Hey all,

I'm new to this community and wanting to get into biking. I don't know much about bikes and/or what to expect in terms of prices, but I was wondering if any of you can help me out? I was looking online and found a 2009 Specialized Allez Sport Compact Double for $350; looks to be in good condition, if not excellent. Was wondering if that was a good deal in your opinions? I'm gonna go see the bike on Thursday 7 January; what should i look out for? Thank in advance!

That looks like a nice bike for a good price. First thing to look for is the "size of the bike" and will it fit you properly. Fit is very important. Then ride it to see how smooth it shifts through the gears. Check the computer for proper operation. (Looks like it has one). Then look overall to see if it has dents or dings or other signs of abuse.
If it all checks out then politely offer a little less and be prepared to pay his price. Then go ride!

Thank you for your response! As I am so new to biking, what would I check for on the computer? Anything i should be wary of? (Other pictures posted on the sellers site shows a computer.) Thank you again for your help!

There is an error in the listing, since the bike in the picture has a triple, not a double crankset. Notice the 3 chainrings? It comes with 9 speed Sora, and the crank is Sugino.
This bike was approx $850 new.

I have two of this model (same bar tape and color!), and they are a fine first road bike if it fits and operates ok.

Somewhere between $250 and $350 seems reasonable for it now.

Oh, don't even think of trying to use the clip-on aero bars on the test ride!

Oh, wow, I didn't even notice that! Thank you F4rrest! I go see the guy on Thursday, so I'll be looking out for fit and feel. I'll let you guys know what I decide! I have two other bikes that I'm looking at as well (2015 Cannonade CAAD8 Tiagra for $800 and 2012 Specialized Roubaix-Carbon Fiber for $1100; both are like new conditions).

EDIT: after doing some research I feel like the Cannondale is asking too much. I saw online that an actually new one goes for roughly the same price or cheaper....thoughts?

Are you sure that bike will still be available on Thursday? Pretty good price.

If the CAAD is your size, not a bad price there either.

My other note: If you can afford to spend $1100, have you considered just getting a new bike?

I'm currently looking for a entry level bike and don't want to spend tons of money just yet. As I get more comfortable and understand what my body likes, I want to build up a custom bike while retaining my entry bike as a trainer (Provided that I love enough to get really serious about cycling. Why wouldn't I though?) I decided that I will go with the CAAD8. Though...there is this guy: 56cm Kestrel 4000 carbon road bike Which intrigues me as to wonder if this is a good buy or not. I'm instantly wary. Should I be? Am I overreacting?

Sock?

Anyone who is looking to spend $300--$1100 to try out cycling should look at a new bike, I'd say. Since s/he is already willing to spend that much but obviously is inexperienced, buying new could be a big help----no maintenance headaches, no buying something broken and not noticing right away .... if he didn't notice the Spec Allez was a triple, he might miss something else and get taken, which would suck for him and cycling in general.

I'd suggest they guy go to BikesDirect, Nashbar, or Performance Bike and shop around for something new. For $500-$600 he can get some really nice bikes for a new rider, and he could sell it after a year for decent money. I know he doesn't have LBS support if he buys there but he wouldn't if he bought used anyway.

But ... I have a strong "Whatever" feeling here. Wish the OP the best of everything anyway.

I would not advise a new rider to order online (bikesdirect or Nashbar), because they can't test ride the bike. Fit is the primary issue when purchasing, and if you can't test ride then how would you know if it fits?
Performance is a good idea, though, if they have a local retailer nearby.

Hey all, thanks for your replies and concern! I ended up going with the Cannondale CAAD8. It was a bit more, but since a lot of you pointed out that I missed a few (crucial) details, I decided that I'd go with the newest thing without spending too much (Still gotta get a rack, better helmet, shoes, pedals, etc etc...). The seller kept it in great shape; I checked the tires (wheels spin true) and the sound of the gears (shifts normally and no unusual noise). Fit is snug, but mainly due to body fat (lol), hence, buying the bike. No sign of crash damage or even much wear and tear aside from some dust. I've already put it through about 30 miles and it's pretty smooth. Aside from soreness from the saddle (from above mentioned body fat and also not riding a bike in years) I'm pretty happy. If you have any other advice, I would gladly accept! Thank you and I will continue to see you guys/gals around the forums!

I advise you you post pics of the new bike when you can. Oh ... and continue to enjoy.

AHH!!! Totally forgot! Here y'all go!

New Bike

Pretty Bike my friend. What was the cost of the bike?

Awesome! I like that better than the Specialized.
If you plan to ride more than 1 mile a week I'd take it to a bike shop and get a bike fit done. Or watch a lot of youtube videos and fit yourself the best you can.