beetz12

A friend is entering the road scene and wants a good quality bike for recreation riding and training. He is considering the following bike:

https://columbia.craigslist.org/bik/859900976.html

Specs :

Name Specialized Allez Triple
Frame Specialized A1 Premium aluminum
Fork Specialized FACT, carbon w/aluminum steerer
Rims/Wheels Alex S500
Hubs Specialized, aluminum
Spokes 14-gauge stainless-steel
Tires Specialized Mondo Sport, 700 x 23c w/Flak Jacket puncture protection
Crankset Sugino
Chainwheel 50/39/30
Front Derailleur Shimano Sora
Rear Derailleur Shimano Tiagra
Rear Cogs Shimano Tiagra, 9-speed: 11-25
Shifters Shimano Sora STI
Handlebars Specialized Comp, aluminum
Tape/Grips Body Geometry Bar Phat, cork
Stem Specialized Comp-Set, aluminum
Brake Levers Shimano Sora
Brakes Ultralight, dual-pivot
Pedals Composite w/clips and straps
Saddle Specialized Comp Road
Seat Post Specialized, carbon

$400 for a used bike with tiagra and sora components does not seem like a hot deal to me. (I got my Iron horse victory 3.0 bike with mostly 105 components for $575 shipped)

I would like to have second opinions. Would you guys recommend this bike to my friend, or is there something better he can purchase for $400?

Thanks!

spenney

That's the same bike I ride right now. It is a great starter bike, but $400 may be a bit high - try to talk him down to $350 and I'd say it is a steal.

green814

Speeney: What year is that bike?

Beetz: Remember that used bikes aren't loosing as much value now (maybe even went up a little????) due to the '09 bikes going up on average about 20% or so. If it is a newer ('06, '07) doesn't sound like a bad deal IF it fits, and is in very good condition

Chris

spenney

Mine is a 2004.

Slackerprince

Craig'slist is a negotiator's paradise.
It really depends on the desperation/urgency factor of the seller.
Work it, baby!

Slackerprince

HastyDeparture

I have an '09. Haggle him down a bit, and go for it. It's a great bike for cheap.

beetz12

Thanks for all the helpful comments.

I will go see the bike with my friend tomorrow and see if we could negotiate a deal. He will definitely test ride the bike to make sure it fits. Are there any particular flaws we should look for that may not be obvious at first but will affect the quality of the ride later?

Thanks again!

HastyDeparture

This may sound obvious, but check for damage, especially for cracks in the carbon (fork and seatpost).

the_drain

I have a 2005 (I have the sport which has slightly different parts (ie 105 derailler, different rims i think)). Great bike...the only reason I can think of buying a different bike is if I crash it or want more bling.

I dunno what prices are like elsewhere...but 400$Can seems like it would be what I would initially ask for. I paid 1000$Can for it 2006 (the store was asking 1300$Can).

There is a shop in town that sells recycled bikes for 200$ a pop (ie. standard 80's road bikes)...I figure a 05 is worth more than that.

Remember, something is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for. If they guy has had it on the market for a while, you should haggle. I sold a brand new ~1000$ CF frame for 450$ because nooone bit on it for a year and I wanted to unload it. :-)

beetz12

True wisdom usually sounds obvious, but only few get it.

I'll be sure to check the carbon components as you mentioned... but one more question:

Should I be able to feel the crack if I run my hand over the region, or do I need to examine with my eyes?

thanks!

beetz12

Very true. I plan to tell my friend to offer $300 at first , and if the guy says no, work up from there. Sounds reasonable?