Pale Rider

It's a 2005 Specialized Allez Sport that was literally gathering dust on the showroom floor--no kidding, I saw the dust with my own eyes! Original retail was $899 and I got it for $719. In fact, when I got done buying helmet and shoes, and changing out the pedals for those kind where one side you click into, and the other side you don't--the total cost was still less than the bike itself retailed for in 2005!

Some of you know I was originally going to buy the Specialized Sirrus Sport as a commuter/20-30 mile weekender. But I realized a couple things. First, I can ride to work on pavement the whole way--which is conducive to getting a roadbike. And second, I wanted a bike I can grow into as a longer distance road bike--one I could ride a century with. Sure, it's true you can't easily fit good fenders to this bike, but I live in central Oregon, where the weather is sunny for much of the year, so there should only be a few months where this will be an issue. The only things left to get are a roadside repair kit and some biking shorts/jersey. I saw a cool Cookie Monster jersey that fits my sense of humor...

huhenio

Congratulations. I like the fit of the specializeds, yet I cannot afford one.