Originally Posted by hh0749

Hi

I'm a complete novice in road bike and I wanted to hear more experienced bikers' opinions about my specific case.
I have 2 options:
1. second hand specialized amira elite compact https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/bi...ecompact/37722
2. brand new any low end model such as Giant Avail 3 or Trek Lexa SL Women (my budget is about $1500)

This person is selling Specialized for $1400 and has put about 4000km on it. Apparently she took a good care of the bike and no crack/dents in the frame. She belongs to a cycling club with $100 annual membership fee, so I don't think she completely neglected her bike maintenance, but I don't know her personally obviously. She told me she's selling it because the geometry does not fit her body. Her upper body is shorter and her legs are longer. So she put on a new, shorter stem (10mm shorter than spec) and added short-reach bars for smaller hands, but she still thinks it doesn't fit.

I probably want to do racing in the future, so I think getting nicer bike second hand sounds appealing, but I just wanted to hear everyone's opinion about this.

Originally Posted by 69chevy

I won't weigh in on your choices in bikes, but I will shamelessly plug this seat.https://www.amazon.com/Selle-Italia-W.../dp/B001VEIYZC

My wife couldn't ride more than 25 miles without it.

Originally Posted by zonatandem

Picked up a used Scott Plasma TT bike at swap meet.
Owner paid 3,400 bucks at closeout sale.
Put on less than 200 miles and decided he did not like time trialing or Triathelons.
Hung in garage 2 years.
Got it for 700 bucks (perfect fit) and did a few changes and now have a greatr bike for less than 1,000 invested!
Pedal on!
Rudy/zonatandem

Originally Posted by mcours2006

Don't forget to budget for things like pedals, shoes, clothes and other accessories. They will add up quickly too.

Originally Posted by CliffordK

There are good year end deals.
But, also some good spring deals.

No sense in completely missing a riding season waiting for fall.

You might meander over to the Classic & Vintage Subforum. A lot of road bikes back to the 1960's are still very relevant today. Or, making a mixed build with some old and some new parts.

There are quite a few subtle changes from 2000 to today. But, the 2004 Trek has many of the big "recent" changes. Brifters, 1 1/8" threadless stem,. 27.2 seatpost, carbon fork, cassettes. Something is odd with the stem on that bike. Either it is a 100% uncut stem (nice), or has a stem extender. Either way, you may choose to do some stem adjustments. Depending on the model, it will be either 8 speed or 9 speed rear (plus, apparently triple front).

Bicycle Blue Book isn't kind to the 2004 Dolce (elite)
2004 Specialized Dolce Elite - New and Used Bike Value

But, there seem to be some systematic problems with the BBB pricing, and I think that estimate is very low, but it may be something you could use to work out an offer ($400?)

The advantage of an older bike is that someone else has taken all the depreciation. So, the value of a 2004 bike will be about the same next year as today (if you get a good enough deal on it, and maintain it).

Perhaps the biggest changes are that the high-end bikes are running 11 speed drivetrains today. But, 8, 9, and 10 speed drivetrains are still very common depending on the bike model.

Anyway, there are some advantages of older bikes (1970's, 80's, or 90's), but personally I'd probably choose 2000 or newer. But, I would not ignore the early 2000's. Go by the bike, not just the year.

Consider a pretty complete tune-up as a good idea for a bike more than a couple of years old.

Originally Posted by hh0749

Oh I didn't know there are few changes since 2000 to today.. I guess it's all in the marketing then..
BBB site is interesting! hahaha According to them, this Dolce bike is so over-priced in kijiji! Yeah I'm not sure about their accuracy of valuation, but definitely a great negotiating tool when I buy second hand bikes!

Originally Posted by CliffordK

A few changes. But, are they worth $1000?

Perhaps a greater acceptance of Carbon Fiber throughout the bicycles. There will be different bottom brackets and etc. Hydroformed aluminum is the big thing for aluminum.

But, if you also weigh maybe 100 pounds soaking wet, then some things like slightly stronger/more rigid bottom bracket shells might not make any difference.

Bicycle weight has been argued ad nauseam. Smaller riders probably benefit a little bit more from super-lightweight bikes, but perhaps only at the extremes of competition.

Originally Posted by mcours2006

If you're in Toronto you can check this out:

Miele Svelto RR

It's an aluminum frame with 11-sp 105's. Don't know about what sizes they have available, but wouldn't hurt to check. They've been in business for a very long time. I've shopped there since I was a teenager.

Even if that doesn't fit you they may have something else suitable in your price range. And if you buy buy things like pedals and shoes from they you're more likely than not to get a discount.