Liv Avail 2 vs Specialized Allez - Shimano Claris
Both are endurance bikes at a similar price. Here is what actually separates them.
The short answer
For a typical all-round rider the Specialized Allez - Shimano Claris comes out ahead (81% against 73%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.
What actually separates them
- Price
- The Liv Avail 2 is £250 cheaper — £750 against £1,000.
- Weight
- The Specialized Allez - Shimano Claris is 0.7kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
- Riding position
- The Specialized Allez - Shimano Claris sits you more upright (1.56 stack-to-reach against 1.52). The Liv Avail 2 is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
- Tyre clearance
- The Specialized Allez - Shimano Claris takes 35mm tyres against 28mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
- Mudguards
- Only the Specialized Allez - Shimano Claris takes mudguards, which decides whether it can be your winter bike.
Side by side
| Spec | Avail 2 | Allez - Shimano Claris |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £750 | £1,000 |
| Weight | 10.3 kg | 9.6 kg |
| Frame | alloy | alloy |
| Groupset | Shimano Claris 2x8 mechanical | Shimano Claris 2000 2x8 mechanical |
| Stack / reach | 1.52 | 1.56 |
| Tyre clearance | 28 mm | 35 mm |
| Lowest gear | 27 in | 29 in |
| Mudguard mounts | No | Yes |
| Comfort | 50 | 63 |
| Speed | 37 | 38 |
| Climbing | 43 | 48 |
| Value | 90 | 88 |
Neither might be the right answer
This page assumes an average rider. Tell us how you actually ride and we will rank these two against everything else at the price.
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