Commuting - $400 for 1994 Trek 1400

I've basically decided in favor of plopping down $400 for a 1994 Trek 1400, which I'll be buying from an individual who claims it "...has never been used. It was an extra. It has been hanging upside down on hooks inside my home, so it is in excellent condition. All components compatible with today's accessories..."

Its 60cm frame is AL, so are the forks. The components are Shimano RX100, which is the same as modern day 105's. Right? Dang!

I'm pretty excited about it! Any flags, anybody? Should I pounce on it? I've got to have an all AL, because I live in deep southern FL and will often be commuting in rain. I think this steed is pretty perfect for me. I hope I'm just not smitten. I hate being suckered.

Waiting anxiously for any and all replies! -Dave

Take it for a test ride.
I use steel in a damp coastal environment, it doesnt just rust, but if you ride Al thats OK by me. I dont know this exact model, can you fit rack and fenders with plenty of tyre clearance?

The seller is agreeable to meet half way between our towns, which means about a one hour drive for each of us. I'll certainly ride it first just to be 100% sure before I plop all the money down. As for rack and fenders compatibility, it's not a touring bike, but a racer, so it doesn't have any eyelets anywhere. The tires are 25c, so putting--say--23c's on it might buy me a little space. Right?

As a matter of fact, I've been planning on putting "Freddy Fenders (http://www.planetbike.com/fenders.html)" on it. The guy sent me a pic of it. It's really pretty! It's got those things mounted on the handlebars for laying down on it on your elbows. I'm really starting to fall for it!

You'll need to be 6'+ in my opinion to be comfortable on a 60 cm frame... but you probably already know that. As for the price, it seems reasonable for a 10 year old trek 1400... there are a couple of auctions on ebay for trek 1400s that you might compare it to and then see what they close at. Also, you will not be able to fit fenders on that bike, so don't waste the cash on freddies. If you are going to use it as a commuter, 25c's will give you a little more cushion for the road debrie you are sure to encounter. And the standard disclaimer of this is just my opinion certainly applies here :) Good luck with your purchase!

You're familiar with the freddys enough to say conclusively that there's no way to put them on this bike? Please say it's not so! You're supposed to be able to put them on any bike if you use the zip straps in place of eyelets. Is it an issue of tire clearance? Darn! I really do need the fenders and at least one pannier on the back. I'd be sorry if I bought it?