Mannas

So I've been keeping an eye out on Craigslist for used road bikes. I found a 2006 Trek 1200 SL for 500 and a few Specialized Allez bikes for 5-600. Between the two which would be better and are the prices fair? If they have been recently tuned up then I feel safe but if not then that's a bit more I'll have to pay. Then again a new Allez would be $770 and I'm sure a free year of tuneups at my LBS. I don't know about road bikes but have been happy with my HardRock mtn bike.

I also found a Fuji Newest 3.0 about 6 months old for 600. How is the quality with Fuji? I've heard more about Specialized and Trek but not much about Fuji.

Element GT

I've been riding an Allez for the past few years. It's been the first and only road bike I've had so i can't compare to the others. I can say it's been quite bulletproof for me and I've loved my time on it. Shimano Tiagra components with a 105 rear derailleur.

JamisJeff

Where can you get a new Allez for $770.00?!?!? What component group does it have on it? I'd also check out Giant, Cannondale, and Jamis bikes too...105 or Rival component group, anything less and you'll wish you had spent a little more money....good luck!

mshred

i'd pick based on which bike has the better components and fits you the best.

for what it's worth - i ride a 2004 specialized allez elite and i'm really happy with it.

Bah Humbug

Is that $770 Allez the steel one?

mshred

probably refering to this one...
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bik...z/allezcompact

Bah Humbug

Oh... didn't know Spesh was going that far down the groupset line.

jsharr

I have a 2005 Trek 1200 and it has been a very good bike. Trek had a issue with the brakes on some of those not having enough reach to clear the tires and the brake pads were actually hitting the tires and cutting a groove in them. Once I got the brake issues sorted out on my Trek, it has been nothing but smooth sailing.

If you can, take a ride on each bike and if all else is equal, buy the one that fits you the best. Ask the seller if you can adjust the bars, saddle, etc to fit you, if you know how to do these adjustments. If not, it is going to be hard to tell if the bike feels good to you. This is one of the downfalls of buying used if you do not know what you are looking at, etc.

Mannas

Yeah, that's the one. I didn't realize until later that it had the 2300 group set. I was petty disappointed for $770.

bonz50

I doubt that will be the base. current Tiagra is quite nice as is Apex and there are plenty of excellent bikes with both for a fair bit less than the 105/rival bikes. if someone forgoes getting a road bike because they can't afford 105/rival level components these days they are really doing themselves a disservice.

dtrain

Even the new Sora (3500) is decent and a huge jump over the previous (3400) and 2200/2300.

zupreme

is the 2300 groupset really that bad? Worth investing a little more (1000 vs 800) to get the next-level groupset for a beginning rider or would that be lost on them?

How much would it cost to upgrade from a 2300 groupset to the next level shimano (sora, 105?)

dtrain

Much easier and cheaper to bump your budget a touch now than upgrade later. Yes, I think that difference above 2300 is worth it. Likely comes with other slight improvements (crankset?).