if I had bought a new bike.

    The following week I upgraded to 105 10 speed, not absolutely necessary but it is to be my winter bike and I wanted the gearing to match, along side a carbon seat post the total weight became 8.7Kg.

    The Allez frame is a very good frame and I was very happy with the bike, I have however now upgraded the frame set to a 2011 Allez elite as my LBS had one in there at price that I couldn't refuse.

    Oh and as far as the seat goes I couldn't get on with the stock seat, tried a Specialized Romin but it didn't agree with me so tried the Toupe instead and am still running it now.
  • crescent
    crescent Posts: 1,201
    I had the 2010 base model Allez, the first change I made was to the crankset, this was for a hill climb comp and switched the stock 2300 53-39 to a compact 50-34, a noticable weight difference, those suare taper BBs do carry some weight.

    The second change was to the tires, switched to GP4000s definitely recommend this upgrade, the bike felt so much more lively and grippy, I have also purchased some deep section carbon clinchers (not specifically for this bike, but have been running them on this one until the race bike is ready) and the difference is amazing, half a kilo weight saving over the stock wheels and the deep sections aren't the lightest of wheels (approx 1650g) changed the bike completely almost as if I had bought a new bike.

    The following week I upgraded to 105 10 speed, not absolutely necessary but it is to be my winter bike and I wanted the gearing to match, along side a carbon seat post the total weight became 8.7Kg.

    The Allez frame is a very good frame and I was very happy with the bike, I have however now upgraded the frame set to a 2011 Allez elite as my LBS had one in there at price that I couldn't refuse.

    Oh and as far as the seat goes I couldn't get on with the stock seat, tried a Specialized Romin but it didn't agree with me so tried the Toupe instead and am still running it now.

    I think the crux of the matter is that the Allez is such a good choice as a first 'serious' road bike that there is a reluctance to change for change's sake and, notwithstanding wear or breakages, no real need to upgrade what is a fairly decent original spec. This is counteracted, however, by the inherent desire of most cyclists (guilty :oops: ) to upgrade and/or add to their overall bike count (no of bikes is n+1 etc) and the fact that the Allez can also form the basis of a more serious bike with suitably upgraded components.
    Not wishing to hijack the OP's post and having tied myself in knots now, I think what I am saying is that the Allez is such a good bike that I wish I had bought something that was not as good so that I would not have any qualms about changing anything about it :wink:
    I just need to make sure my next bike is cr*p and then I will be able to upgrade without any problems in the future. Sorted!!! :D

    Cheers
    Bianchi ImpulsoBMC Teammachine SLR02 01Trek Domane AL3“When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race. “ ~H.G. Wells Edit - "Unless it's a BMX"
  • Went for some Planet X Type B wheels, with some Schwalbe Blizzards to get me through the winter. Changed the cassette (Had done 1800 miles) to a SRAM PG850 at the same time.

    Very pleased so far, acceleration is much sharper, pretty much feels like a new new bike.

    Have ordered a Charge Spoon, so will let you all know how I get on with it.
  • arlowood
    arlowood Posts: 2,561
    Hi there

    I bought the Secteur Elite last year which has efectively the same frameset as the Allez but with a few bells and whistles added (Zertz inserts).

    My modifications have been to add a shorter stem ( to improve riding comfort) and to upgrade the wheelset - I went for Shimano RS80's. If you can afford the RS80's i can thoroughly recemmend them - they have transformed the ride from good to exceptional IMHO. I also fitted some Conti GP4000s tyres to the new wheels.

    My bike came specced with a triple (105 mostly) and at the outset i was grateful for the granny ring because of my poor fitness. 12 months on and almost 2st lighter I can now tackle all my normal route hills using the 39 chainring with either a 23 or 25 rear sprocket whereas before I sometimes had to bale out to the 30 tooth chainring.

    So you don't need top switch to a compact - just stick with the 50/39 which is effectlively almost a standard double and you've still got the granny ring for those 25% inclines at the end of a 100 miler.

    BTW I fitted a Charge Spoon a couple of weeks back and find it excellent - most comfy saddle I've had to date so good luck with yours.
  • Update on the Charge Spoon. Rode 80 miles on it this week, very pleased. You don't even notice you are sat on it. Highly recommended and great value.
  • KnightOfTheLongTights
    KnightOfTheLongTights Posts: 1,415
    edited October 2011
    My pennorthworth: I have had a 2010 Spesh triple for a year, a great buy, quality bit of kit for the price.

    But I wouldn't to be honest spend money upgrading it - it'll make a perfect winter / commuting / touring bike. I just rode it 1,400km round France with panniers on the back and it was superb for that.

    With all due respect to it, it's a bike that I'm not going to feel 'too bad' about inflicting wear and tear on, so upgrades from my POV would in that sense be counterproductive!

    Going to save my money to get something a bit flashier and lighter for riding in anger spring-to-autumn...

    But can endorse Krylion tyres - just bunged some on before my tour and they've been great.
  • My Allez 16 2010 (£380) has had these changes in this order:

    Shimano Touring SPDs £40
    Gatorz Tyres £35
    Charge Spoon Seat £16
    Mavic Askium wheels £130
    Compact FSA BB and Carbon Chainset £130 (I could not handle the double)
    ...and most recently, some Shimano 105 brakes (£70), as the stock ones were hopeless during a recent wet weekend in the Lakes :lol:

    Its mad to think about what I have added and spent, but its about where I want it, just trying to stop the urge to go 10speed or a get a whole new bike :shock:

    Not bad considering I had never ridden a road bike until Jan 2011.

    FYI the biggest and best upgrade IMO was the wheels (lighter/faster/look better), for comfort the seat (the stock one was awful), for reliability the tyres (no puncture yet after c 800/1000miles riding), for getting up hills (the chainset), efficiency (the pedals).

    Still loving it, but the weather is crap :x
  • I was in a similar position to you Crescent. I have a 2007 Allez Sport, which has a Tiagra groupset. The things I have upgraded before now over my 4 years of ownership are the tyres (to Michelin Krylion Carbons), wheels to Shimano RS20s (when the rear hub failed in the ones that came with it), the saddle (to a charge spoon), and brakepads (to koolstop Salmon). The wheels, tyres and brakepads made a lot of difference. It's been a great bike, done thousands of miles in lots of different places and still going strong.

    I have been hankering after a new bike for a while but it is so comfortable and suits my needs so well I have decided not to, for now. Also, to really feel the benefits of an upgrade to the bike I felt I'd need to spend quite a bit of money.

    Instead I have decided to upgrade the groupset to SRAM Apex, as I want the low gears for a planned trip to Mont Ventoux next year. Also, superficially, I like the look of it and the hidden cables! Once I have fitted it I plan to sell the Tiagra groupset to recoup some of the costs. Net of that the upgrade should cost me approximately £250.

    I may at some point, if I have some cash available, buy a new frame, or a nice full bike with a low end groupset and wheels (maybe a new Allez!), and transfer all my bits across. I am in no rush though as it is such a nice bike to ride.
  • dodgerdog
    dodgerdog Posts: 292
    My upgrades to date are:
    - Aksiums
    - Secteur front fork (courtesy of paper boy on his iron stead!)
    - Front and rear mechs -> 105
    - Brakes to SRAM Rival following upgrading the Gran Fondo to SRAM Force brakes
    - Tyres to Gatorskins although they need replacing again
    - SKS mudguards and most recently
    - Terra 2 Li-ion lights in readiness for the winter cruddiness
    Still a great bike, most significant perfromance enhancements have been the wheels and brakes.
    Allez Triple (hairy with mudguards) - FCN 4
    Ribble Gran Fondo
  • Another update.

    I have fitted a Bontrager carbon seat post and I am very pleased with it. The ride is much, much smoother. Highly recommend.
  • Guiddy
    Guiddy Posts: 29
    My Red 2011 Allez Elite was a stunning bike before I sold it!

    Spec in order of preference and 'what made a difference' as follows:
    (Some parts bought used)
    New Fulcrum Racing 5 Wheels £160 (Instant responsiveness and improved hill climbing!)
    New Schwalbe Ultremo ZX Tyres & Lightweight tubes £70 (Less weight)
    Used Pave SL Carbon Seat tube £45 (makes the bike feel smoother)
    Used S Works Carbon SL handlebars £95 (Really made the bike feel comfy!)
    New 143 Toupe Titanium rail seat £45
    Used Ultegra 6700 Double chainset £88 (The weight this removed was amazing!)
    6700 Shifters, derailleurs & chain £300 (The final change to full Ultegra 6700 - fast, crisp changing! Great!)