2012 Spec Allez Elite Vs. 2013 Spec Allez Elite?

Naterv

Hello everyone! Im new to the forum and would like to introduce myself with this question

So im all ready to buy a new entry level road bike as I have been riding an old Nishiki road bike for a while and I would love the upgrade! I've been to many different bike shop and i'm stuck between the 2012 Specialized Allez Elite for $997 or the 2013 Specialized Allez Elite for $1150. Now what Im stuck on is the components. I read a review on the new 2013 allez elite and it said that the price dropped over $100 but kept the 10 speed tiagra groupset. Im just wondering if any of you know exaclty what was dropped in component wise in the new 2013 model? Here are the bikes specs.

2012 Specialized Allez Elite: (http://www.specializedconceptstore.co.u ... z%20elite/)


FRAME - Specialized A1 Premium Aluminium, fully manipulated tubing, smooth weld, compact race design, integrated headset
REAR SHOCK -
FORK - Specialized FACT carbon legs, aluminium crown and steerer
HEADSET - 1-1/8" sealed Cr-Mo cartridge bearings integrated w/ headset, 20mm alloy cone spacer, w/ 20mm of spacers
STEM - Specialized EliteSet, 3D forged alloy, 12-degree, 4-position adjustable, 4-bolt, 31.8mm clamp
HANDLEBARS - New Specialized Tarmac Comp, alloy
TAPE - Specialized S-Wrap, w/ gel
FRONT BRAKE - New Shimano Tiagra
REAR BRAKE - New Shimano Tiagra
BRAKE LEVERS -
FRONT DERAILLEUR - New Shimano Tiagra 10-speed
REAR DERAILLEUR - New Shimano Tiagra 10-speed
SHIFT LEVERS - New Shimano Tiagra STI 10-speed
CASSETTE -New Shimano Tiagra, 10-speed, 12-28t
CHAIN - New Shimano Tiagra 10-speed
CRANKSET - New Shimano Tiagra 10-speed
CHAINRINGS - 50/34
BOTTOM BRACKET - With crankset
PEDALS - Nylon flat test ride, loose ball, w/ reflectors
FRONT WHEEL DT Axis 1.0
REAR WHEEL DT Axis 1.0
RIMS -
FRONT HUB -
REAR HUB -
SPOKES -
FRONT TYRE - Specialized Espoir Sport w/ double BlackBelt, 60 TPI, wire bead, 700x23c
REAR TYRE - Specialized Espoir Sport w/ double BlackBelt, 60 TPI, wire bead, 700x23c
INNER TUBES - Lightweight, presta
SADDLE - Body Geometry Riva Road
SEATPOST - New Specialized Sport, alloy, 27.2mm
SEAT BINDER - Alloy, 31.8mm
NOTES - Chainstay protector, chain catcher, derailleur hanger, clear coat, owners manual



2013 Specialized Allez Elite: (http://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bikes/ ... pact#specs)

FRAMES -Specialized A1 Premium Aluminum, fully manipulated tubing with smooth welds, 1-1/8" lower bearing,
REAR SHOCK -
FORK - Specialized FACT carbon, aluminum steerer and crown, 1-1/8"
HEADSET - 1-1/8" sealed Cr-Mo cartridge bearings integrated w/ headset, 20mm alloy cone spacer, w/ 20mm of spacers
STEM - 3D forged 6061 alloy, 12 degree, 4 bolt clamp, 31.8mm
HANDLEBARS - Specialized Comp, 6061 alloy, shallow bend
TAPE - Specialized S-Wrap w/ bar shapers
FRONT BRAKE - Tektro dual-pivot
REAR BRAKE - Tektro dual-pivot
BRAKE LEVERS
FRONT DERAILLEUR- Shimano Tiagra
REAR DERAILLEUR - Shimano Tiagra
SHIFT LEVERS - Shimano Tiagra STI
CASSETTE - Shimano Tiagra 10-speed, 12-28t
CHAIN - KMC X10 CP
CRANKSET - FSA Tempo Compact 10-speed
CHAINRINGS - 52/36
BOTTOM BRACKET - Sealed cartridge, square taper, 68mm
PEDALS - Nylon flat test ride, loose-ball, w/ reflectors
FRONT WHEEL - Axis Classic
REAR WHEEL - Axis Classic
RIMS
FRONT HUB
REAR HUB
SPOKES
FRONT TIRESpecialized Espoir Sport, 60TPI, wire bead, double BlackBelt protection, 700x25c
REAR TIRESpecialized Espoir Sport, 60TPI, wire bead, double BlackBelt protection, 700x25c
INNER TUBESStandard presta valve
SADDLEBody Geometry Riva Road Gel, Cr-Mo rails, 143mm
SEATPOSTSpecialized Sport alloy, 27.2mm
SEAT BINDERAlloy, 31.8mm
NOTESChainstay protector, derailleur hanger, clear coat, owner's manual



Thanks

getprg

To reach the lower price point in 2013 Specialized

- are no longer offering the full Shimano Tiagra groupset - the biggest technical change is the chainset is now an FSA set with unidentified "old tech" internal square taper bottom bracket (rather than the standard Tiagra external bb). Both 2012 model Tiagra chainrings are also slightly smaller offering a useful lower bottom gear (for hills) but also a lower top gear. The other saving has been achieved by swapping out the Tiagra brakes for Tektro replacements.

- have changed the spec of several other components - eg wheels, handlebars etc - all of which appear to be OEM components (ie not after market components) although quite what the technical/weight significance of that might be escapes me.

So basically the 2013 model has been price engineered- not unusual with "entry level" models because the pricing between bike companies is very competitive at that level.

Personally I'd go for the 2012 model - mainly for the chainset/bb set up and the likelihood that the wheels are perhaps superior - although you will probably want to replace OEM wheels in due course anyway.

Naterv

Thanks so much for the reply!

richa

2012 brakes are probably better too. 2012 looks a better buy.

velogee

Go for 2012