Exactly!

I know this is hasty, but I don't want to pass up the opportunity. There is a Specialized Epic Road Bike on Craig's List for 350 bucks. I emailed the seller about a possible test ride.

Here are the listed specs:
Frame: 54cm Carbon Fiber
Fork: Light weight Alluminum
Wheels: 700c Mavic Clinchers with Shimano RX100 hubs. -wheels are true, straight, smooth and fast.
Gears: 14 (7 in the back 2 in the front)
Tires: Brand New Continental 700-23c
Derailluers, brakes, and cranks: Full Shimano RX100
Handle bars: Sakae custom anatomic bend with new red Deda Handlebar Tape
Seat Post: STRONG Aluminum
Seat: Specialized

For the price, it seems like a steal. I want your opinions before I dive into something that might not be as it seems. The frame is a bit big from what I know about fitting, but I'm still growing, so I can probably grow into it. At this point, I'm getting pretty tired of the mtb. It has shifting issues with both the front and rear derailleur and it's really heavy. The LBS looked at it, but not much could be done about the FD. Thoughts?

If it doesnt fit you comfortably,you probably wont ride it. Dont sound like that good a deal either. Just sayin,dont be in a rush.

I actually think that sounds a bit high. I don't have time to dig around on the internet, but I would guess that's an early to mid 90s model bike. Nothing wrong with an older bike...as I stated in my earlier post I just bought a '99 Specialized road bike and have an '86 Schwinn. However, for $350 that bike should be in very nice condition. Make sure it shifts well, make sure there is no frame damage. It's a plus that the seller put on new tires and tape. Usually those are add-on costs when buying an older bike. If you ride it and it fits and feels right, why not? Do realize that the parts on the bike likely follow most of the older standards: threaded headset, thread-on freewheel (i could be a 7 speed cassette, ask), 126 mm frame spacing (instead of 130 which modern rear wheels use). Not a dealbreaker, but limits the upgradeability of the frame. Don't worry about upgrades though. As they say, it's the rider not the bike. Assuming that this bike is in good mechanical condition, it will fly compared to any new $500 bike.

Here's the picture included:
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...g/P1030713.jpg

Uhhh, that's a bonded CF frame, those Aluminum lugs are just glued to the CF tubes. Stay away, those bikes are notorious for coming unglued without notice.

Really? That sucks. I guess I'll keep looking. I had a friend who said he had an older trek road bike that his dad fixed up and was looking to sell. Guess I'll talk to him. But it seems like most of the road bikes in my budget on CL are 90s and older. How about this? http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/bik/1641504254.html

Have you ridden a road bike for any stretch of time? Are you comfortable being bent over and stretched out? It doesnt work for everyone. I couldnt stand it personally, and My sirrus is more fun to ride. If you are comfortable, then get a road bike. They are fast and good for long distance. I still remember the time a bunch of kids flew by me on bmx bikes on my road bike, I had slowed down for rail road xing that was rough. They were all laughing and poking fun that they past me...Once past the rails, i got off the saddle and cranked up to about 30mph and they all had this crazy shocked face on...What did they think, a full out road bike was going to be slow? haha

I WISH I had been more comfortable on the Specialized Allez I had. It was a FAST bike. But, braking, bent over position, and lack of a granny gear just ruined it for me. Oh well, the Sirrus is a good balance of what I lacked in the allez, and almost as quick if I get on it...

That cannondale looks like a pretty good bike. If it fits and feels good, show up with $400 cash, see if they take it. 105 is of course as good as most any of us NEED, it will last and last if taken care of properly. And, since that bike is 8 spd, upgrades are endless :) Go look at it, at the least!

Would the LBS allow me to test ride an entry level road bike to get an idea of the setup? I'm free tomorrow morning, so I figure I could head over on my mtb to give it a shot.

It looks interesting. $450 sounds high but maybe it's in good shape. The Specialized had down tube shifters, which have their place but are kind of outdated, and this has the shifters up on the bar ("brifters" that sounds cheesy to me but I'm 100 years old) which are a lot more convenient to say the least. Try to get a test ride. Go for a coupla miles so you get a good feel and don't hesitate to see if the seatpost can be adjusted if it ain't right. Maybe he'll take $350...

Ya, I thought 450 seemed a bit high. I was probably going to try to talk him down if I was interested in buying. But it does look like it's it nice condition. Since I already cancelled on a meet up with the other guy, I might arrange something with the cannondale owner. 105s are certainly better than I could do new.