Road Cycling - Specialized Allez A1 on web

New to the forum from a posting standpoint but have read many threads. Have been using a cheap MTB for the last few years and have been doing quite a bit of road riding this summer, running about 30-90 miles a week depending on work/family duties. I've been looking at entry level road bikes, something like a Trek 1000 or 1200 or a Giant OCR.

This past weekend I was in a lbs while camping a saw a Specialized Allez A1 for $785. Did a little looking on the web since I honestly didn't know much about this bike and then ran across the following site http://www.aroadbike4u.com/inc/pdetail?v=1&pid=418 for $495.

I've read posts about buying on a bike on the net so I realize the risk. Anyone do business with these guy's?

Lastly I'm now riding a 80's flavor Fuji S12 I picked up at a garage sale which is a improvement over the MTB...but that's not saying much. But hey at least I'm riding and losing weight (was 260 down to 240) which was what I wanted to do.

First, glad you're riding. Second, stick with your LBS until you get comfortable doing all of your own maintenance. IT's good to have that relationship. The Allez, you'll find from these boards, is a pretty popular entry level bike.

For 300.00 dollars you could get some good up-grades, or take your bike to a shop anytime for repairs. You can develop a relationship that way too.

Just make sure it is sized correctly, how you do that is up to you.

I've visted that website, but I have never ordered anything, so no help there. Will they even sell you that bike over the net?

Good Luck,

ehenz

Originally posted by ehenz
For 300.00 dollars you could get some good up-grades, or take your bike to a shop anytime for repairs. You can develop a relationship that way too.

Do you mean up-grading my old Fuji? I guess I thought the bike was too old to consider upgrading.


I've visted that website, but I have never ordered anything, so no help there. Will they even sell you that bike over the net?

I'm guessing they would since they mention free shipping.

No, silly. Upgrading the 02' Allez with the $300.00 savings (or at least get some shoes, peddles, helmet, clothes and all the other stuff you might need).

In other words, I don't think a LBS is going to give $300.00 worth of customer service if you buy the bike there. They may give you free adjustments (you'll do this on your own in most cases) a thirty day tune up ($30.00), and work out any warranty issues (rare).

The LBS should be just as grateful if you let them know you bought the bike in the net and would like them to go over it and make sure it is top running condition. If they seem dissatisfied, go somewhere else.

Originally posted by ehenz
No, silly. Upgrading the 02' Allez with the $300.00 savings (or at least get some shoes, peddles, helmet, clothes and all the other stuff you might need).

Oh well. Guess thats why I do more reading than posting!

Good comments though, thanks for the advice.

It looks like they only have a 54 and 56 at the "roadbike4u" website. Do you ride either of those sizes?

$785 seems a little high for a 2002 A1. Supergo has the 2003 Allez (also a Sora/Tiagra mix) for $500. They have the Allez Elite for 900. Of course, they won't mail order Specialized so that doesn't do you a lot of good.

Actually the price was $495 including shipping. I talked to them this PM and they don't have any. Said they might get some more in but nothing for sure.

I guess I was just questioning the price of $495 and what dealings anyone had had with this place.