Silveroak2014

Hi I'm joining cause I want to buy a road bike and need some opinions... I'm looking at a specialized sequoia elite -- it's super clean, they want $600. Is that a good deal??? They (bike shop) said they thought it was about 5 yrs old, however it's blue and it seems blue was used for 2005/2006---



What do you think???
The elite has dual brakes /shimono 105 everything (2005/2006 models) and carbon fork-hope the picture shows

cyclist2000

From bikepedia.com, it looks like a 2004 model but could be a 2005, its at least an 8 year old bike that originally cost around $1200. Is it NOS or used? I did a search for reviews and it appeared to be well reviewed.

If it's used, I would expect to pay less. If its NOS and been sitting around the shop that long I would expect to pay less. I expect to get a 30% discount on a year old NOS bike.

Silveroak2014

Ty! It's used (a trade-in to the bike shop) on yakaz, there's a 2006 and they want 725- but common sense tells me that an 8 year old bike that started at 1200 should go for about 400 plus tax -

catonec 

it looks like a very small frame. how tall are you??

for $600 you can get new from bikes direct.

disadvantages of buying online (before everyone else chimes in)
some assembly required.
not as easy to return/exchange
cant test ride first
local mechanic support/year worth of tuneups

advantages.
get a nice product at a greatly reduced cost.

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Wildwood 

We have the same bike in our household - my daughter's. It's a low mileage bike so I can't give you much info about reliability, but she has had no problems with it. I thought the wheels (Alx290) were cheap for a $1,000 bike. For a size estimate, my daughter is 5'4" and has a frame that appears to be one size larger than the one above. With 25mm tires at 90 psi the ride is pretty cushy given all the elastomer inserts and suspension seatpost.

Silveroak2014

Ty for all the help!! The ad says its 51cm and I am 5'5" but after I really looked at the pic it does look really small! I'm supposed to ride it tomorrow-hope its worth the hours drive!

Wildwood 

Can't be sure but I think Shelby's is a 54cm. The stems are incredibly short on these smaller frames.

Retro Grouch 

There's a difference between cost and value. How do you like the bike? Is it the right size for you? Do the brakes and shifters work smoothly?

You don't want to feel like you are overpaying for your fun. I get that. A year from now, however, if you buy the bike and really enjoy riding it, $200 more or less probably won't matter to you.

Silveroak2014

Yes that's true....in a year, if I'm hooked, price won't matter at all.... However I did find this blue book for bikes website that said that it was worth 432 tops......But if I have the "this bike was made for me" feeling..... There is a Bianchi that's grabbing my attention - 2010 SHE but it come with sora set instead of the 105's

the blue book says 436 and they want 525--thanks for reading! This is a confusing process!!!

crazyb

A 105 equipped road bike in tip top condition is worth 600 all day long if it fits you. I would rather have a used 105 bike than a new sora or less. 105 is 2 levels above sora.

OldTryGuy

I'm soon to be 64 YEARS OLD and decided, with wife's insistence, to purchase more bike than I will ever get full use of, but will say, I am sure having one heck of a time on it. If your budget is really tight then squeeze the pennies, if not, test ride some nicer ones to see what you could be missing in the year's worth of trial period.

Black wallnut 

Although this is true this years Sora is several years better than 8 year old 105. Take it for a spin and then make an offer if it feels good between your legs and fits you.

Silveroak2014

Hi wow Ty you for the tips!! This forum is great! Ok, the 2006 sequoia was way too small!! Catonic was right. And while I am pinching pennies, I get your point OldTryGuy----you gotta love your bike. In that spirit my dream (looking) bike is this bianchi - it's $970 (2013) new on findthebest.com. Wow it's got only sora but wow

Silveroak2014

Better pic
bianchi Via Nirone Sora Dama. Mwah!

cyclist2000

A 46 cm is really small. Do you know what size fits you?

Silveroak2014

Yes I'm 5'5" and have now tried bikes at 4 shops and it has been determined that I am a 52 with a long torso so could easily ride a men's bike. I can't fit the Craig's list one cause it is too small but it helped me to see what bike I love and it's only 100 more new! Love that bike! We have a branchi dealership bike shop - I need to see if I can ride this model

qcpmsame 

At that price point you can get some bicycles with Tiagra components, pretty much the 105 from a few years back. The specialized Allez entry models, Cannondale CAAD 8 entry builds as well as Trek, Fuji,etc., Depends on your local scene and what LBS are around your area.

The Via Nirone is a really good bicycle, you can easily upgrade as you progress, Bianchi handle great from my experience, as well. Your looking at the fit carefully is a good thing. Well done so far.

Bill

Silveroak2014

Thank you for the encouragement- I've tried several new bikes and the Trek Lexa S is my favorite so far but if I'm going to spring for a new bike, the Via Narone (in Celeste color) has my heart (unless when I ride it, something seems terribly off).

Wildwood 

For a new roadie, patience in finding the right fit and feel is truly worth the wait.

edit: listen to your touchpoints (sitbones/hands/feet) - not your eyes that see "Italian" celeste. Before the final decision, ask for an extended test ride if LBS permits.

goldfinch

My experience with Bicycle Blue Book and used prices in some areas of the country is that the BBB price is lower than what you can get for a bike and certainly lower than what many ask (which of course does not necessarily reflect sales price). I sold three older mountain bikes that were family bikes for much for than the BBB price. The bikes operated just fine but they certainly were not pristine. Yet, I got more than the "like new" price. However, if you are negotiating to buy a bike it is a good resource to show the seller.

Maybe the accuracy is better in some areas than in other areas.

Silveroak2014

The search is still on and now I'm considering 2005 trek alpha 1500 w ultegra rear derail lire and 105 front - I'm going to offer 425

Silveroak2014

I think it was a mistake to not follow up on the trek but on to a specialized dolce elite 2006 with helmet and shoes ---

Silveroak2014

Oops actually this is the bike - but it's a 54cm and I'm 5'5" so not sure until I ride it-

Wanderer

At those used prices, it might be beneficial to talk to the Bianchi dealer about prices.................... new! Maybe lower the price on the bike, or include helmet and/or shoes???? A big plus is the warrantee, and adjustments....... AND A DEALER!

Silveroak2014

I am so happy! I got the bike, (2006 Specialized Dolce Elite-full 105) the shoes, which fit, glasses, helmet, full size tire pump, - all for $400 (the bike looks new) as a newbie I had to guess about the fit but I'm getting professionally fitted/adjusted today on a trainer at a shop!! Since I've lived in napa most my life I can't wait to start seeing it for the first time from on a bike!!! A friend is taking me on my maiden voyage on Thursday to a destination unknown.... I'm so excited I feel like I'm 10 again!