Specialized are renowned for creating bikes that add up to excellent value for money – yet with great attention to detail. And thanks to decades of fine-tuning it’s the Specialized Allez that has given so many riders the confidence to take their road riding to the next level.

The advanced premium aluminium frame with lightweight FACT carbon forks feels good out on the road and makes for a stiff, smooth and speedy ride. Precise steering is a huge bonus and this Specialized Allez 16 2011 offers a stunning level of accuracy on tight turns.

Now, you’re probably wondering who this bike is for. Priced at £499.00, the Specialized Allez 16 women’s road bike is the ideal bike for the aspiring time trialist or criterium rider. It would also be the ideal winter training bike for the rider who has the money to go for full-on carbon fibre in the summer.

The spec includes Shimano 2300 groupset, which offers really 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 couple of details that give this Specialized Allez 16 the edge over other similarly priced road bikes. The 12-degree reversible stem offers a superb level of accuracy and versatility when it comes to rider positioning. We’re also raving over the grippy and soft-feeling Specialized S-Wrap drop-handle bar covers that come with extra-comfy gel.

Guys this is a bike that your wives and partners will accept as a bargain buy. The chances are once they get to see the Specialized Allez, you could be arguing a losing battle as to why they can’t have one, too. Just make sure you buy the smart black, grey and red version, and leave the snazzy red, black and silver for them.

Above all, this bike looks a lot flashier than its price tag suggests and we reckon it punches high in terms of great value components.