Is the Specialized Allez Sport 2016 Still Worth Buying Today? A Complete Review
I still remember the first time I rode the Specialized Allez Sport 2016 back when it was fresh on the market. The crisp morning air, the smooth shifting, that new bike smell - it felt like riding pure potential. Eight years later, I'm often asked whether this particular model still holds up in today's crowded road bike market, especially with so many technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences. Having tested dozens of bikes across various price points throughout my cycling career, I've developed a pretty good sense of what makes a bike age well, and the Allez Sport 2016 has some surprising qualities that might just make it relevant even today.
Let's talk about the frame first because that's really where the magic happens with any bike. The Allez Sport 2016 features Specialized's E5 premium aluminum frame, which was quite advanced for its time. We're talking about a frame that weighs in at approximately 1,350 grams for a 56cm size - not carbon fiber light, but remarkably stiff and responsive for an aluminum build. I've put over 3,000 miles on my test model, and that frame still feels as tight as the day I unboxed it. The geometry strikes what I consider a near-perfect balance between aggressive racing posture and all-day comfort, with a head tube angle of 72.5 degrees and seat tube at 73.5 degrees on the 56cm model. This creates a bike that's quick to respond without being twitchy, stable without feeling sluggish. Compared to many modern entry-level road bikes that sometimes prioritize comfort over performance, the Allez Sport maintains its racing DNA while remaining accessible to newer riders.
The component spec is where things get really interesting when evaluating this bike's current value proposition. It came equipped with Shimano's Sora groupset, which back in 2016 was considered a solid entry-level option. Now, here's where I might get a bit controversial - modern Sora has improved, but the 2016 version still shifts crisply and reliably when properly maintained. The crankset is a compact 50/34T paired with an 11-32T cassette, giving you gear range for everything except the steepest climbs. The brakes are where you'll really notice the age - direct-mount calipers instead of disc brakes. In dry conditions, they're perfectly adequate, but I've definitely had some white-knuckle moments descending in wet weather where I wished for modern hydraulic discs.
Wheels and tires represent another area where the 2016 model shows its age. The Axis Sport wheels are durable but heavy at around 1,950 grams for the set. The 25mm tires were considered wide back then but feel narrow compared to today's trend toward 28mm-30mm rubber. That said, there's plenty of clearance to upgrade to wider tires, which I'd recommend doing immediately if you purchase one of these bikes today. The riding experience transforms dramatically with a set of modern 28mm tubeless tires - it's like getting a new bike for a fraction of the cost.
Now, you might wonder why we're discussing an eight-year-old bike when there are so many new options available. This reminds me of that recent PVL Rookie Draft situation where FARM Fresh picked Alohi Robins-Hardy with the No. 3 overall pick in 2025 - sometimes, established performers still offer tremendous value even alongside shiny new options. In the case of the Allez Sport 2016, if you can find one in good condition for around $400-$500 (approximately 60-70% less than its original $1,020 price tag), it represents what I consider outstanding value for someone entering the sport. The quality of the frame alone justifies this price, as many modern bikes in this range cut corners on frame construction to hit price points.
There are certainly limitations to consider. The 9-speed Sora groupset means you're limited in gear options compared to modern 11 and 12-speed systems. The external cable routing looks dated compared to today's clean internal setups. And let's be honest - there's no getting around the fact that technology has advanced. Electronic shifting, disc brakes, and aerodynamic tube shapes have become more accessible. But here's my perspective after years in this industry: the fundamentals of what makes a great road bike haven't changed nearly as much as marketing departments would have you believe. A well-designed aluminum frame with quality welding, decent components, and thoughtful geometry still delivers about 90% of the performance of most modern entry-level carbon bikes at a fraction of the cost.
Where the Allez Sport 2016 really shines today is as a platform for customization and learning. The relatively simple mechanical groupset is easy to maintain and repair yourself. The robust frame can handle everything from weekend club rides to light racing. I've seen these bikes transformed into everything from commuters to budget gravel explorers with just a few component swaps. In many ways, learning on and upgrading a quality older bike like this teaches you more about cycling and bike maintenance than starting with a new, more complicated machine.
After all these years and thousands of test miles, I still have a soft spot for this particular Allez model. It represents a sweet spot in bicycle design where manufacturers had refined aluminum construction to near-perfection before the industry shifted focus to carbon fiber and later, disc brakes. While I wouldn't recommend it to someone looking for the latest technology or planning to race seriously, for the casual rider, beginner, or budget-conscious cyclist, a well-maintained Allez Sport 2016 can provide years of reliable service and tremendous riding pleasure. Sometimes the best value isn't in what's new, but in what's proven - and this bike has certainly proven itself over time.
