Road Cycling - Cannondale CAAD5 w/ full Dura-Ace

I'm fairly new to road biking, but I think I already need a new bike. There is a 2002 Cannondale CAAD5 w/ full Dura-Ace for sale on road bike reviews classifieds.

The guy wants $1000 for it....seems like a good deal to me, but what do I know. I also plan on racing next year, so I want to get something pretty nice. So what do you guys think? Should I go for it?

BTW, this is what the ad says....

For Sale: 2002 Cannondale CAAD 5 complete bike. 57cm, two tone blue. Full Dura-Ace. Mavic/105 wheels. Flite gel saddle. Deda Newton OS bar (46cm) and stem (130mm). Speedplay stainless pedals. King bottle cages. Hutchinson kevlar tires. New: bar tape, chain, brake pads, tires. Everything in immaculate condition. Bike is only 6 months old. Email with questions, or for more photos. Worth over $2000; have to sell it, will sacrifice for $1000!

sounds like a good deal. Although the bars are a bit wide. I Would test ride it, see if it fits you, but other than that looks good. just make sure it fits you.

-Ross

I'd want to see it first. I wouldn't buy remotely in this case and have it shipped to me. At least on ebay you can have some recourse if you're careful.

I dont think you have to be too worried if you call the guy and get actual detailed pics of the bike before sending him cash. In my experience so far on roadbikereview and mtbr I have nothing but positive things to say. I just bought my Lemond Zurich off of roadbike and had absolutely no issues at all. I think that roadbike review is actually safer than going to ebay because there is less chance of getting scammed there as most people shopping on there are very experienced. The only question is wether or not the bike is the right size for you, and if the bars are too wide are you saving enough to justify buying another set of bars? I saved a cool grand on my Lemond and got pedals and a flight deck thrown in also and the bike didn't look like it had ever been taken outside. I would definitely call the guy and actually tlak to him which will reduce the chance of being disappointed.

Yeah, I think I may call him. I could also use an escrow service. Anyone have experience with that?

Thanks,
Kyle