How much would you pay?
 

If you were in the market for a new bike that would be entry level racing bike...how much would you pay for this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-Orbea-Opal_...3%3A1|294%3A50

I see they were on the market for over $3000 new last year, and I emailed the seller, and he says there are only 1400 miles on the bike, never seen rain, shifts cleanly and crisply. My last bid was 1900....i want to know if I should go higher. I have test ridden one before, and I loved it.

Not that much, personally a year later I wouldn't pay more than half RRP. Unless I knew and trusted the seller.

Edit: Also, if he said the bike's only done 1400Mi it is probably closer to 2800Mi.

My first bike cost me $400, a used specialized allez elite. Still ride it, great rain bike for me. Got me into the sport, raced it and got me into the 4's. Dont go to crazy on your first bike.

That's not an entry level race bike.

SwinBike - not my first...actually my second bike, but I get your point. Its not the bike, its the rider. I know that for sure. I also know my current bike is frustrating me so much, I may just throw it in the next trash bin I see on my next ride. I cant see myself ever using it in a race. But thanks again for the advice.

+1

How so? New ones are right at the $1200 with 105 and a solid alum frame. . I have always considered 105 to be the entry level group for racing.

what does "57 cm squared" mean??? ;)

Spot on. As you said, entry level race bikes, like a Caad9, can be had for around $1200. Aluminum frame vs. the carbon frame on the Orbea, Tiagra/105 vs. the SRAM Force on the Orbea, and most entry level race bikes won't come with the saddle or pedals the ebay Orbea has.

ahhhh, got it. I thought you were referring to my comment and saying that the Allez Elite was not an entry level bike.

By the smiley, I assume that you know, but it is an old and common term when addressing seat tube and top tube lengths.

When you say that your bike is 57 square/ed you are saying that the seat tube is 57 and so is the top tube.

Sorry, I should have quoted the OP.

Not sure about $1900, but it is a nice bike...

That price looks a little high to me.

It's not a big deal on that particular auction, but I wouldn't be showing the whole cycling world any prized finds and my bids.

I don't think the price is high at all. If you are sure the fit is right and you want to start racing with a high-end bike, rather than an entry level then go for it. If you got it for $2,500 you would be still getting a good deal. That frame set with AC 420s, Speedplays, Force, new is a $4,500 (give or take) easy. With Ritchey stuff, Fizik, etc...you can tell the seller put a lot of time thinking about parts and putting this bike together. You even get a computer. The thing that would bother me is very little feedback on the buyer and I would be a little hesitant spending around $2,000 without at least 100 positives. But, if you don't like the bike after you get it, part it out and you would get your money back on Ebay no problem. Just my 2-cents.

Good point!

Thanks for the feedback. There is about 45 minutes left in the auction. I am on the fence but I am thinking about letting it go. Although probably worth every penny, even if I got it for $2200 or $2300, it would be about $500 over what I expected to spend on a bike right now. Maybe I will keep my eyes on an 07, more in my price range. Thanks again.

As someone who has bought a lot of bikes over the last couple years, high-end, beaters, etc., my advice to you is to buy your bike from your local bike shop. Ebay has some great deals, but if you are spending that much on a bike you should at least get a warranty on the frame, or some type of crash replacement policy. I have an Opal, 2009, and the lifetime warranty is for original purchaser only. You could join a team and be a part of their group buy as I got my Opal (price is confidential) at a huge discount - seriously it was substantial. In your price range I would probably see if you can get something with Rival or at least 105, carb/alum frame, order some race wheels from Soul for about $450, sell the wheels that came on the bike on CL. So for about $2000 you got yourself a new racer with a warranty and you have established a relationshiop with your LBS. I can't begin to describe how important this is.