It's been maybe 3 years since i've been on a bike and i think it's time to get off my lazy a.. and get back on the road and back in shape. I've forgotten about a lot about bikes, what's good and what's not. But im hoping to get some help here.

The things i am looking for:
48cm frame
at least 105 group or up (older stuff is okay)
alum frame/alum with carbon


budget is around 800. also making it an older bike (dont think i can get what i want for the price i want, new)

I had a 2006 specialized s-works e-5, i really liked that frame, so i'd like to get a frame similar to that if not better.

Welcome back. Stay on and don't stop. Think Forrest Gump.

If you are willing to purchase online, you can probably find 105 road bikes at bikesdirect.com. Also, Performance Bike (not sure where you live) often has some good sales. Then there's Craigslist. I'm not sure what to recommend based on frame size and previous bike experience. I think you are going to have to shop around to find a 105 bike in the $800 price range.

Thanks for the reply! Years ago when i was cycling, i did not have a good experience with bikes on bikes direct. At the time I was happy, but the second i got onto the specalized there was no comparison with how much more power was transferred than the bike i got on bikes direct. Any frame recommendations in particular? Or would i be better off buying everything separately?

I found a 2009 caad9 6 with tiagra everything except tektro brakes and a sora front derailer. asking for 900. What do you guys think about the price? I know many people love their caad frames.

If you liked your Specialized, for your budget you should look for an Allez, 2009-11.

You should look at Competitive Cyclist. They have had the Ridley Icarus for sale for $750, full 105 if I recall correctly.

I forgot about Competetive Cyclist. They have some really good deals if they happen to have your size. Buying a bike piecemeal would cost a ton of $, just like buying a car piecemeal. Buying used will get you more bike for the money. The Allez is a nice bike. A 105 road bike new is in the $1200-1500 price range, so you should be able to find a late model, 105 equipped used bike in your budget range. Be patient.