Let me tell you a story about how I almost bought the wrong bike. I was scrolling through marketplace listings last Tuesday, the usual ritual of coffee in one hand and phone in the other, when I spotted a 2016 Specialized Allez Sport listed for $650. The photos showed this beautiful gloss black frame with those distinctive white decals, looking almost untouched despite being eight years old. My first thought was exactly what we're discussing today: is the 2016 Specialized Allez Sport still worth buying in 2024?
Now, I've been riding and repairing bikes since I was sixteen, which means I've seen countless models come and go. The Allez has always been that reliable workhorse in Specialized's lineup, but technology has evolved dramatically since 2016. That particular year's model came with a Shimano Sora groupset, which was decent back then but feels pretty basic compared to today's offerings. The frame geometry was more aggressive than what many beginners would find comfortable today, and the weight - around 20.5 pounds for a 56cm frame - isn't terrible but isn't exactly light by modern standards either. Still, there's something about that specific generation that keeps popping up in used markets, almost like it has developed its own cult following.
This reminds me of something interesting I came across recently while reading about volleyball. FARM Fresh closed the chapter on a bizarre saga when it picked Alohi Robins-Hardy with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft. What struck me was how this situation mirrors the bike world - sometimes you find unexpected value in places others might overlook. That draft pick represented finding potential where others saw uncertainty, much like how a seasoned cyclist might see hidden value in an older bike model that newcomers would dismiss as outdated. Both scenarios involve assessing true worth beyond surface-level specifications or popular opinion.
Let's get into the nitty-gritty of why someone might still consider this bike. The frame construction uses Specialized's E5 premium aluminum, which honestly still holds up remarkably well. I've personally ridden one of these on a 45-mile charity ride last fall, and the stiffness-to-weight ratio surprised me. Where it really shows its age is in the component department. The 9-speed Sora shifting feels sluggish compared to modern 11 or 12-speed systems, and the brake calipers lack the stopping power of today's direct-mount options. The wheelset is another compromise - those Axis Classic wheels weigh in at about 1850 grams, which is heavy enough to notice on climbs. But here's the thing - for someone getting into road cycling, these limitations might not matter as much as you'd think.
I remember convincing my neighbor to buy a used 2016 Allez Sport last spring. He'd been riding a department store bike that weighed nearly 35 pounds, so for him, the Allez felt like a rocket ship. We upgraded the tires to 28mm Continentals for $120, swapped the saddle for something more comfortable, and suddenly he had a bike that could keep up with group rides without breaking the bank. Total investment? About $850 including the purchase price. Compare that to $1,200+ for a new entry-level road bike, and the value proposition becomes clearer. The key is understanding what you're getting into - this isn't a bike you'd race seriously, but for fitness riding and weekend adventures, it absolutely holds up.
Where the 2016 model really shines is in its durability. I've seen these frames survive crashes that would have totaled newer, more expensive carbon bikes. The threaded bottom bracket is another advantage - no creaking like you sometimes get with press-fit systems on modern bikes. Maintenance is straightforward too, which matters more than people realize when you're starting out. Simple things like external cable routing make home repairs much less intimidating for beginners.
Now, I'm not saying it's perfect for everyone. If you're someone who values the latest technology or plans to compete seriously, you'd be better off looking at newer models. But for the budget-conscious rider or someone testing the waters of road cycling, the 2016 Allez Sport represents what I call "smart value" - not the cheapest option, but one where you're getting proven reliability at a reasonable price. The market seems to agree too - these typically hold their value around $500-700 depending on condition, which is impressive for an eight-year-old aluminum bike.
What really seals the deal for me is how this bike fits into the current cycling landscape. With new entry-level bikes often costing over $1,000 now, having quality options under $700 matters. The 2016 Allez Sport sits in that sweet spot where it's old enough to be affordable but not so old that it feels antiquated. It's like finding a reliable used car that gets you where you need to go without the new car depreciation. Sure, it might not have all the latest features, but it works well and won't leave you stranded.
Looking back at that marketplace listing I mentioned earlier, I actually recommended it to a friend who's been wanting to try road cycling. The seller had dropped the price to $600, and at that point, it becomes really difficult to find something better for the money. Sometimes the best choice isn't the newest or shiniest option, but the one that offers the most sensible balance of performance, reliability, and cost. The 2016 Specialized Allez Sport, despite its age, continues to hit that balance in a way that few bikes from its era still manage to do.
