Specialized Allez Elite Triple

You need to see this bike in real life to appreciate Allez Elite's Premium A1 Alloy frame. It comes in a gorgeous two-tone blue with colour coded, very thick and comfy bar tape. The tyres are Specialized Mondo 23C width, which is pretty standard fare. I usually find Specialized's famous Body Geometry saddles very comfortable, but the Alias on this left me a bit uncomfortable for a day or two. (Although it may be more the fact that my backside is out of practice, than the saddle.)

The groupset is Shimano 105 10 speed with a polished FSA Gossamer MegaExo 2-piece chainset. It comes with the very modern looking external Hollowtech style bottom bracket. In theory these make the BB stiffer and lighter - I can't say I noticed a difference over my previous Allez (Sport 2005) setup, but I approve all the same. The whole thing is like looking at a motorbike - just seeing it makes you want to go fast. NOW. The wheels also shout speed by using the semi-aero Mavic CXP22 rims combined with aero bladed straight pull spokes. Very modern, very plush. Both the carbon forks and seatpost come with the shock absorbing Zerts inserts for a soft ride.

Having bought the bike ready-to-ride online from Tredz.co.uk, I only needed to put on the pedals and tighten the handlebars to make it ride-ready. Only a couple of minor adjustments meant sitting on the bike felt natural, well balanced and comfortable. The 105 STI brake and gear levers fall nicely into your hands and take a nice, light touch to change gear. The only trouble is, I've got rather small hands so I struggle to reach the brakes when I'm down off the hoods and in the drops. I've rectified this problem by buying some of Specialized's slim shims which bring the levers' normal position in towards the bar.

This bike feels very light to ride and the Zerts inserts in seatposts and fork seem to have a dulling effect over the bumps which is pretty comfortable seeing as I have just over 100psi in the tyres. Riding the bike does give you a really alive feeling. It's so fast that any input is immediately translated to speed. The gears are superb and I like the triple version for its easier climb, as I'm no king of the mountain.