Crit racing at a great price with the new Specialized Allez DSW SL Sprint

Criterium geometry in a smart alloy aero package

Warren Rossiter / Immediate Media

Published: July 28, 2016 at 4:30 pm

The Specialized Allez Sprint is the latest generation of the DSW (D’Alusio Smart Weld) aluminium bikes, and interestingly it's also (aside from the Venge ViAS) one of Specialized’s most aero road machines.

It was conceived as a crit rider's special so features aggressive geometry, super-sharp handling and ultimate stiffness.

The Allez Sprint's one-piece Hydroformed head tube has been designed to move the welds away from high-stress areas, which makes for a much tougher frame.

The real selling point however is its modest price. If you're looking for something that can take the knocks of shoulder-to-shoulder, high-speed competition, and fear for your expensive carbon in such heated competition, then the SL Sprint might well be the answer.

There are two models in the range, the Expert at £1,500 with a Praxis Zayante chainset, 105 brakes and drivetrain, and the Comp at £1,300 also with a lower level Praxis Alba 2D forged chainset and Axis 2.0 brakes.