justfra

Hi all,

My name is Francesco and I'm new to the forum.
When I was little I used be on the bike for hours everyday but after growing up for various reasons I completely stopped riding.
I did it for fun and to be able to move around in my country town and I've never really learned any technical skill.
Now I'd love to start riding again and I'm in the process of buying a bike.

I've been at a local Gregg's Cycle shop and as I was looking at something below 1000$ he suggested me a Specialized Allez Sport 2015 with Aluminium frame for around 800$ (Specialized Allez Sport - Gregg's Cycles although apparently on their website it’s more expensive. Maybe due to some accessories).

I’d like to ask your opinion whether do you think that for a beginner it would be better to go for a used, more advanced (and lighter) but older bike (Specialized Allez A1 Comp Carbon Road Bike or Allez Specialized 54cm Roadbike looked interesting to me).

They guy at the shop mentioned the advancements in technology as a pro for a new bike but I’m honestly unsure at how much a beginner like me would notice those advantages, considering that spending less on a good used would make it easier to decide to upgrade to a better one in 1 or 2 years.

Thanks in advance!

Francesco

Elvo

Buy new from an LBS if you want something you can just go out and ride and not really have to worry (at least in the beginning). Buy used if you want to spend some time researching what is appropriate for you.

palesaint

The bike you mentioned at your LBS sounds like a good one. Having a bike that fits you properly is the most important part of a good bicycle. Check to see if the shop will do a comprehensive fit with the purchase of the bike and I would even ask references to see how good they are at fitting.

Remember that the purchase of the bike is just one part of a proper budget. The rest includes gear (helmet, clothes, shoes, gloves, etc etc) and consumables (tires, chains, gels and energy bars). I manage to do pretty well on $50 a month on average.

juanebici

Buying use can be tricky and time consuming....depending on what is out there you may get lucky. If you go to a couple of LBSs you can try different brand and sizes to find what fits best. Search out other brands like Scott, Giant, Jamis, Trek, Cannondale... see what they have in the same price range and test ride a few...see if the LBS has a last year model for less.....you can always ask and they might be able to order one if they are still in stock. Good luck!

kbarch

If you are eager to get started, get new. Just be sure to have the shop do the "alterations" of adjusting the bars, stem and saddle to fit you. If you have patience to search through what's available used for something that fits, then by all means, save a little, do a fellow cyclist a favor and buy used.

dave1442397

I would probably go new, and that sounds like a good buy. See if they will throw in a free service plan too.

Going used is fine if you know what you're looking for and have a decent general knowledge of bike technology. If you do buy used, you need to know how to look for worn out components, etc. You could easily spend an extra $100+ if you need a new chain, cassette and chain rings.

justfra

Thanks a lot guys.
Apparently the general advice looks like going for the new. I was thinking about the used to save some money considering that I'll have to buy two bikes (one for me and one for my girlfriend).
I'm eager to start and I don't have a lot of time. I'd like to learn more about the differences between different models and gain more technical knowledge but I guess it will be something which will come on the way.
My goal is to take part to an Iron Man next year (and my dream to qualify for Kona) so I guess most of my free time will be dedicated to training.
Considering the total expenses I'll probably postpone the purchases of a couple of month.
I'll keep you posted

Thanks again

Francesco