2013 Specialized Allez Compact?
 

I'm in the market to buy a new entry level bicycle and was wondering if this was worth it or not?

Its a 2013 Specialized Allez Compact which retailed at $800 back in 2012.

It has Dura Ace Shifters, Cassette and Derailers with 105 chains and gator skin tires.

He is asking $650 for it, not sure if I should take a pass or take it up. sizing is just right for me.

Woa...wait...

Looking up the Allez compact, it came with a bottom of the line 2300 set. This guy put Dura Ace components on it? What generation? Is it a 9 speed or 10 speed set? If it's 10 speed Dura Ace components, it has to be a 7800 (2003) series or better (if my memory serves me correctly). If it is 7900 or better...that is a really good deal.

If it's a 9 speed DA set? Hmm...that's quite a bit older. Not bad by any means...but not nearly as good of a deal.

Any more details on the set?

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Here are some pictures, it is pretty much the only information I have. Looks to be in pretty good condition.

Is this on CL? Link? Those are 9 speed comps. Still fine though. What area do you live in. I can search your CL for you. Always good to have options.

Specialiez road bike 2013

I live out in Los Angeles but I'm willing to drive around the area such as orange county, inland empire.

I'd be willing to say that set is far better than the 2300 set it came with. (before he sold it), my buddy had that exact same bike in stock form...the components were brutal.

It says it's a size 49. Are you really short?

I'm about 5'6 with a long torso and big head. My measured bike inseam is about 27.5" so yeah I am pretty unproportional.

Would you say that this is worth buying at $650? and did your friend like the overall bike in general?

I really don't think that's a bad price...I believe he gave $800 for it stock (or close to). It's a good, solid frame and I'm sure it will serve you well. He bought it (against my recommendation) for tri-use and landed up hating it. Sold it and bought a Felt. If my memory serves me correctly, I think he got $600 or so out of it.

If the DA group is in good shape and solid working order...it will be a far better setup than how it came stock. Personally? Sure...I'd give $650 for it if everything is in good working order and the frame hasn't had the tar beat out of it.

I bought my son an Allez a few years back with the Sora setup. It's been a really good bike so far, no issues to speak of.

Not a bad price. Ultegra and Dura Ace 9 speed are my favorite Shimano groups.

Not a bad price but I still think it's to small.

Someone will have to remind me how to calculate head size into bike fit... ;)

I agree as well,,,my buddy is 5' 6" (or 7")...and he bought a 52. 49 is pretty stinking small...even at 5' 6"...you'd be pretty bent in a "n" shape riding that thing...

I agree it's too small. Although it "may work" you would probably be a lot more comfortable on a 52. I'm 5'8 (and a half) and ride a 54.

Here is something you should consider for $500 In my opinion I would rather have a 2012 105 groupset over a 2001+ dura ace set. 2013 SCOTT road bike

Well like I said my measured inseam is 27.5", so I've got pretty short legs. I'm going to test ride it tomorrow and determine if it fits well or not.

I test rode a 48 CAAD8 at the LBS and that felt fine. Hopefully allez sizes roughly the same.

That's a pretty good deal on that Scott...

And it very may fit you...it really is person to person. My buddy is the same overall height as me, but he has stubbly legs (LOL). I ride a 56 Tarmac, he rides a 54.

I would be more concerned with my "reach" as the seat can move up and down to accommodate the short legs. You don't want your back to be in a huge arch just so your legs are comfortable. I made that mistake on my first purchase when I got started. Then I went to a shop that did retul fittings and they did some basic measuring and said the bike is the wrong size you need a 54'.

That is a great find, I'll follow up on it. Thanks for finding it.

I'm curious as to what search criteria you put in to find that? I'll scrounge through Los Angeles craigslist and can't find much.

That's what I was thinking.... If it was a little bigger I may have sold my hybrid and converted it to a Gravel Grinder!

I know a lot of sellers don’t know the ins and outs on CL so I always use the most basic of basic search criteria and spend a little more time filtering. My search was “road bike” and I filter by owner. I end up getting a LOT of junk along with the good stuff, but it’s so basic of a search It never leaves anything out.

If you end up getting the bike and want to get some time riding down in OC just let me know.

Definitely will do.

Do you have any suggestions for other bikes to keep an eye out for an entry level bike?

My buddies have told me Allez and CAAD, but those are big name brands.

Most of the CAAD's I saw were to big for you. That Scott looks like a nice buy. Really worth a closer look.

If he comes through and it fits right I will end up buying it.

Hasn't replied though but it has only been an hour or so.

Do you have any suggestions for an entry-level road bike? Budgeting around $500 give or take.