Aluminati / 2022 Allez Sprint Comp / 7.59kg

[justinfoxphotos]

As the sun sets. Went for a ride today to test out the new tyres and 160mm cranks. I'm a spinner, and well... I was spinning! Can't say I can felt any dramatic difference between 165mm and 160mm cranks though. Same goes for the Aero 111 tyre. Can't say that the bike felt any faster, but I definitely noticed a difference with crosswinds which really took me by surprise (I'm pretty pesimistic when it comes to marketing talk). Wasn't the windiest day out but the front definitely felt more planted.

[maxim809]

As you've noticed; I'm pretty pedantic about the little details. I'm a retired graphic designer, so the whole less is more and attention to detail thing is a way of life (right now I'm freaking out about the rear GP 5000 I'm about to put on as they have huge white tyre logos which I absolutely hate). I've been meaning to replace the stem bolts with black ones, just got to get around to it, and last night I went to take the UCI decal off the seat tube only to find that it's under the clearcoat (lol).

I completely get it. Before GP5k's, the best race clincher of yesteryear's era was the GP4000sii. The 'S' in the GP4ksii was yellow. I went with slower Schwable's with muted sidewall decals. Once GP5k's with the yellow removed came out, I jumped on them immediately. But for your build's goals, I get how even the white logos may feel like too much.

All my friends told me to take a sharpie to the S, and looking back maybe I should have just done that. But I'm a cyclist so nothing I do makes sense in the moment.

I hear you on blacking out bolts. Another detail to consider is blacking out the Presta Valve Core. When I used to run tubes, I always made sure the valve itself was black. I then replaced the silver core with a black anodized core.

The way you positioned and timed the lighting such that the sunlight is hitting the bar is great.

[justinfoxphotos]

Haha yeah I saw that the previous GP's had a coloured German flag on them. I was like... nooooooooo. But Sam at CCACHE said hey! The new ones don't have any colour on them J! So I thought I'd give them a go, and I'm actually AOK with them as the type is a light silver, not exactly white, so all is good in the hood.

Blacking out the core would be a nice touch. I've got black Ti stem bolts on order. Finally made a decision on a bottle cage and also a computer mount + computer. Spoiler, the AliExpress computer mount is in the bin (lesson learned, AGAIN!) official Specialized one on order.

[justinfoxphotos]

I spotted this limited hand painted aluminium Supacaz cage in an online shop and thought I'd drop into the shop to check it out this morning. I figure it would have made for a really good match with the brushed foil logos on my Allez Sprint frame, but they were showing signs of corrosion, not cool as there’s no way I’d be up for polishing up bottle cages again and again! Shame, but I happily paid the extreme tax on a single S-Works Carbon Rib Cage III bottle cage instead.


I went for the gloss black to better suit the frame.


S-WORKS inside.

[justinfoxphotos]

Garmin EDGE 130 Plus.

I’ve finally caved and bought a bicycle computer, not for Strava, more for a speedometer than anything else (I used to use the old Cateye bicycle computers back in the day).

I ended up going with a Garmin EDGE 130 Plus. It’s affordable, tiny, has a black and white screen and weighs in at 33g. It also has the option for measuring power and heart rate if I want to go there in future.


Kocevlo vs. Specialized.

The SL7 stem plate has a hole in it which is designed for a Specialized stem accessory mount kit. In typical Specialized fashion it was going to be expensive at $71.95 AU shipped so on a whim I thought I’d buy a cheaper alternative from Kocevlobike on eBay (IE: Chinese alternative) for $27.20 AU shipped.

Turns out you get what you pay for (when will I ever learn?!). The main bolt that bolts through the mount to the back of the stem plate is too long (leaving it that way would literally have the end of the bolt damage the carbon bars) and the mount has a non-removable GoPro mount (all good if you use a GoPro but I don’t have one… yet?!).

Whilst I was installing a computer mount I thought I’d finally get the 4 black Ti bolts for the stem. CCACHE were out of black Ti bolts so I sourced some from GEAR Shop Brisbane’s online store (they’re the same weight as the OEM bolts so I assume the OEM bolts were titanium too).




Quality is night and day. Putting the computer on is perfect on the Specialized (the China one doesn't allow the computer to click into place at all).


Oh noes... I'm becoming a roadie.


Feeling cute, might delete later.

Adding weight back on the bike hurts more than it should, there’s still about 20g or so I can save from cutting the very long Hylix seatpost down, but honestly I can’t be bothered, more keen to just ride now!

PS: I also ordered a bunch of bibs, jerseys and socks off AliExpress as I’ve been avoiding buying brand name stuff (2 bibs, 2 pairs of socks and 2 jerseys for the price of one single MAAP jersey!), the company let me know that they were signed off on and delivered, but I never got them! Turns out there were mails in my spam folder from the local delivery agent, and they attached a proof of delivery photo, the doofus left the package outside on the street, and welp… the package was stolen.

Again, lesson learned. F AliExpress. I ended up putting in a $600+ order in with MAAP (one jersey, socks, gloves and bibs), ridiculously expensive but I hope the quality is great and hey I’m happier supporting local.


On the topic of quality. The SILCA HX-ONE Home Essential kit is absolutely beautiful! Worth every single dollar IMHO.


Ricoh GR III HDF.

I’ve been wanting to buy a small camera I can fit into the back pocket of my jersey for taking out whilst cycling. For months I’ve been on the waiting list for a Ricoh GR IIIx. I spotted one on eBay but as I clicked on buy now the listing literally disappeared! I kinda gave up after a while but a couple of days ago I thought I’d go on the hunt again and I found this Ricoh GR III HDF on eBay being sold by a local seller, but shipped from Hong Kong. It cost me more than the RRP, but considering there are none in stock in any of the local camera shops I decided to pull the trigger on it.

Not expecting much from it, but have seen people on the Ricoh GR subreddit produce amazing shots. Looking forward to shooting with it this weekend!

[raisinberry777]

Who is the local delivery agent for AE where you are? Down here in Tas it all comes through Australia Post so I've never had any issues.

[justinfoxphotos]

Who is the local delivery agent for AE where you are? Down here in Tas it all comes through Australia Post so I've never had any issues.

The jerseys were from a well known AliExpress brand called YKYWBIKE. I've been in chat with them and they told me that they use a company called iMile Delivery.

[raisinberry777]

Who is the local delivery agent for AE where you are? Down here in Tas it all comes through Australia Post so I've never had any issues.

The jerseys were from a well known AliExpress brand called YKYWBIKE. I've been in chat with them and they told me that they use a company called iMile Delivery.

Bummer. For what it's worth, the YKYWBike stuff is pretty good for race fit gear on a budget... if you can get your hands on it! Obviously not MAAP level though, but in fairness, much cheaper.

[gwhit]

This is a wildly good build thread. Chapeau!

[MementoMori]

Inspired by CrankAddictsRich's photography I set out to buy a new lens.

As a photographer I’m far from being a gear head. I’ve literally never used anything but my trusty f/1.4 FE Zeiss Distagon lens since I bought it new in 2015 but I’ve been struggling to take bike shots with my 35mm 1.4 (not enough separation and even focus on the bike vs the background).

Digging through CrankAddictsRich's threads I found that he uses a 70-200MM F2.8 lens. I googled the price, and holy shitballs, $3,699.00 AUD and the thing is frikkin' huge! He also suggested an 85mm prime and Sony makes an FE 85mm F1.8 for $700 AUD so I pounced on it.

It’s a whole new world for me as I’ve got to stand really far away from my subject, but I think it’s great and that it’ll do the job just fine!

I shoot Fuji (cropped) and usually end up shooting with the 50-140 2.8 or 90mm F2 as my go-to for bikes. Lovely images mate, keep it up.

[RatedRzz]

I can't help but sincerely admire that this Allez Sprint is one of the cleanest and most minimalist bikes I've ever seen. The photography and construction are perfect. I'm very fortunate to have come across this post just before I start building my next Allez Sprint. I completely agree with the philosophy that less is more.

Since I transitioned from being a track cyclist to a road rider, I've continued to use a single chainring. In fact, I recently completed the build of a single chainring C2 TOA. I believe that a great way to accentuate an all-black bike is with some candy-colored titanium bolts. They don't stand out too much, but when you look closely, they provide a pleasant surprise.

[justinfoxphotos]

I can't help but sincerely admire that this Allez Sprint is one of the cleanest and most minimalist bikes I've ever seen. The photography and construction are perfect. I'm very fortunate to have come across this post just before I start building my next Allez Sprint. I completely agree with the philosophy that less is more.

Since I transitioned from being a track cyclist to a road rider, I've continued to use a single chainring. In fact, I recently completed the build of a single chainring C2 TOA. I believe that a great way to accentuate an all-black bike is with some candy-colored titanium bolts. They don't stand out too much, but when you look closely, they provide a pleasant surprise.

Really beautiful bikes (all the best with the Allez!). I was tempted a while back to buy a Chapter 2, super clean looking bikes with nice modern graphic design elements. That clear finish showing off the carbon weave is a dream, love it, and I think the Ti bolts look cool too (sparingly it looks great but IMHO can look overdone when people go ham with replacing every single bolt on the bike with something too colourful). Also, 100% agree on the beauty of less is more, it's probably why I'm obsessed with brakeless fixed gear bikes, they just look so amazing to me.

I have a few bikes that begged to be ridden, but I end up taking the Allez each and every time. Windy days and even when it rains I take the Allez out, because like a dog, it just begs to be walked no matter what. Picking up sand in the drivetrain kinda hurts, but I make sure to do a really good wash down after each wet ride (which oddly makes me appreciate the bike even more). I understand why people have a "winter bike". N+1 and all, it's tempting, but I'm trying my best to not entertain the idea of another bike that I just won't ride because of the Allez.




Wash Me.

[RatedRzz]

I can't help but sincerely admire that this Allez Sprint is one of the cleanest and most minimalist bikes I've ever seen. The photography and construction are perfect. I'm very fortunate to have come across this post just before I start building my next Allez Sprint. I completely agree with the philosophy that less is more.

Since I transitioned from being a track cyclist to a road rider, I've continued to use a single chainring. In fact, I recently completed the build of a single chainring C2 TOA. I believe that a great way to accentuate an all-black bike is with some candy-colored titanium bolts. They don't stand out too much, but when you look closely, they provide a pleasant surprise.

Really beautiful bikes (all the best with the Allez!). I was tempted a while back to buy a Chapter 2, super clean looking bikes with nice modern graphic design elements. That clear finish showing off the carbon weave is a dream, love it, and I think the Ti bolts look cool too (sparingly it looks great but IMHO can look overdone when people go ham with replacing every single bolt on the bike with something too colourful). Also, 100% agree on the beauty of less is more, it's probably why I'm obsessed with brakeless fixed gear bikes, they just look so amazing to me.

I have a few bikes that begged to be ridden, but I end up taking the Allez each and every time. Windy days and even when it rains I take the Allez out, because like a dog, it just begs to be walked no matter what. Picking up sand in the drivetrain kinda hurts, but I make sure to do a really good wash down after each wet ride (which oddly makes me appreciate the bike even more). I understand why people have a "winter bike". N+1 and all, it's tempting, but I'm trying my best to not entertain the idea of another bike that I just won't ride because of the Allez.

Wash Me.

Without a doubt, the Allez is a piece that cannot be ignored. It gives me a completely different feeling compared to the abundance of carbon fiber frames available today, so I must have it. I also strongly agree that some colorful titanium bolts are overused to the point of being off-putting. Therefore, most of my bike frames still use silver or black titanium bolts (just for that slight weight reduction).

My knees can no longer support long rides on a fixed-gear bike with a large gear ratio, which is why I switched to road biking. However, I have always kept my favorite one and hung it on the wall in another bedroom. Thank you very much for your advice！ I will share it once my allez is fully assembled.

[OtterSpace]

It nice to see you drinking to coolaid you seem to be enjoying the process which is great to see

If you are looking for more connected wormholes to explore I think you would like this youtube channel from someone walking a similar path from fixed to road. Who says you cant like both?

Also escape collective's threaded articles are great for tool nerds. But be aware it can lead to some spiraling purchases like mine.

[RatedRzz]

I can't help but sincerely admire that this Allez Sprint is one of the cleanest and most minimalist bikes I've ever seen. The photography and construction are perfect. I'm very fortunate to have come across this post just before I start building my next Allez Sprint. I completely agree with the philosophy that less is more.

Since I transitioned from being a track cyclist to a road rider, I've continued to use a single chainring. In fact, I recently completed the build of a single chainring C2 TOA. I believe that a great way to accentuate an all-black bike is with some candy-colored titanium bolts. They don't stand out too much, but when you look closely, they provide a pleasant surprise.

Really beautiful bikes (all the best with the Allez!). I was tempted a while back to buy a Chapter 2, super clean looking bikes with nice modern graphic design elements. That clear finish showing off the carbon weave is a dream, love it, and I think the Ti bolts look cool too (sparingly it looks great but IMHO can look overdone when people go ham with replacing every single bolt on the bike with something too colourful). Also, 100% agree on the beauty of less is more, it's probably why I'm obsessed with brakeless fixed gear bikes, they just look so amazing to me.

I have a few bikes that begged to be ridden, but I end up taking the Allez each and every time. Windy days and even when it rains I take the Allez out, because like a dog, it just begs to be walked no matter what. Picking up sand in the drivetrain kinda hurts, but I make sure to do a really good wash down after each wet ride (which oddly makes me appreciate the bike even more). I understand why people have a "winter bike". N+1 and all, it's tempting, but I'm trying my best to not entertain the idea of another bike that I just won't ride because of the Allez.




Wash Me.

I'm here to update my progress on the Allez Sprint. There are still some details that need refining, but it's basically finished.
I forgot to mention that, I also use MTB pedals on my road bike like u. I highly recommend Crankbrothers' Egg Beater and Candy series. They are very simple and easy to use (especially fitting the 'less is more' concept^^).