Specialized Alley sport

Brand

Specialized

Frame & Fork • Frame: A1 Premium aluminum, fully manipulated, compact race geometry with clean welds and an integrated headset . • Fork: FACT carbon legs with alloy crown/steerer for precise, responsive handling and smoother rides . ⸻ 🚴‍♂️ Cockpit & Comfort • Stem: Specialized EliteSet adjustable 4‑position stem (12° range), allowing riders to finetune reach and drop . • Handlebars: Tarmac Comp oversized alloy bars that are stiff, light, and race-ready . • Saddle: Body Geometry Riva Road – spacious, ergonomically designed, widely praised for comfort . • Tires: 700×23 c Espoir Sport (60 TPI, double BlackBelt) – reliable grip, puncture protection . ⸻ ⚙️ Drivetrain & Brakes • Groupset: Shimano Sora 2×9-speed with STI shifters, 50/34 crankset, and 12‑27 t cassette; a solid entry-level setup . • Brakes: Tektro dual-pivot calipers with cartridge pads—decent stopping power, though not top-tier . ⸻ ⭕ Wheelset • Wheels: DT Axis 1.0 (700c, 32 h), praised for being light and durable for the price range . • Performance: Noted for stiffness and suitable for racing—though upgrades can further boost handling . ⸻ 🚴‍♂️ Ride Quality & Handling • Reviewers describe it as having race‑bred pedigree with sharp, confident handling akin to more expensive bikes . • The ride is firmer—thanks to aluminum—but the carbon fork and gel bar tape effectively dampen vibration . • It descends like a stone and accelerates responsively, easily matching much pricier models . ⸻ 💬 Community Insights From r/whichbike (2021): “I’d say no … my 2017 Allez Sport was less when I bought it a year ago.”  Users highlight that newer entry-level groupsets can outperform decade-old tech. From r/cycling (2024): “I ended up with a Specialized Allez Sport … it fit my budget and … local authorised shop.”  “The shop concluded … the bike simply flexes/torques too much … chain starts rubbing.”  Larger riders may experience drivetrain flex; some have had to tweak front derailleur alignment after stiffer rides. ⸻ 🏁 Summary The 2012 Allez Sport offers: • A race-like ride with sharp handling and efficient acceleration. • Durable build: A1 aluminum frame paired with a carbon fork. • Amenities like adjustable cockpit, comfortable body geometry saddle and tires. • Limitations: Firmer feel, older Sora groupset, and stock brakes/wheels that may need upgrades for serious racing. ⸻ 🎯 Ideal For: • Beginner to intermediate riders wanting a performance-focused bike without breaking the bank. • Those open to upgrading components (wheels, brakes, groupset) as skills progress. • Riders under ~220 lb—larger riders may find flexy drivetrain behavior. Great used condition- $600obo