neebone

I am getting ready to buy a new (or used road bike). It will be my first. I have been riding an old schwinn conti II and a trek 1000 (Both borrowed) that I have fixed up a bit. The Conti is really heavy and things are starting to need replaced. The Trek is too small. By the way, this schwinn is the biggest bike I have ever seen. It is 26 1/2" from center of BB to top of seat tube. Anyways, I almost ordered a Specialized sport allez triple the other day when I decided to file through ebay one last time. I am 6' 4" and 225 so its hard to find the right size bike for me on ebay. Which leads me to one of my concerns about the Specialized bike. They only go up to 61cm. The guy at the LBS said that the 61cm would be perfect for me, but I think he is just trying to sell a bike. None of the LBS's have anything really to test ride so I am going in blind. I road a Giant defy 3 large size and it felt a little cheap and a bit too small. I am currently the high bidder on a 2006 Trek pilot 2.1 63cm on ebay. I like the fact that it has mostly 105 components. The specialized is mostly sora. The allez is $850 and the Trek so far a couple hundred less. I am sure it will climb to close to the same price. I guess I am just looking for some of your experienced opinions. Any help would be great .
Thanks,
Neebone.

10 Wheels

What city area do you live in?

What will you do if the ebay bike comes with a crack in the frame?

EKCooper

Honestly, you sound like you have so many things unanswered and up in the air, that I think buying something online would be a mistake. I don't think any of us can stress enough about proper fit. Do you have any LBS that sell used bikes that might have something in stock? Just my opinion, but if you get something that doesn't feel good, you won't ride it and then you'll have a big paperweight...

neebone

I live in Joplin MO. The Trek online is 2006 model and is said to only have 1500 miles on it. I bid 550 on it and dont plan to go any higher. If I do get it I think that that is a fair price. I have asked the seller a few questions a bout the condition of the bike and they say its good. If I get out bid then I will go get fit and spend the extra money. I have ridden a couple 63cm and 64cm treks and they felt good. I am a little concerned with the pilot though it seems to have a more upright build.

probe1957

The only way I think someone should buy a bike online is if they know exactly what they are bidding on/doing. It sounds like you don't.

10 Wheels

Most people are honest.
But a few are scammers.
Good luck and safe riding.

Lets us know the outcome.

neebone

I obviously dont know exactly what I am doing or I would not have come here for advice. I have been shopping around and researching for a few months now. I have tested as many bikes as I could with what my LBS's have in stock for me to try, which is very little. I know its not the best idea to buy a bike online but in some cases it may be worth it, right? I have gone through all the entry level bikes and narrowed it down to the Specialized Sport Allez. Unfortunatley it comes with sora shifters which I dont like all that much. Basically all I was asking was Trek Pilot 2.1 (used good condition) or new Specialized Sport Allez.