Lynskey Helix Pro or Allez Sprint?
 

Hey everyone,

Longtime MTB'er and BMX'er, first time going into road bike. I am falling in love with the sport.

I am thinking of purchasing either the Lynskey Helix Pro or Allez Sprint. Not sure which one I should get. I can get them for generally the same price with discounts.

I want to use it for racing Crit and other races. Thanks!

Well the Allez Sprint is actually made for Crit racing

Couldn't say what the Lynskey is about ?

They are both race bikes with race geometry. Both come with the same components, Shimano 105 (if that is what you are getting). The difference is frame material. Titanium has been used less often in race bikes than aluminum. There are a multitude of reasons but none-the-less aluminum is the material of choice for race bikes made of metal.

I suspect that the Specialized frame will be stiffer which is preferable in racing frames, so I would pick this one.

Thanks for the replies.

These were the two bikes I cross-shopped. I ended up with the Allez Sprint since I got a better deal on it. It's my only road bike experience, but it's easy to sense that it's overly stiff when traversing imperfect pavement. I suggest adding tubeless wheels asap- if you go that route. It takes a significant amount of the harshness out. Also, there's a bunch of toe overlap on this bike.

+1

I also highly recommend getting the disc version so you can fit at least 28s in the front and rear. Rim brake version has no issues with a 28 in the rear, and can barely fit a 28 with 1.5-2mm to spare.

Also the seatpost on this bike has 15ish mm of setback stock. The only way to get further forward (if necessary) is a chinese seatpost.

I would actually recommend having a training, shallow (25mm), narrow, alloy wheelset with 32mm tires and a separate racing wheelset with 28s.

For crits, maybe the Allez - but I have a Sportive (designed more for comfort and racing), and i have had some very fast long rides on it - no issues staying with the A group. I can imagine that Helix would be even better.

I say get the titanium bike. The Helix is unique in the tube profiles and you will stand out. Write to Lynskey if you want more discussion on what they would suggest for you.

I would also recommend attending a race, talk to the racers, maybe someone will let you ride their bike
Allez Sprint is one of the most popular crit bikes for a reason

I have an Allez Sprint. It's a perfectly fine bike, and I've done plenty of long rides on it and a few races - my race priorities changed after I got it.

I also have a friend with one who complains it's the stiffest and harshest bike he's ever ridden.

not sure how they compare in price but that being ssid.
go ti.
it is just way cooler.
🤠

I have no experience with either. But, a friend who was an LBS owner and a rep for companies like Bianchi, Speedplay, Lezyne, etc. and has been in the business for 40 yrs. says the ride quality of TI is excellent.

I've been more than satisfied with my Lynskey but I would choose the Allez for crits. Not that I would participate in a crit.... Anyway, you are probably going to wreck and break your bike. It would seem a shame to lose a Lynskey to a Cat 5 crit.:thumb:

This.

if you want a bike Specifically for crit racing, get the harshest, stiffest, least comfortable bike you can ... and be prepared to get it banged up.

Crit racing will hurt so much you won't care about vibration or compliance or any of that ... you will only care about catching the next attack. And it is likely you will crash .... or someone will crash you. A very stiff, reasonably cheap and very durable frame is Exactly what you want for crits.

Buy Ti for its ride quality, and yes, of course you can race it ... it should make a great road-racer. And it should be an absolute joy on long training rides, where you will be glad that the road isn't hurting you, because you are already hurting yourself. :D But I wouldn't take a Ti frame to some event where I had a 1-in-five chance of hitting the pavement.

Buy what you can afford to crash.

Especially, in crits. Especially, starting out.

Consider cheap and used.

The titanium bike may be more survivable than a weaker aluminum frame. Since crashes are real in a crit, get the stronger bike. That would be titanium vs aluminum.

I think the probability of damaging your frame in a crash is extremely low. I’ve crashed my allez sprint 4 or 5 times now (never in a race, knock wood) and the only damage it ever sustained was when someone else fell onto my seatstay and dented it (I stayed upright).

You shouldn’t choose a bike based on crash survivability, assuming your price point is set. Especially you’re not looking at carbon. However, I highly recommend getting alloy bars and a low end saddle 😅

I appreciate the replies.

The new CAAD 13 is looking like a great crit bike as well.