Sock?

Anyone who is looking to spend $300--$1100 to try out cycling should look at a new bike, I'd say. Since s/he is already willing to spend that much but obviously is inexperienced, buying new could be a big help----no maintenance headaches, no buying something broken and not noticing right away .... if he didn't notice the Spec Allez was a triple, he might miss something else and get taken, which would suck for him and cycling in general.

I'd suggest they guy go to BikesDirect, Nashbar, or Performance Bike and shop around for something new. For $500-$600 he can get some really nice bikes for a new rider, and he could sell it after a year for decent money. I know he doesn't have LBS support if he buys there but he wouldn't if he bought used anyway.

But ... I have a strong "Whatever" feeling here. Wish the OP the best of everything anyway.