kooni

Hi guys,
Looking to get a road bike as I plan to do more city biking around the twin cities. Came across an Specialized Epic Carbon bike on the minneapolis craigslist forum, post # 7130531847 (sorry i can't post link or pictures since i'm still a newbie).

Haven't checked it out yet, but it appears to be in "excellent" condition and would fit me as well. Any thoughts on whether $300 is a fair price for the bike? Also any idea what year this bike is? Assume it's an older ('90s?) model but can't be sure. Been reading on these forums that earlier carbon frames with AL lugs had reliability issues. Will check it out to see if I can find any visible cracks, etc.

The other option I was looking at is a 2000 LeMond Tourmalet (minneapolis craigslist post# 7125255865) for around the same price.
Any thoughts on which bike is better for someone looking to get into road biking.

Thanks in advance for your input and apologies for not being able to post the direct link. Looks like I'll have to start getting more active on these forums, which are incredibly helpful by the way !!

plonz 

I found both and I’d opt for the Lemond. Nice bike that looks like it’s ready to ride. Good price.

I think the Epic is smaller than the the stated 56cm. Looks more like 54 to me. Components do not look as nice as the Ultegra group on the Lemond. Needs a little straightening out in the cockpit as well. Overpriced in my opinion.

The red 60cm Epic is very nice and only $200. Guessing it’s too big for you.

kooni

Thanks plonz. I'll check them both out tomorrow.
Yes looked at that and I think the 60cm Epic would be too big. Appreciate the response!

T-Mar

That Tourmalet has Shimano Tiagra, which is two steps down from Ultegra. Though it's a non-drive side photo, the Epic appears to be Shimano 105SC (based on the calipers) which would be one step up from the Tiagra on the Lemond, though a generation earlier. Both bicycles have had adjustable stems installed, possibly along with new handlebars,as they both look very wide. The Epic also has aftermarket brifters (installed too high), as it appears to be a circa 1991-1992 model, when they were equipped with down tube mounted shift levers. Both bicycles have had non-OEM pedals installed for the sale, with the Epic's being very cheap. The Epic does appear to be one size smaller than the Lemond.

kooni

Thanks, very helpful feedback particularly on the non-Oem components. Looks like the Epic might not be a good option for various reasons. I'll check out the Lemond and see if I can negotiate.

Thanks guys.

plonz 

Well guess I screwed that one up. Thought I was looking at Ultegra. Enduring crap from fellow club members for hanging Tiagra on a vintage Lemond would force me to drive the price down!

Ad appears to be gone so someone bought it.

kooni

I ended up buying the Lemond - paid $300. Rode it and it felt solid, shifted well, etc. Maybe could've negotiated a lower price based on the derailleurs being Tiagra.

I hope I like it, nonetheless. Thanks plonz and T-Mar for the feedback.

T-Mar

Congratulations on your new acquisition. Enjoy!

plonz 

Nice score! That bike just looked like it was set up well to me. Ride on