Specialized allez Epic...a dog?
 

There's a chap I know offering a Specialized Allez Epic. I'm kind of concerned about the frame - I heard they have issues, but I was wondering about the components, Richey hubs, alexrims rl 2002 rims, Shimano 105 levers/changers, rear derailier, RSX chainset and carbon fork. Oh, it's a 9 speed rear cassette, not the 7 or 8 I've read about on other Epics. I'm told it was owned before the present owner by a semi-pro (I trust his word). I can;t work out whether this is a good thing or bad, though. I'm guessing that it means the machine has been hammered, but, on the plus side, hasn;t come apart yet.
It's £250, the lot. I don;t know, but I'm guessing that's too high for a 13 yr old bike with issues. I've had a look around, and some folks do seem to like them, but I hear warnings all the time about the BB separating from the tubes (this one's BB is silver, not grey - which apparently is the troubling kind). Also, the frame has a few chips through the laquer and to the carbon, which I understand is not good. How much is a sensible offer to make? Like I said, I'm unsure of the frame, but the 9 speed 105 is interesting to me (and the various other bits and bats)

Yes, they had an history of tube separation in early years 1987-1989, I think. If you are an heavy/powerful rider I would stay away from it as it is very flexy. I weight 180lbs and I found the bottom bracket to be extremely flexy under heavy load such as climbing. The first time I experienced it I thought we had an earthquake, no kidding.

Thanks for that. How about the componentry, minus frame. How much do you reckon that's worth. I'm tempted to buy it and switch it to my much much cheaper Sora fitted road bike.

If the 105 components are in good to excellent shape they may be worth getting. However in good used conditions I don't think I would not pay more that $200 for the bike.

They look okay, pretty good. Hmmm, have to make a decision. What do you reckon to the wheels? Alexrims 2002. I read somewhere they were pretty ordinary.