Specialized are renowned for creating bikes that offer great components and excellent value for money. After many decades of fine-tuning it’s the Specialized Allez that is still a huge favourite among riders.

For anyone who aspires to get into road biking or who wants to notch their cycling up a level, the Specialized Allez 24 2011 Road Bike makes an ideal choice.

Similar in many ways to equally popular Specialized Allez 16, the 24 version comes with the added advantage of offering a lower range of gears for times when the going gets really tough or steep on hills. Many new-comers to road cycling will find the extra gears a real bonus, while more experienced riders could easily enjoy the comfort of knowing the gears are there if they need them.

Jumping into the saddle of this bike, riders will immediately notice a stiffer, smoother ride thanks to the Specialized Allez’s advanced premium aluminium frame and the thoughtful addition of lightweight FACT carbon forks.

Priced at just £519.99 the Specialized Allez 24 2011 would also make a great winter training bike for anyone – and that’s likely to be most riders – who can’t afford carbon fibre for winter and summer riding.

The great value component spec includes Shimano 2300 groupset for responsive gear changes. The 2300 is the entry-level groupset for Shimano but as you would expect from the famous components brand, even the most basic model will give you many miles of reliable service.

There are several details that put the Specialized Allez 24 ahead of others in its class, including 12-degree reversible stem for greater accuracy and versatility when it comes to rider positioning, Specialized’s own All Condition Sport with “Flak Jacket” protection for reduced likelihood of punctures, and the soft and grippy S-Wrap on the drop handle-bars.

This bike also looks fabulous. Black with red and grey featuring you can’t fail to cut a dash when you turn up among the hundreds of others at your next cycle sportive, training night or weekend tour.