InvertedMP 

Surprised not to see a thread on this already. Looks like They have a rebate going on right now which I think makes this a pretty good buy for a first road bike. What say you guys?

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/al...ext=90020-4044

chainwhip

...you'd do very well.

I think the crankset is a Praxis.
Not easy to locate the STI spec on the webpage...Tiagra?
EDIT: " Shimano 105 R7000, 11 speed."00, 11-speed

If that's this year's (2020) model , you might find a 2019 $100-200 under $1k.
You might want to upgrade the wheelset after the first year or so.


2011 Allez Elite

chainwhip

noodle soup

+1

That wheelset will get you out riding, but I'd replace it the next time I had $700+ that I was itching to spend.

InvertedMP 

What wheelset would you guys recommend?

sdmc530

You will do great on that ride. I have that bike only the 2018 model. I love mine. Its my daily ride bike. Mine is the 105 just before the new series came out but its been a very trouble free bike.

That price was the original price then they had the front fork recall then the price went up about $100. So the discounted price is the original price when released. Anyways if you can find a year old model you can probably save some more cash.

the wheels are fine IMO but some guys like to upgrade them but nothing needing to be done right off. I hated the saddle but that was just me. Saddles are personal so that is just a preference thing. Praxis is good IMO. The BB is nice and solid I think. Chainrings to replace are a bit higher cost with Praxis so after you wear them out after the first decade of riding you might switch to Shimano lol

I just like my bike a lot....I am a Allez fanboy for sure!

sdmc530

that is a can of worms! Everyone has a favorite.

InvertedMP 

Ok, maybe I’ll ask, why would one say that the wheelset on the Allez Elite needs replacing?

noodle soup

Nothing needs replacing, but you can easily get lighter wheels, with better hubs and DB spokes. I didn't think anyone still used straight gauge spokes anymore.

smashndash

I’ll tell you why. Those rims and hubs are actually fine. The spokes, however, are garbage. Extremely flexy. Unless they’ve changed them for this year (doubtful) you can potentially get derailleur rubbing issues, tension issues, flex issues etc.

I’d recommend either relacing the wheelset with sapim race spokes off ebay (might be worth it if you’re handy) or getting a better wheelset.

The other thing I’d check is shifting quality with the Praxis chainrings. I had an issue where the FD wouldn’t shift from small to big unless I was in the easier half of the rear cassette. It would also rub in all sorts of gear combos. Once I changed to a 105 crankset, it was a night and day difference. Those are really cheap right now. Unfortunately you’ll also have to replace the stupid proprietary M30 bottom bracket when you do this but BSA HT2 BBs are extremely cheap.

Also, the brake calipers are kinda flexy but they’ll do their job.

The tires are the low end Espoir Sports. You might consider upgrading those.

Besides that, it is a solid bike.

Bah Humbug

They're heavy, probably not especially durable, and probably not as wide as is now considered ideal. They may also not be tubeless-ready.

If you never get the urge to change them, no worries, but you probably will.

chainwhip

I switched out my Allez's stock Mavic CXP22 wheels (2011 model, remember) for a set of Campagnolo Zondas for $350 delivered from wiggle.
Saved almost 700g/1.5 lbs over the stock wheelset.

The DT Swiss wheelset on the current model might be better wheels. Dunno.

Iride01 

There is always something better you can put on a bike. Even if you bought the 11,000 dollar S-Works Tarmac. Someone will find something they just can't live with and therefore they'll think you shouldn't live with it either.

Bah Humbug

I'm a big fan of the Hed Belgium+ wheels, especially with rim brakes. The Jet+ is practically the same price if you want aero.

sdmc530

You don't need to replace a thing on the bike, wheels however made a large impact to the bike when changed. I changed my wheel after about 3 months. The praxis set up is a not interchangeable friendly set up. That is correct the BB is required for their cranks however I have never had any issue with their stuff shifting with 105. In fact I have had it be flawless for me. It stays in tune for me anyways and needs little messing with, I have had great luck with it. HOWEVER if I ever had to swap them out for any reason I would got to a full 105 set up. Just more user friendly for certain. Just not going to do that until I have too. I love the BB though, is quite, strong and stiff and really is well made IMO, others will of course disagree but that is what is great about all this. Everyone is passionate about what they like.

FWIW I sold my wheels on ebay and got decent money for them so I could upgrade my wheels.

sdmc530

exactly! Ride it as is then decide what you need to swap!

RiceAWay

If a wheelset is more than 20 mm deep I wouldn't worry about replacing them until they started breaking spokes on more than one occasion,. People seem to have entirely mythical ideas about wheels. Leaning to ride lower on the bars completely swamps out any savings from ALL of the so-called "aero" improvements. And mounting the lower rolling resistance tires also is a larger improvement. So if you like the bike and the price go for it. If you want to improve it later the biggest improvement you could make is to buy and install an Ultegra group.

WhyFi

This is why I don't like aero wheels - you have to sit upright if you own them and you can't mount low rr tires to them. And if those snazzy wheels are lightweight, too?! Geez, then you're not allowed to take a poo before your ride.

It's a shame, really.

Racing Dan

Looking at the specs for that particular bike im betting the best and cheapest upgrade is getting some better tyres and light tubes. The oem tyres look very basic and heavy. Also im betting the brake calipers are no match for 105 R7000 or 5800. If anything thats what I would replace.

InvertedMP 

I bit the bullet and ordered. I love modding and tinkering so this will be a fun first road bike that has some room to grow!

Bah Humbug

Congrats!
You do know the masses demand pics, yes? What's the timeframe for delivery?

woodcraft

Why is that a big improvement?

noodle soup

What color?

I like the lilac version.

InvertedMP 

Hoping to pick it up from the LBS tomorrow. They only had the battleship grey/green in stock which I am ok with, but I wouldn't have minded any of the colors offered, in fact I kinda like the lilac one the best.

sdmc530

that color is nice, grey/green combo they put up is very nice iMO. Congrats....pics when you get it!!