need buying advice: 84' trek 660 vs 88' miyata 712 vs 12' specialized
 

my first post here, ive gleaned a lot of information just searching through the forum, but now its time that i need to as my specific question. i compete in sprint and half triathlons (4-5 a year) and enjoy commuting to work (<30 miles). ive been riding a borrowed old schwinn (974 or something like that) and had to give it back. im ready to make a purchase, however i did get sticker shock when i looked at entry level road bikes. im torn between buying a newly used road bike (feeling like i overpaid for something i wont use enough, but will be top end, long lasting, keep me competitive) versus an older well versed road bike and upgrad some components (sleep easier at night, still riding a reliable product, dont have to work too hard to get my investment out of it). overall, i want to have my cake and eat it too haha. but i would like to have a reliable bike, that i enjoy riding, makes me want to ride more, and keeps me competitive.

here are the 3 bikes im looking at, which i narrowed down utilizing much of the advice this forum gave other members. im pretty ignorant when it comes to components, and what they are worth or which ones are sought after, so i would appreciate your advice on these bikes, and their respective values, and your opinion of which bike would be most suitable

1984 trek 660
http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/bik/3862452312.html

1988 miyata 712
http://toledo.craigslist.org/bik/3898045263.html

2012 specialized allez apex
http://annarbor.craigslist.org/bik/3903175896.html

Bike for racing will not be the bike for commuting. Sounds like two bikes are coming your way, if you desire to be competitive.

Three bikes, three different sizes. Dial in your size first, then shop. Assume sellers get the size wrong, so prepare to waste some gas along the way.

If you want modern, the Apex is pretty nice (if it fits). Buyer sounds flexible to an offer. In person, in cash makes all the difference!

Trek is a frankenbike, and is a TOTAL MESS, at a pristine bike price = HUGE PASS.

Miyata 712 was a nice bike, terrible pictures, looks like an active seller (but poor picture taker) = MAYBE

thank you for your advice. im waiting to get some better pictures on the 712 and i have the specialized seller down to $675. im just worried to pull the trigger on the modern bike because idk if ill get my riding investment out of it. paying $200-250 for an older bike, i know ill feel like i got my money's worth easily

How tall are you and where are you located? I have a pretty deep inventory between A2 and the eastside.

5'9. detroit michigan