HoneyDutch09

I want to upgrade from my Origin8 hybrid to a road bike. I would also like to do marathons down the road. I called my local bike shop and they have a Specialized Allez in several sizes for $800 (he may have said $870..not sure). I looked up the specs and compared it to some other bikes in the price range and it looks nice. Any tips? Should I go for a used road bike? The most I can really spend is $800, but will consider spending a little more.

dissident

What's your budget? A Cannondale CAAD10 4 would be great, but a Felt Z85 is a better bang for the buck. Keeping in mind the Cannondale is a more aggressive riding position. Depending on your location, used road bikes can be a steal since the people who sell them often have plenty of income and don't care about losing a few hundred off their purchase price and sometimes they get sold with just a hundred miles or two on them.

Basically anything with shimano 105 groupset, or SRAM rival/force. Bike makers cheapen out on wheels, cranks, and brakes, so if you find a bike with brakes and cranks that are the same as the rest of the groupset, you're off to a good start. Mine didn't, no big deal but in retrospect I could have gotten a bit better deal.

HoneyDutch09

Thanks for the tips. I don't really want to spend more than $800 (starting school again soon) It just so happens the bike I found on CL has 105's and matching components. How does this one look?

https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/bik/3128486636.html

It says 56cm. I'm 5'10" and about 150lbs. I've never been sized for a bike, but charts say I need a 54cm-55cm. How do I know if it fits?

HoneyDutch09

Anyone?

jon c. 

There's certainly variance in fit between brands and geometries, but generally speaking at 5'10" a 56 should fit fine. I'm 5'8" and ride a 54, but wouldn't be uncomfortable on a 56. Can't really comment on the value of the Trek. Nice components though.

SlimRider

In general, it's quite difficult to guesstimate the exact fitting frame size, as you go from one bicycle manufacturer to the next. It's always best, just to mount and test ride the bicycle, in order to confirm a proper fit. However, most cyclists are able to select an operable frame within their fit range, by using various sizing charts. I have provide one within the folllowing link for you:

www.ebicycles.com/custom/content_files/ebicycles-bicycle-sizing-chart-road-bikes.pdf

I'll place my vote on the Felt 85, as well!

PS.

The best deal on the planet is from bikesdirect:

The Schwinn Letour Legacy ~ $800
www.bikesdirect.com/products/schwinn/schwinn_letour_legacy_xi.htm

HoneyDutch09

Well, I went with the new Specialized Allez Sport and think I made the right choice. I decided to go new because I wanted a bike with new parts I can rely on for a few years. And plus, the Trek was not the right size for me.