need advice 2005~07 specialized allez vs. 2013 specialized allez sport
09-06-13, 05:13 AM
#1
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need advice 2005~07 specialized allez vs. 2013 specialized allez sport
okay, one of them is going to be my first road bike, but im still debating which one to buy 
personally, i like how 2013 frame looks but its all shimano sora geared and it is 56cm, BUT $620 (shipping included),
while 2005~07 (even the seller is not sure) has 105 geared up and it is 54cm, AND $500 (local pick-up)
(obviously, since this is my first road bike, i probably cannot tell the difference)
im 5'9'', so i assumed 54cm would suit me.
here's the links.
2005~07 specialized allez
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/3988327654.html
2013 specialized allez sport
https://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI...id=229466#shId
what are you guys thought?
personally, i like how 2013 frame looks but its all shimano sora geared and it is 56cm, BUT $620 (shipping included),
while 2005~07 (even the seller is not sure) has 105 geared up and it is 54cm, AND $500 (local pick-up)
(obviously, since this is my first road bike, i probably cannot tell the difference)
im 5'9'', so i assumed 54cm would suit me.
here's the links.
2005~07 specialized allez
https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/bik/3988327654.html
2013 specialized allez sport
https://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI...id=229466#shId
what are you guys thought?
09-06-13, 05:58 AM
#2
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The 56 is likely to be too big for you. The 54 is probably right but no way to know for sure based purely on height. The price for the older one is probably about right. If it was me I would shop around a bit and go on some test rides at the local shops.
09-06-13, 06:14 AM
#4
Senior Member
few things, given the choice between the two, I would go fo the current Allez frame, I will bet it's a better frame than eight year ago. Also, eight year old 105 is not going to be a big difference from current Sora with STI Shifters. I like the 2013 Allez of these two.
At 5'9" you may be able to fit a 54 and a 56 honestly. One thing though, at this price point you can get an actual new bike with a warranty. There is a performance bike in Philly. The Diamondback bikes are on sale and you can get a podium 2 with current 105 shifters and derailleurs for $799. If that is out of the budget the Tiagra version is $699.
105
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...400315__400315
Tiagra
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...400315__400315
At 5'9" you may be able to fit a 54 and a 56 honestly. One thing though, at this price point you can get an actual new bike with a warranty. There is a performance bike in Philly. The Diamondback bikes are on sale and you can get a podium 2 with current 105 shifters and derailleurs for $799. If that is out of the budget the Tiagra version is $699.
105
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...400315__400315
Tiagra
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...400315__400315
09-06-13, 06:39 AM
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For a 56 5'9 is the minimum recommended height, so you could be stretched out quite a bit.
09-06-13, 07:43 AM
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I would not spend $500 on that older bike.
I also would not mail-order my first-ever bike through the mail or internet.
1) Visit your local bike shops.
2) Ask them to help you determine sizing. They do this all the time and most are great at it.
3) If you go the new-bike route, expect to negotiate a 10% to 15% discount off of full-retail price at the shop. You might also get a free, detailed bike-fitting (which you should ask for), and a free, 6-month check-up of your new bike.
4) If you go used (which I recommend, for your first bike), keep looking - garage sales, Craigslist, etc. You can get a great bike for $200, ride it for a year, sell it for the same money, and then buy a new bike, with the luxury of all you'll learn in that year of riding.
I also would not mail-order my first-ever bike through the mail or internet.
1) Visit your local bike shops.
2) Ask them to help you determine sizing. They do this all the time and most are great at it.
3) If you go the new-bike route, expect to negotiate a 10% to 15% discount off of full-retail price at the shop. You might also get a free, detailed bike-fitting (which you should ask for), and a free, 6-month check-up of your new bike.
4) If you go used (which I recommend, for your first bike), keep looking - garage sales, Craigslist, etc. You can get a great bike for $200, ride it for a year, sell it for the same money, and then buy a new bike, with the luxury of all you'll learn in that year of riding.
09-06-13, 01:49 PM
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Maybe, maybe not. People are different. I'm 5'8" and prefer ~57cm.
