$1000 for a c-dale '03 R800, please talk me into it
 

I am looking to get a solid start in road cycling, and am wondering if a cannondale '03 R800 is the bike for it. I would be using this bike for centuries, as well as local rides. Its got just about full 105, which I think would be the best drivetrain for me (I'm 16, and don't plan to keep this bike forever. The quality/price ratio is about where I want it for now). Here is a description of it:
http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/03/c...del-3RR8T.html
The particular bike I am looking at has a Thomson seat post, Bontrager race lite stem, and Profile F-19Tri bars. It also comes with Ultegra PD-R600 pedals. The bike's frame is 63cm, and I can't find one around here to test ride (I am 6'4" and weigh 165lbs).
Assuming fitting isn't an issue, what do you think of this bike? Anything I should be warned against? I have heard good things about the CAAD frames, making this look like a steal to me.

Thanks for the help.

Thats quite high for a bike with 105 components, especially one that is 3 years old.

I don't know if I'd call 1k for this bike a steal. My wife bought an 03 R800 sport and it sold for $1199. It's a nice bike. the sport has a little more relaxed geometry as well as a suspension seat post and gel saddle. her bike, set up with look keo classic pedals and the Profile aero bars weighs about 23 Lbs . you can subtract a couple of pounds for the seatpost and very heavy gel saddle. the ride is very smooth, 105 9 speed shifts well Caad 5 frames is built to last.

What sort of a price would you expect for a three-year old aluminum bicycle with 105? $800? Bearing in mind that there is about $200 in extras on this bike (pedals, aerobars, stem and seatpost), it would seem that this bike, with what seems like a truly solid, responsive frame, would be going for something like 1k (thats shipped, mind you). I will admit that it isn't a steal, although, I was just hoping for responses :p

I would pass it up, just keep looking on craig's list, ebay and the paper a better deal will come around.

You dont want to be riding a bike with tri bars do ya?

I actually like the idea of them, though I really should give them a try first. Alright, I think I'm passing, thanks for the help.

EDIT: My new black Brooks team pro doesn't go with the blue frame, anyways.

A new '06 Cannondale Synapse with Tiagra/105 and a full carbon fork, plus a frame that is more comfortable for distance/century rides sets you back $1049. Pass on the used bike and get a Synapse.

I wouldnt pay any more than $800 for a good condition bike with full 105. In fact I bought a brand new full 105 Giant TCR 2 which is a very solid racing al frame for $900, so even paying $800 used is high. Too many people think their used bikes are worth too much.

Yep seems to be nikes depreciate like nuts.
Had a bike on ebay (australia) try and sell an older cannondale (mid-90's) for way to much and he/she kept listing it for weeks and weeks at the same high price, I dont know if it sold or not but it was a good laugh to see it there constantly

This is more like talking you out of it.. :P But I think you can definitely do better than that..

You're almost at the price for a new R800, pass on it.

Think seriously before you pass.

Advantage - The bike is a 63 - bigger frames don't draw the same demand, so the guy won't be getting a lot of calls.

Disadvantage - There aren't a lot of options for you because of your size.

Offer the guy $750 or $800 with shipping included and see what happens. You might have to wait a few days or forever, but you might get the bike you want at a good price.

55/Rad