1990 Specialized Allez Epic
Specialized Allez Epic
Some of the bikes in our museum are a complete mystery when we first touch them. We may have never heard of the brand, or the builder in question may have died decades earlier. Sometimes we have to figure out really ancient or just esoteric components without the help of a repair manual. Quick fixes, restorations and first test rides are sometimes total mysteries and it’s either a lot of fun or a pain when you don’t know what to expect.
There’s no mystery with this bike.
This is a 1990 Specialized Allez Epic carbon fiber road bike. Specialized made these high tech (but affordable) road models from 1989 until 1994. Each model year there were usually three versions, one with Shimano 105 components, one with 600 Ultegra, and one with Dura-Ace parts. If you were an amateur bike racer in those days it was pretty common to see a bunch of these bikes lined up at local road races.
210 miles across Minnesota in one day
I bought one of these bikes in 1992. The version that you see here isn’t the exact bike (I sold that one to my friend Jay in 1998), but this one is outfitted exactly as my old Allez. The Specialized Tri-spoke wheels are in fact from that old bike, as are the Scott Drop-in handlebars and probably the Time pedals.
I don’t think I know any bike model as well as I know one of these. So a long-term product review is probably in order.
Outfitted as you see it, this is a pretty fast 22 pound bike. The Allez Epic climbs reasonably well (despite the 39 x 23 low gear) and you can call it a racing bike but it was not very stiff. “Soft” is how I’d describe the ride, and that was a good thing. You could ride one of these bikes for hours and hours. The aluminum fork really flexed, and the comfort while riding over crappy pavement was just terrific.
Time pedals, Dura-Ace 7400 parts
7400 derailleur, titanium cassette
Flite saddle
Yep, the ride comfort is (or was) great. Just don’t try hanging on to the interior drop section of the bars when the roads are bad. The handling was a little loose and you’re not Greg LeMond.
The Dura-Ace 7400 parts have stood the test of time. They worked great then and they still do. You can even set them up without the aid of an owners’ manual.
I was about to write something about the bike not being very aerodynamic by today’s standards, but I bet that I’m wrong about that. If you consider that it rolls on top of Specialized Trispoke wheels (now made by Hed), and given the theoretical ability to ride way down and narrow on the LeMond Drop-in bars, this Allez is probably more aerodynamic in many aspects than a modern bike.
Scott Drop-ins, Avocet 30
Front end detail
Back end detail
As far as long-term product reviews go, 10,000 miles and dozens of bike races is probably enough to deliver a verdict on the Allez Epic. Let’s call it a reliable bike with outstanding comfort and terrific components at a good price. Four stars. Of course, seeing as how Specialized stopped making these models in 1995, a fat lot of good my review will do anyone now. Oh, well.