The two benchmark aluminum road bikes, compared. Both prove that alloy can ride like carbon, but the Allez Sprint chases aero crit-racing speed while the CAAD13 leans on refined all-round road manners.
$3,200 - $4,500
Best for: Criterium racers and riders chasing flat-out alloy speed
$1,800 - $2,800
Best for: All-round road riders wanting race speed with all-day comfort
| Aspect | Specialized Allez Sprint | Cannondale CAAD13 |
|---|---|---|
| Stack (56) | ~565mm | ~580mm |
| Reach (56) | ~398mm | ~389mm |
| Aero Focus | High ✓ | Moderate |
| Ride Comfort | Firm | Smooth ✓ |
| Max Tire Clearance | 32mm ✓ | 30mm |
| Sprinting | Excellent ✓ | Very good |
| All-Day Versatility | Good | Excellent ✓ |
Both brands use numeric road sizing (typically 49-61cm) mapped to rider height, but their fits differ in feel. The Allez Sprint runs a lower stack and longer reach - a true race position - so riders who aren't flexible often size down or add spacers to raise the bars. The CAAD13 has a slightly taller stack and more balanced reach, making the same nominal size sit a touch more upright and forgiving on long rides. A 5'9" to 5'11" rider generally fits a 54-56cm in either brand. Compare stack and reach directly rather than trusting the centimeter label, since the Allez's aggressive front end can feel a full size more aggressive than the CAAD13 at the same number. If you sit between sizes, size up on the Allez for comfort and down on the CAAD13 for a racier drop.
Choose the Specialized Allez Sprint if you race crits, love a low aggressive position and want the fastest aluminum frame in a sprint. Choose the Cannondale CAAD13 if you want a smoother, more versatile alloy race bike that stays comfortable on long rides.
Cannondale CAAD13 - smoother ride and more balanced geometry
Specialized Allez Sprint - aero tube shapes and crit-race stiffness