Specialised Allez 2014 Advice Needed

Adrianh

I'm minded to replace my 2009 Allez with a new Allez Sport/Elite 14' or 15'. I'm wondering whether the new-year 2015 model is worth going for, as opposed to the run-out discounted 2014 model. The Allez Sport (charcol/grey) is currently discounted to £600 from £750. I'm a commuter and noticed that the 14/15 Allez also doesn't have pannier lugs (for Ortileb panniers), though I understand p-clips can be bought and attached.

Any thoughts/advice welcome.

Thanks!

Adrian, London

PS: I really like the Specialised Allez though I'm aware of the Secteur option...

Anonymous

My advice would be (bites tongue) to get a bike with pannier mounts rather than use p-clips.

Adrianh

Mmmn. I'm not sure the recent Allez(s) offer that. I do trust the Allez brand...

Bobbinogs

I am not clear about what you are hoping to get from a newer Allez? I had a 2008 Elite (with the Alu frame bonded to carbon seatstays) and that went really well until the bonding fell apart. So, for me, the solution was a 2011 E5 Allez Comp frameset for £200 off ebay and I was up and running again. Hence, I am a big fan of the Allez but wouldn't replace one for another unless I had to.

Unless you have a good reason to buy a newer Allez, why not just ride the one you have through the winter, save your cash and then buy a Tarmac in the spring? The geo is the same and you will get a much better bang for your buck. The Allez will do for next winter, etc. Oh, no panniers on the tarmac please, it just ain't right

Adrianh

Fair comment Bobbinogs. Now minded to keep the Allez 2010 frame and stick a Shimano-105-5700-sti-double-10-speed-road-lever-set on it with new cassette with a new 10-speed compatible rear wheel, plus new chain. That means I get to keep my panniers. As suggested by London's Covent Garden Specialised store this pm.

See http://www.wiggle.co.uk/shimano-105-570 ... 60416639uk

slowbike

The Allez is more a race bike than a touring - no lugs for panniers or guards since 2011 when I got mine. You can use p clips but it isn't as satisfactory and I got a Tricross with lugs for commuting and touring.