Allez Sprint Allez

The Specialized Allez Sprint is a dedicated aluminum race bike built for high-speed criteriums and aggressive road riding. Redesigned for 2022, this generation abandons its older Venge-inspired silhouette to heavily borrow from the flagship carbon Tarmac SL7. Specialized ported over the SL7’s exact geometry, carbon fork, and aero seatpost, wrapping them in a highly manipulated alloy chassis. The result is a purpose-built machine that prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency and absolute structural rigidity over general-purpose versatility.

It suits competitive riders and criterium specialists who want the aggressive posture and handling of a modern superbike without the fragility of a lightweight carbon frame. While it features modern touches like integrated cable routing and clearance for wider tires, the Allez Sprint remains an unapologetic race tool. It is designed to be ridden hard on the rivet, rewarding explosive power and decisive cornering rather than long-distance endurance.

$1,600Shimano CUES
Specialized Allez Sprint Allez
Build
Size
Stack590mm
Reach378mm
Top tube556mm
Headtube length175mm
Standover height801mm
Seat tube length530mm

Fit and geometry

The Allez Sprint shares its geometry chart entirely with the Tarmac SL7, placing the rider in a decidedly aggressive, aerodynamic posture. The fit is characterized by a low stack and a relatively long reach, demanding a flexible lower back and a pronounced saddle-to-handlebar drop. This is not an endurance geometry; it is designed to keep the rider's weight forward and low to maximize speed and cornering grip.

Steering geometry is steep and race-oriented, resulting in highly reactive handling that responds to subtle shifts in body weight. The tight wheelbase and short chainstays keep the rear wheel tucked in for rapid acceleration, while the low bottom bracket drop aids high-speed stability through sweeping turns. Because of the compact front center, riders on smaller frame sizes will likely experience toe overlap, a standard trait for a chassis this tightly wound.

The cockpit utilizes a traditional two-piece bar and stem, though the cables route internally through a proprietary headset cover. This setup maintains the clean aerodynamic profile of a fully integrated front end while allowing riders to easily swap stem lengths and handlebar widths to dial in their exact race fit.

Full specs

Frameset

Frame

Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum, flat mount disc, fully manipulated tubing w/ SmoothWelds, internal cable routing, threaded BB, 12x142mm thru-axle

Fork

Specialized FACT full carbon, flat mount disc, 1-1/8" to 1-3/8" taper, fender eyelets, 12x100mm thru-axle

Weight

10.0 kg (22 lb, 0.7 oz) (size 56)

Groupset

Shift levers

Shimano CUES ST-U6030

Front derailleur

Shimano CUES FD-U6030, Braze-on

Rear derailleur

Shimano CUES RD-U6020, 10sp

Cassette

Shimano CUES, 11-39T, 10sp

Chain

KMC XGlide

Crankset

Shimano CUES FC-U6030, 50/34T

Bottom bracket

Shimano Threaded BSA BB

Front brake

Shimano CUES Hydraulic Brake

Rear brake

Shimano CUES Hydraulic Brake

Front rotor

null

Rear rotor

null

Wheelset

Front wheel

AXIS Sport Disc

Rear wheel

AXIS Sport Disc

Front tire

RoadSport, 700x30

Rear tire

RoadSport, 700x30

Cockpit

Stem

3D-forged alloy, 31.8mm, 7-degree rise

Handlebars

Specialized Shallow Drop, 6061, 70x125mm, 31.8mm clamp

Saddle

Body Geometry Bridge Saddle, steel rails

Seatpost

Alloy, 2-bolt Clamp, 12mm offset, 27.2mm, anti-corrosion hardware

Builds

The Allez Sprint lineup spans from entry-level configurations to mid-tier race builds, with prices ranging from roughly $1,200 to $2,600. The foundation of every build is the same D’Aluisio SmartWeld aluminum frame, paired with the carbon fork and carbon aero seatpost borrowed from the Tarmac SL7. All models feature disc brakes and a mechanic-friendly threaded BSA bottom bracket.

The entry point of the range relies on 8-speed Shimano Claris shifting and mechanical disc brakes, keeping the initial purchase price low. Moving up the ladder introduces 10-speed Shimano Tiagra and CUES options with hydraulic disc brakes, offering a material upgrade in stopping power and shift refinement. The top-tier Comp build features a 12-speed Shimano 105 mechanical groupset, providing the tight gear jumps and reliable braking expected in a competitive setting.

Across the board, the complete bikes are equipped with basic alloy wheels and relatively narrow 26mm tires. Because the frame itself represents a significant portion of the bike's value, the stock rolling stock is often viewed as a placeholder. The chassis clears tires up to 32mm, leaving ample room for riders to upgrade their wheel and tire package to better match the frame's high-end capabilities.

Reviews

Reviewers consistently characterize the Allez Sprint as an exceptionally rigid, highly communicative race bike that thrives under heavy pedal loads. The hydroformed aluminum frame delivers immediate power transfer, with one tester noting the chassis is so reactive that a rider might find themselves "accidentally lifting the rear wheel off the floor in a sprint" (Cyclist Magazine). This stiffness translates to a fast, exhilarating ride on smooth pavement, but it also means the bike transmits significant road feedback. Testers agree that the firm ride can become fatiguing on long endurance days or broken tarmac, requiring constant rider attention.

Handling is widely praised as the bike's standout trait. By adopting the Tarmac SL7's geometry, the Allez Sprint dives into turns with predictable precision. Reviewers highlight how the bike "sails through fast corners" (YouTube) and tracks beautifully at high speeds. The steering is quick and responsive, which is ideal for navigating tight criterium circuits but demands a steady hand on fast descents.

The primary tradeoff noted across reviews is the stock wheel and tire specification on complete builds. Testers frequently point out that the narrow factory tires limit the frame's potential and exacerbate the stiff ride. Upgrading to wider tubeless rubber is a common recommendation, as it helps calm the chassis and "eggs you on to ride harder and faster" (Zengarage) by smoothing out the harshness without dulling the bike's aggressive edge.

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