Bikes of the Bunch: Specialized Allez 74

In today’s edition of Bikes of the Bunch we feature a Specialized Allez 74 belonging to Byron Yu. Produced in collaboration with Mark DiNucci — one of Specialized’s original frame builders — this limited edition steel frame was one of just 74 made to celebrate the company’s 40th anniversary in 2014. All proceeds from the sale of these frames went to the World Bicycle Relief (WBR).

The frameset came with a limited edition merino wool sweater, winter and summer cycling caps, a limited edition leather S-Works Toupe saddle, a custom saddle bag and leather bar tape. The whole ensemble was packaged up in a presentation box with a signed certificate of authenticity from Specialized founder Mike Sinyard.

We put the following questions to Byron Yu to learn more about why he bought this bike, how he had it built up and how it rides:

What attracted you to this bike?

Last year I started riding my aluminium Allez to work, but found aluminium too harsh on my body for the daily grind. I considered carbon, but got psyched on the idea of getting a steel bike. I’ve always been enticed by the beauty of steel bikes and liked the idea of getting a lifetime bike.

What enticed me most about the Allez 74 was that it was a limited edition run, it was designed by Mark DiNucci, and proceeds were going to charity.

What was the ordering process like?

I ordered the bike from the eBay charity auction in September, bought the components in anticipation and built up the bike in three days after it arrived.

What components did you use to build up the bike and why?

Knowing the steel frame/fork would be heavier than aluminium and carbon I prioritised lightness. The build was as follows:

– Dura-Ace 9000 groupset
– Chris King headset
– 3T LTD cockpit (Egronova handlebars, Arx stem, and Stylus 25 seatpost)
– The leather handlebar tape and leather S-Works Toupe saddle that came with the package (and isn’t available anywhere else)
– A Spurcycle bell
– A K-Edge chain catcher
– A K-Edge bike computer mount
– Titanium King Cage bottle cages
– Shimano RS81 C24 wheels (for now)

The total build weight is a bit over 18lb (8.2kg).

How does it ride?

I’ve only done a couple of rides on it so far but I’ve gotten tons of PRs on Strava. It’s stiffer than my aluminium Allez, not to mention lighter and more comfortable.

[ct_highlight_box_start]Disclosure statement: Specialized is a long-time CyclingTips partner but was not involved in this Bikes of the Bunch in any way. Byron Yu got in touch with us independently.

If you’ve got a bike that you think might be a good candidate for Bikes of the Bunch, you can get in touch with us via email.[ct_highlight_box_end]

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