Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Potential Bike Purchase: 2005 Specialized Allez Sport

If I make this purchase it will be my first road bike. Currently I ride a Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo mountain bike. I have used my HKEK on group rides and organized rides up to 62 miles. I typically average about 12 to 13 mph per ride on various terrain. There are no mountains nearby, but we have a few hills, those hills and I still do not get along very well. They don't like me and I don't know why. I don't think a new bike will solve that problem.... I just want a new bike anyway. :)

So here's the deal, this bike is at a bike shop. It's at a shop I found by accident while driving around looking for pawn shop deals. So, even though the owner has been in business for 42 years, I know nothing about him.

My dilemma is this:
This bike: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2005&spid=21298&menuItemId=0 It is a 58cm.
Is hanging on the wall for sale at $450. Consignment sale, price is not just firm, but really firm.
My stats: 5'11" 245lbs, approx 30"-32", I'm not sure how to measure it, but best fitting pants are 40"/42"x32"

I do not have the money, and I don't want to use a credit card for it..... I could but don't want to. But if this is a great deal and a near steal then I don't want to miss it. This bike spoke to me from across the room. It called my name... "Dude, come here... stand over me. Yes, just like that, oh it feels good." Then she said "Caress me Dude, grab my brifters, oh yeah daddy". At that point I think the bike tried to "know" me more intimately than I it should!

So is it:
Great deal, snap it up!
or
You can find something similar anytime, keep looking.

Post your thoughts please. Thank you.

If I make this purchase it will be my first road bike. Currently I ride a Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo mountain bike. I have used my HKEK on group rides and organized rides up to 62 miles. I typically average about 12 to 13 mph per ride on various terrain. There are no mountains nearby, but we have a few hills, those hills and I still do not get along very well. They don't like me and I don't know why. I don't think a new bike will solve that problem.... I just want a new bike anyway. :)

So here's the deal, this bike is at a bike shop. It's at a shop I found by accident while driving around looking for pawn shop deals. So, even though the owner has been in business for 42 years, I know nothing about him.

My dilemma is this:
This bike: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2005&spid=21298&menuItemId=0 It is a 58cm.
Is hanging on the wall for sale at $450. Consignment sale, price is not just firm, but really firm.
My stats: 5'11" 245lbs, approx 30"-32", I'm not sure how to measure it, but best fitting pants are 40"/42"x32"



I'm 5'11.5" as well. I've ridden 58 cm bikes before (generally early in my experience) but I've come to realize that a 55 or 56 usually fits me best. I don't know if the extra weight around your midsection would make much difference, but if it does, I would think that you would want a shorter top tube and a more upright position, and a 58 is going to stretch you out quite a bit. Also, $450 for this bike doesn't sound like an unreasonable price, but it doesn't really scream "terrific bargain" to me either. I think that you could do better on Craigslist if you're patient.

Good luck!

When they bat their eyes and caress you thighs, hide your wallet!
It sounds like a good deal, but if you can't afford her now -- wait. She may be hanging there to motivate you to 'feed the pig', i.e. save your pennies for later.

I am a patient man. And I do have a bit of..... emergency energy reserves, carried around my middle. I think I will try to wit a while and see what else happens while saving for it. I may go back in a few weeks and see if she still talks to me. I'll try to test ride and see how she feels.

Thanks for the input guys.

That seems big to me too. Most guys our height fit on bikes in the 54-56cm range on Specialized bikes. Most women in our height range prefer a 54-55cm. You will have no problem adjusting the seat to fit your legs, it is the extra stretch that can kill your back. I think that 58cm should be too big for you.

There are a lot of ill-fitting, yet REALLY NICE bikes that are sitting around in people's garages/basements for extended periods of time between rides. After that "new bike" feeling wears off, the bike has to fit for you to want to ride it. Be sure.

Pinyon, I notice in your sig that you have an Allex Elite Compact. Would it make a difference on the fit if the bike used compact geometry?

I mean to ask, would a 58 still be too big?

Pinyon, I notice in your sig that you have an Allex Elite Compact. Would it make a difference on the fit if the bike used compact geometry?

I believe the "compact" refers only to the compact crank (50/34), not the frame.

Yeah, the "compact" refers to a compact crank, with 50/34 cogs on the front. It is also a compact frame, though. I like it just fine, actually, and I usually prefer "old-school", traditional geometry bikes with a longer top-tube. I like the way that the compact frame rides. It corners well, and does not wobble as much going down a big hill as my old bike. I like it.