Product Description
This vintage Allez was designed by Jim Merz, a renowned bicycle frame builder. It is a highly desirable and rare model, and would have cost a great deal of money when new. They are sought after for use as road bikes and randonneur bikes. The frame has some rather unique features. The chainstay bridge is a design I've never seen before and is quite cool. The rear derailleur cable housing stop is a blast from the past. This type of fine detail is rarely found on a Japanese bike.
A different (but very similar) special edition of this bike built by Yoshi Konno of 3Rensho was featured in the Hollywood movie American Flyers with Kevin Costner.
The ride quality is superbe, equal or greater to bikes from the big Italian names like Colnago and Pinarello from the era. This bike is WAY too small for me at 6ft, but I even had fun on it on a longer than expected test ride. Very smooth with lively acceleration and response. Handling is very stable, along the lines of my Independent Fabrication.
The bike is COMPLETELY original except brand new tires and bar tape. The gearing is a double 6 speed (2x6) with a fairly large freewheel making it a great hill climber. It features indexed downtube shifters that shift flawlessly and effortlessly, and powerful 600 brakes.
FRAME SIZE
This small 50cm (c-c)/ 52cm (c-t) road bike will fit someone roughly 5ft 1 to 5ft 7. 53cm top tube. The stem is very short, making this a great fit for a smaller woman.
CONDITION
Amazing mechanical and cosmetic condition. The bike was owned by a long time cycling journalist, and has been meticulously cared for. ALL components are tuned perfectly with lots of life left. Tires, chain, cables, and gears, and brake pads have minimal wear. Brand new Deda bar tape. Wheels are perfectly true with better than buttery smooth hubs. Rims have only minimal brake tract wear. Very nicely tensioned spokes. The frame is straight, with no dents/cracks/bends/gouges. The paint and decals are nearly pristine. Overall, this is a time machine. Looks like it's hardly been used.
COMPONENTS
- Frame: Specialized Racing Series chromoly steel, lugged
- Hubs: Shimano 600
- Rims: Saturea C20 (Specialized house brand, quite high quality)
- Tires: Schwalbe Durango Plus 700c x (NEW)
- Rear/front derailleur, brakes/levers, crank/bb, freewheel, seatpost: Shimano 600 6200 & 6208 series
- Saddle: Avocet touring
- Bars/stem: Specialized 1 (Nitto made)
- Headset: Specialized
- Pedals: Not included (though many available for purchase)