Buying a used bike, not sure if it is a good deal.
07-31-09, 02:47 PM
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Buying a used bike, not sure if it is a good deal.
I found a Specialized Allez Sport 56cm 1999 for 300 dollars. At first glance I'm thinking this is a good deal but I'm not so sure anymore with a bike that is 10 years old. I don't know how old the components are (if they have ever been replaced in the past) but I believe they are all Ultegra except for the shifters(105) and the crank(specialized). The owner of this bike bought it used so they don't know if there were any modifications or not. They are also throwing in clipless pedals, two water bottle holders, pump, and two bags.
Here is a picture of the bike.
https://elementlu.t35.com/pictures/
the jpg is named bike.
Here is a picture of the bike.
https://elementlu.t35.com/pictures/
the jpg is named bike.
Last edited by jblade; 07-31-09 at 02:51 PM.
07-31-09, 03:09 PM
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That's not the original seat for sure, looks like a touring seat. Depends on the condition of the bike, if it's in good shape $300 for a $1300 bike is a good deal.
07-31-09, 06:30 PM
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I'd say it's a steal for 300....IF it's in good shape. Ultegra components? Sure it's not hot?
Check to make sure it shifts properly in all gears and that there are no signs it's been crashed.
Check to make sure it shifts properly in all gears and that there are no signs it's been crashed.
08-01-09, 01:30 PM
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Thanks for the replies. I'm checking the bike out today and i'll be sure to check out the shifters. How can you check if a bike is hot (i'm guessing this means stolen)?
08-01-09, 01:43 PM
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Yes, it does. Not easy, unfortunately. In my line of work, I've taken hundreds of bike theft reports. Of those, perhaps I could count on one hand the number of victims who actually were able to furnish the serial number of the bike.....
If you were really, really worried, have a police officer run the serial number through NCIC.
If you were really, really worried, have a police officer run the serial number through NCIC.
08-01-09, 04:03 PM
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They are asking $300. So check the bike- Check the wheels for true-Good way of cutting price if they wobble and you can check for true by looking at the gap between the rim and brake blocks. Then ride it. If you like the ride and it feels ok- Start at $250
This is a 10 year old bike and a few problems can be expected- but it is old. Technology has changed in that period of time and it may be Ultegra- but it is "OLD" Ultegra. And if you do buy it- before putting too many miles on it- Get the wheels retrued and tensioned. Can guaranty that this has never been done and spokes will be loose.
This is a 10 year old bike and a few problems can be expected- but it is old. Technology has changed in that period of time and it may be Ultegra- but it is "OLD" Ultegra. And if you do buy it- before putting too many miles on it- Get the wheels retrued and tensioned. Can guaranty that this has never been done and spokes will be loose.
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How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
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