I know some folks like to buy new but this time of year for $5-600 you can get some nice road bikes in near new condition. Stretch the budget a bit more and a 105/Ultegra bike is possible, especially in alu.
Since you've kept your old ride so long you must be a little versed in the car and feeding of a bike, so maybe it needs a bit of lube/tune.
Example:
2011 Upgraded Sram Red Trek XO1 Road/Cyclocross/Commuter bike
$735
Winston-Salem, NC$735 OBO
2011 Trek XO1 Road/Cyclocross/Commuter bike
Short version:
56, All upgraded to Sram RED 2x10 except front derailer and crankset. Bike mechanic owned, very carefully maintained. 1 paint chip in the fork, and one scuff on the toptube.
Long version:
This is the ultimate "quiver-killer" bike. Currently optimized for road riding or commuting, it also works as a gravel bike, a cross bike, and could even be "underbiked" on singletrack.
Components:
- 56cm frame
- Aluminum frame, Carbon fork
- Upgraded Sram RED 2x10 shifters, rear derailleur, and rear casette
- Stock Sram Apex front derailleur and crankset
- Upgraded and <1yr old Jagwire cables and housing
2 small imperfections: 1 chip in the paint behind the fork (pictured) from an little rock getting kicked up (this is about 3 years old, and goes no deeper than the paint), and a small paint scuff on the top from being put in a rack on a car incorrectly. Cables are fine, paint is just scuffed, and this is also pictured.
Everything spins and clicks as it should, enthusiastically. Bike has been professionally maintained and cared for, kept indoors, and cleaned after every rain ride.
