From a range that consists primarily of entry-level and intermediate road the bikes, Specialized has the Allez Sprint Comp to offer. Unlike the other Allez models in the range, the Sprint Comp is the top-of-the-line race machine.
Climbs, corners, flat-out sprints—the Allez Sprint Comp does it all. Being the most advanced alloy road bike ever made by Specialized, the Sprint has a lot going for it. The Allez Sprint Comp is also one of the stiffest aluminum race bikes in the world. This is all thanks to some remarkable engineering on Specialized’s part. This would include the D’Aluisio Smartweld Sprint Technology (DSW) frame technology and the S-works carbon fork and seat post on the bike. More on these juicy bits in a bit.
Specialized Bicycle Components or simply Specialized is an American brand that designs and manufactures bicycles, cycling components, and cycling apparel for riders and cycling enthusiasts. Renowned across the globe for their quality and expertise, we’re super stoked to have an extensive selection of Specialized products in India for our riders.
The company’s products include mountain bikes, road bikes, fitness bikes, gravel bikes, and kids bikes apart from an extensive range of cycling apparel and cycling accessories. Specialized markets its products to both the leisure and professional rider.
SPECIALIZED ALLEZ SPRINT COMP ROAD BIKE OVERVIEW
This highest performing iteration of the Allez lineup had heads turning when it came out with such an aggressive frame geometry and multiple aero features. These hallmarks made the Sprint stand out amongst all the other road bike manufacturers who chose to focus on carbon bikes. Specialized brought out the Sprint to prove that a well-engineered aluminum frame can be just as performance-oriented and compliant as a carbon frame.
Paired with an 11-speed Shimano 105 groupset, the Sprint is all set for your next race. The 11-28t cassette that comes stalk provides enough range for flats and even the climbs that you may encounter. What’s even better is that this whole package is retailing in India at Rs. 148,000/-. In our opinion, this bike would need no upgrades even later down the line as it comes pretty well equipped right out of the factory.
THE FRAMESET
At the heart of the Allez Sprint is D’Aluisio Smartweld Sprint Technology (DSW), which strategically places more welding material where it’s needed, resulting in an aluminum bike that’s more compliant and considerably stiffer. Drawing inspiration from the Tarmac, this frame also has a unique down tube, bottom bracket shell, and head tube. If you look closely you’ll notice that the seat tube is also shaped specifically to pull the rear wheel as close to the frame as possible.
To make sure that every single watt you produce gets transferred to the road, The Sprint has short chainstays that create an extremely stiff and rigid rear triangle. But it goes beyond just pure rigidity, as the hydroformed tube shapes have also been aerodynamically optimized to slice through the wind, while also having been designed with built-in compliance.
The bike felt extremely zippy in our in-city test but that’s not really where the Sprint belongs. The Sprint feels right at home on climbs and flats. Cornering is another joyful experience on the Sprint thanks to the light front end feel it offers. The S-Works Fact carbon fork also helps keep the front end feeling nice and nimble. To keep things as stiff as possible Specialized has provided a tapered headset aswell.
COMPONENTS ON THE BIKE
Apart from the frame, there are a handful of components that play an important part in the overall ride experience. The Saddle, Cockpit components, and tires are critical. They not only make our ride safe but also deliver higher levels of performance.
A lot of components on the Specialized Allez Sprint are designed and manufactured by Specialized themselves, unlike a lot of other bicycle brands that go with generic OEM parts. Specialized is well known for Research and Development in the Bike Fit department and their concept of Body Geometry (BG) – products that are ergonomically designed and scientifically tested to increase performance, improve comfort, and reduce chances of injury. Designed by a passionate group of physicians, engineers, and athletes all Body Geometry approved designs are rooted in science so that riders can be one with their bikes.
The Sprint features an S-Works Fact Carbon fork that increases the front end feel and overall stiffness of the bike. Another S-Works touch is the aero seatpost straight from the S-Works Venge. This seatpost is super stiff, light and incredibly aero.
Note – The steerer tube on the Sprint is also made completely of carbon fiber, unlike most mid-range bikes with carbon forks that feature alloy steerers.
The Sprint also uses an OSSBB Praxis Works Bottom Bracket that adds more rigidity to limit frame and BB flex. This Bottom Bracket also comes with incredibly smooth and durable bearings
WHEELSET
Wheels are important – they heavily influence the handling and responsiveness of the bike. A good set of wheels can be an important upgrade to any road ride. Good wheels are light, stiff, help you climb better and improve aerodynamics to power along on the flat without breaking a sweat. Durability is also an important aspect especially with the kind of “roads” we have here in India.
The Sprint, in particular, comes with a good set of DT Swiss R460 wheels.
- Front-wheel – 14g spokes, 20 spokes
- Rear-wheel – 14g spokes, 24 spokes
This wheelset comes with sealed cartridge bearings in both the front and rear wheels. We found that these wheels faired pretty well in our tests. They’re not super light but are built to last. The hubs seemed to be of great quality as well.
Out of the box, you get some super grippy Specialized Turbo Pro tires (700 X 25C) – fast rolling with a good level of puncture resistance. A 60tpi construction isn’t going to offer you the most supple ride but it is fairly compliant for our road conditions.
THE GROUPSET
The Sprint comes with the 11- speed Shimano 105 groupset out of the box. An absolute performer on the go. Paired with an 11-28t cassette that works like a charm – you couldn’t ask for anything better. Shifts also felt lightning quick and the lever feel and response was something we all loved. The Praxis Works Bottom Bracket performed as expected. It’s a tried and tested BB that has proved its mettle on other high-performance bikes too.
As long as you maintain your driveline you shouldn’t face any shifting issues – but this is something that applies to all drivetrains. 105 chains and cassettes aren’t the cheapest components in the world so regular maintenance will help ease the stress on your wallet.
WARRANTY
Specialized believes that the “rider is the boss”. That is why they offer a global Lifetime warranty on all their frames. Other Specialized-branded products (as well as frame paint and graphics) are covered by a two-year warranty. It’s important to note that the lifetime warranty is applicable only to manufacturing defects and not on wear and tear parts or accidental damage. Also, the lifetime warranty refers to the lifetime of the product under normal usage scenarios.
ALLEZ SPRINT COMP SPECIFICATION
Frame: Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum w/ D’Aluisio Smartweld Sprint Technology, hydroformed aluminum tubing, tapered head tube
Forks: S-Works Fact Carbon fork
Brakes: Axis 2.0
Groupset: Shimano 105
Wheels: DT Swiss R460
Tires: Turbo Pro, 700x25mm
Saddle: Body Geometry Toupe Sport
Weight: 8.55kg (approx)
OUR VERDICT
We think that the Allez Sprint Comp is by far one of the best aluminum race bikes that you get for your money now. It is race-ready right from the factory. We’d perhaps consider upgrading the wheels for slightly deeper section, lighter wheels. Apart from this, we’d leave the bike as is.
For the price, it’s pretty lightweight and perhaps one of the most aero aluminum road bikes out in the market. Overall fit and finish are great and everything feels really well put together – small touches like the internal cable routing make a big difference in the bike’s longterm longevity. The Sprint also comes in a variety of color options that will definitely help your bike stand out from the rest.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT CYCLING
I’m an avid mountain biker and I like riding fast and flowy singletrack. As I keep riding, I continuously work on honing my riding skills. I like to ride whenever possible, especially with friends. I also like to influence folk into getting to ride more often.
Working on bicycles has also been a keen interest of mine for quite some time.
DISCIPLINE: Mountain biking and Road biking
CURRENT BIKE: Merida One Twenty 9.600 & Specialized Allez Elite DSW
DREAM BIKE: Santa Cruz 5010
