New Allez Sprint aka Tarmac AL7
05-12-22, 11:07 AM
#26
Junior Member
I've had mine for a couple of weeks. I got the Black one. First thing I did was upgrade the wheelset DT SWISS 470 to Roval C38 and install tubeless tires (Vittoria Rubino). The bike is a machine that moves. It feels very neat and clean and I am coming from rim brakes/clinchers, so this is a very new experience (tubeless tires and disc brakes). I have been smashing down some times as i try to get back in shape. The bike is very compliant yet stiff when you lay down the power. It is certainly heavy (about 19lbs with Look Keo pedals installed). Compare this to my '13 Tarmac SL4, with 65mm Hyper X wheels, it weights about 15.5 lbs (the SRAM Force group certainly helps too).
The only upgrade I plant to make to the Sprint is probably 53/39t chain ring and 11-30t cassette (it comes stock wth 52/36 and 11/28 cassette).
As I get into better shape I can report back, but for this year I have some of my best times on a certain segment on Strava that I have ridden 500+ times since 2014. So will provide an update and pics someday.
The only upgrade I plant to make to the Sprint is probably 53/39t chain ring and 11-30t cassette (it comes stock wth 52/36 and 11/28 cassette).
As I get into better shape I can report back, but for this year I have some of my best times on a certain segment on Strava that I have ridden 500+ times since 2014. So will provide an update and pics someday.
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05-12-22, 03:14 PM
#27
Senior Member
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https://cyclingtips.com/2022/03/2022...sprint-review/
I have a rim brake allez sprint. Here are my complaints:
- Proprietary headset bearings that only Specialized used to sell
- Non-removable/replaceable FD hanger
- rough seatpost
- no 0 offset seatpost option
- no di2 support
- poor tire clearance up front
- press fit BB (BB30)
- crap braking with carbon rims
The new Allez Sprint addresses every one of those complaints. The integration I could take or leave; it's good for racing.
The 105 build with basic components is $3000, almost double of the 2017 version. It's also heavier. So it seems like a few steps forward, a few steps back. The frameset is a better deal at $1700 if you want to build a high value racer, IMO.
Anyone here interested? Any strong opinions?
I have a rim brake allez sprint. Here are my complaints:
- Proprietary headset bearings that only Specialized used to sell
- Non-removable/replaceable FD hanger
- rough seatpost
- no 0 offset seatpost option
- no di2 support
- poor tire clearance up front
- press fit BB (BB30)
- crap braking with carbon rims
The new Allez Sprint addresses every one of those complaints. The integration I could take or leave; it's good for racing.
The 105 build with basic components is $3000, almost double of the 2017 version. It's also heavier. So it seems like a few steps forward, a few steps back. The frameset is a better deal at $1700 if you want to build a high value racer, IMO.
Anyone here interested? Any strong opinions?
It’s on my list.
05-13-22, 10:11 PM
#28
Junior Member
Did get 53/39t and 11-32t cassette installed today but not reflected in pic. Also have SL7 stem (dealer had it).
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07-04-22, 04:47 AM
#29
Senior Member
I ended up buying a 2022 frame ("water effect" paint) which I'll build up crit pig style with 1x Rival AXS, Quarq 4D, some 50mm wheels (various options), Romin Evo saddle and a Tarmac stem / bars. I think I can bring that in for ~$5k which is a hell of a lot better than the absurd $6,800 Specialized wants for the LTD but will result in a similar build with a power meter. A number of friends have this frame and really like it.
This will be a dedicated bike for the ~1 hour fast rides I do several times a week with my friends. I stopped racing decades ago but I still like to go fast. I have other more relaxed road bikes for longer rides.
This will be a dedicated bike for the ~1 hour fast rides I do several times a week with my friends. I stopped racing decades ago but I still like to go fast. I have other more relaxed road bikes for longer rides.
Last edited by Hiro11; 07-04-22 at 04:53 AM.
09-18-22, 07:34 PM
#30
Senior Member
I've got ~200 miles on this build now. Honestly, someone would have to explain to me why it's worth spending 2x-3x the cost to buy a Tarmac because this is a bloody fantastic race bike. Very responsive, very stiff, great handling. $1,700 is a lot of an aluminum frame but it's hard to argue with the actual results on the road.
09-21-22, 08:27 AM
#32
Junior Member
I've got ~200 miles on this build now. Honestly, someone would have to explain to me why it's worth spending 2x-3x the cost to buy a Tarmac because this is a bloody fantastic race bike. Very responsive, very stiff, great handling. $1,700 is a lot of an aluminum frame but it's hard to argue with the actual results on the road.
The Tarmac SL7 frameset is $3300 vs. $1700 so at the frameset level, it is just under 2x the cost. As mentioned by others, neither is a bargain and you are paying for the Specialized name along with their R&D, provenance, pro team sponsorships, marketing, etc. but they also make some of the winningest bikes on the pro tour, so that has to have some value.
Once you get to a full build, let's conservatively say you add on $2000 for all the rest of your components. You end up with $5300 for the Tarmac vs $3700 for the Allez Sprint or a 28% lower total cost for the Allez Sprint. A substantial difference of $1500 for sure, but not quite the 2x-3x. Even going to full bikes directly from Specialized, while not a direct comparison, the Allez Sprint LTD Force AXS 1x is $6800 while the SL7 Pro Force AXS is $9000 or a 24% lower price for the Allez Sprint. Both of those have the same wheelset, Force power meter cranks and similar overall specs.
Yes, the Allez Sprint is a value against the Tarmac SL7 but it's not 1/2 or 1/3 of the cost, and the SL7 does carry some advantages with the carbon construction vs aluminum. Both great bikes and I'd say although both bikes, as with most other big brands have gotten very expensive, are probably priced fairly in relation to each other.
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09-22-22, 06:21 AM
#33
Senior Member
If we are going with frameset purchase and building it up, then I think the 2x-3x is a bit of an overstatement.
The Tarmac SL7 frameset is $3300 vs. $1700 so at the frameset level, it is just under 2x the cost. As mentioned by others, neither is a bargain and you are paying for the Specialized name along with their R&D, provenance, pro team sponsorships, marketing, etc. but they also make some of the winningest bikes on the pro tour, so that has to have some value.
Once you get to a full build, let's conservatively say you add on $2000 for all the rest of your components. You end up with $5300 for the Tarmac vs $3700 for the Allez Sprint or a 28% lower total cost for the Allez Sprint. A substantial difference of $1500 for sure, but not quite the 2x-3x. Even going to full bikes directly from Specialized, while not a direct comparison, the Allez Sprint LTD Force AXS 1x is $6800 while the SL7 Pro Force AXS is $9000 or a 24% lower price for the Allez Sprint. Both of those have the same wheelset, Force power meter cranks and similar overall specs.
Yes, the Allez Sprint is a value against the Tarmac SL7 but it's not 1/2 or 1/3 of the cost, and the SL7 does carry some advantages with the carbon construction vs aluminum. Both great bikes and I'd say although both bikes, as with most other big brands have gotten very expensive, are probably priced fairly in relation to each other.
The Tarmac SL7 frameset is $3300 vs. $1700 so at the frameset level, it is just under 2x the cost. As mentioned by others, neither is a bargain and you are paying for the Specialized name along with their R&D, provenance, pro team sponsorships, marketing, etc. but they also make some of the winningest bikes on the pro tour, so that has to have some value.
Once you get to a full build, let's conservatively say you add on $2000 for all the rest of your components. You end up with $5300 for the Tarmac vs $3700 for the Allez Sprint or a 28% lower total cost for the Allez Sprint. A substantial difference of $1500 for sure, but not quite the 2x-3x. Even going to full bikes directly from Specialized, while not a direct comparison, the Allez Sprint LTD Force AXS 1x is $6800 while the SL7 Pro Force AXS is $9000 or a 24% lower price for the Allez Sprint. Both of those have the same wheelset, Force power meter cranks and similar overall specs.
Yes, the Allez Sprint is a value against the Tarmac SL7 but it's not 1/2 or 1/3 of the cost, and the SL7 does carry some advantages with the carbon construction vs aluminum. Both great bikes and I'd say although both bikes, as with most other big brands have gotten very expensive, are probably priced fairly in relation to each other.
Last edited by Hiro11; 09-22-22 at 06:30 AM.
10-30-22, 06:41 PM
#35
Junior Member
I had the Sprint Allez 2022, but sold it. It wasn't horrible.
Truth be told, my 2010 Cervelo S1 (aluminum frame) is much faster. With some tubeless tires I don't notice any compliance difference.
But don't let my experience with the Allez Sprint sour your experience with it. I didn't have a "bad" experience just for my own personal reasons I didn't find it to be the best value.
Truth be told, my 2010 Cervelo S1 (aluminum frame) is much faster. With some tubeless tires I don't notice any compliance difference.
But don't let my experience with the Allez Sprint sour your experience with it. I didn't have a "bad" experience just for my own personal reasons I didn't find it to be the best value.
