Why Jasper chose the Allied Able
One bike, multiple worlds
Sometimes the way you ride changes without you fully planning it in advance. That was the case for me as well. For years, I rode the previous generation OPEN U.P.. A bike that, during that period, almost replaced everything: road bike, cyclocross bike, gravel bike, and bikepacking bike. Light, playful, and surprisingly versatile.
When I bought a dedicated road bike again after a few years, it created space for a new division of roles. I was looking for a bike that could take over the role of the OPEN, but with a clearer focus: suitable for bikepacking, but also for rougher gravel rides and MTB marathons. With a sporty, aggressive position and enough clearance for wide tires. A combination that turns out to be rarer than you might expect.
The search for the right balance
What I was looking for sat right between several disciplines. Not a aero gravel racer, but also not a heavy touring bike. The bike had to be efficient at speed, but also inspire confidence when the terrain gets rougher and the rides get longer. That balance between speed, control, and tire clearance is exactly what made the search challenging.
Why Allied?
My first introduction to Allied Cycle Works came through conversations within BikeSuperior, when the collaboration with Allied became more concrete. In Europe, the brand is still relatively unknown, but the modern, minimalist design immediately appealed to me.
When Allied showed the first images of the Allied Able, I knew this was exactly what I was looking for. A bike with a clear race geometry, yet with room for wide tires. Not a compromise, but a well-thought-out whole.
Design, color, and appearance
The color I chose is Harlequin Fireball. This is the same version in which the Able was launched, alongside the team colors of, among others, Payson McElveen. I also seriously considered Racing Green, but in the end I wanted to go for a true race-inspired look. After all, aesthetics matter too. The Able looks clean, minimalist, and purpose-driven—exactly how this bike is meant to be.
Sizing and fit
The choice of size was clear fairly quickly. As a bike fitter at BikeSuperior, I work with geometries and riding positions on a daily basis. I normally ride a size 56, and after comparing the Able to my previous bikes, this size once again proved to be the right choice.
Saddle type, saddle height, and setback are fairly consistent for me. The only variables were stem length and handlebar choice. After measuring and testing the first frames that arrived, clarity came quickly there as well. Despite its sporty character, the Able still has a higher stack than my road bike. That made the choice simple: bars as low as possible and ride.
Build: functional and purpose-driven
The build was also fully chosen based on use. The base is an Allied Able frameset in size 56, built with a SRAM Force E1 XPLR 1x13 groupset. Simplicity, reliability, and a wide range of use were central to these choices. Combined with a 46T Aero chainring, the drivetrain remains efficient on fast sections, while still offering enough range for long climbs and rougher terrain.
For the wheels, I chose the Zipp 303 XPLR SW wheelset, deliberately selected for their stability and support when running wider tires. Especially when heading into MTB-like terrain or long days with luggage, you really notice how much calm and confidence this adds to the ride.
For seating comfort, I ride my trusted Reform Seymour saddle, personally adjusted and by now a fixed choice on my bikes. In addition, I’ve been riding shorter cranks for several years, which suits my riding style and deeper position well. Everything about this setup was chosen based on use and experience, not trends.
First impressions and real-world use
The first time I saw the bike fully built was at BikeProtector. Since a bikepacking trip through the Alps was immediately on the agenda, the bike first received a coating and PPF treatment.
After a short test ride, it was straight into the real work: a 200-kilometer ride through the Alps, from Reutte to Merano. Not a gentle introduction, but a perfect test. The bike immediately felt right: stable, efficient, and comfortable, even after long hours in the saddle.
A few weeks later, I rode the exact same setup at the Gravel World Championships in the age group categories. There too, the Able proved its qualities. In November, another test followed: 2.25-inch MTB tires and the Dutch Masters of MTB. Once again, the bike held its own.
A true all-rounder
For me, the Allied Able has proven itself to be a true all-rounder with a racing heart. A bike that doesn’t excel in just one discipline, but is strong precisely because it performs well across all of them. From bikepacking to gravel races, and from long Alpine rides to rugged MTB marathons.
It’s not a bike for everyone. But if, like me, you’re looking for one bike that combines speed, control, and tire clearance without losing its sporty character, then this is a very logical choice.
