wisaunders

I have a coworker that's looking into getting on a road bike. He'd like to keep his cost south of $500. I've steered him towards finfing a Specialized Allez. I've liked riding my 2005 Allez Sport (paid $300) as a daily commuter, but we're having trouble finding an Allez that meets his price range. Can you suggest some other makes\models that we might try searching for?

canam73

Trek 1.1, 1.2, Fuji Newest, Giant OCR2, OCR3 are all similar. Most companies make a bike with Sora components which is what these bikes have in common. Try searching on 'Sora'. If you see 2300 stuff it's a little worse and if you see Tiagra it's better. Also, some entry level bikes come with an aluminum fork and I'd try to avoid that. Actually, if I was helping someone I'd try to at least get into a Tiagra bike if not 105, even if it ended up being a little older. Most important is getting something that fits good, but if you are in Dallas I would think you can find a decent selection of stuff.

jeminel

At that price range, I seriously considered getting a used bike. There are many used, but very good bikes for sale at that price point. Your other choice is new, but if you get serious about cycling, you'll want to upgrade in just a few months. Sora (and even Tiagra) is not fun. A used bike will have better components and better quality at that price level. Also, make sure the bike fits before buying it.

Edit: Look on craigslist, the internet for local deals, visit garage sales, etc. to find specific used bikes.

Again: make sure the bike fits before purchasing. It does not matter how good a bike you have if it doesn't fit.

PhotoJoe 

There are 28 CL's for Texas. Granted, Texas is larger than most countries, but still, I'm sure there is more than one CL for your area. Try www.searchtempest.com to search them all at once.

Take a look here:

https://www.searchtempest.com/results.php?search_string=allez&category=8&Region=na&cityselect=zip&location=75201&maxDist=200&regio n_us=1&srchType=&showeb=1&keytype=adv&minAsk=&maxAsk=&subcat=bik

doctor j

A used or new Fuji Newest would be a good idea. Sora or Tiagra components work well. I have over 10K miles on my Sora-equipped Fuji. No problems thus far.

EDDIE1963

I just sold my 2010 Trek 1.1 for $500.00 on Craigslist. If you look Craigslist you can find deals for entry level bikes.

UCIMBZ

Tell your co-worker to take responsibilty for his/her own affairs. First step: Post here and seek advice.

BigBlueToe

Trek 1000

Jumpinj98

I agree on finding a good used bike. We have alot of trek 1000, 1.2, specialized sequoia's for sub 500 on CL. IMO it is better to get a used (not abused) bike with higher quality compnents.

wisaunders

thanks for all the help, a 2009 Allez Double came up on CL this weekend, he got it for $600. He's happy saving a few hundred $s.

That's pretty crappy. I'd rather help someone find a bike and get started.

sbxx1985 

Good work with the Allez. Great first bike.

I help friends with bike stuff all the time. That comment was unnecessary.