Help me decide....old or new-ish?
 

I'm looking for an affordable commuter. Here's my options:

1. A Jamis Quest in pretty good shape. $140

2. A Raleigh Technium in good shape. $130

3 A 2010 Specialized Allez steel, barely ridden. $425

Obviously, I'd love a new bike but is it worth the $300 extra to have a new steel bike that is basically mimicking old steel bikes? I think I'd be paying $300 for mid-level new components. True or no?
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=222591http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=222592http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=222593

That jamis looks kind of badass, just sayin... Be easy to put brifters on that, F the Allez!
http://www.bikeforums.net/attachment...3&d=1318458560

you can commute on anything.

if you want the most affordable, get a mountain bike.

upgrades:
slick tires.
cheap rack.
cheap panniers.

you should be able to get all of that for $100 with a little patience.

Don't know much about the Jamis. I would stay away from the Raleigh. And the Specialized will probably offer a really great ride quality, depending on model and condition.

My regular ride is a Specialized that I call my Junker II. The bicycle, though banged up and fitted with less than perfect components, is a joy to ride. In fact, I can't believe how nice the ride quality is for such a junked up bike...
http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpe...ll_TQF_L_1.jpg