I am new to biking and need a little help finding a good bike at a reasonable price. I am interested in finding a bike for casual riding a maybe one or two sprint triathlons a year. I went to a local bike shop and was advised to get a 52-54cm. Are these a decent value? Thanks for your help.

54cm TREK 420 -21spd Brifters, alum frame, 700c, new tires

Trek 1500 Road Bike (54cm)

Specialized Allez Road Bike 52cm

130 views and no comments. I'm excited to get started riding and could really use the help/advice. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I'll chime in my opinion...

All 3 bikes appear to be in pretty good shape and well cared for and would make pretty good entry level road bikes. IMO the asking prices are a little high but still in the general ball park of what would be considered "reasonable".

The Trek 420 and 1500 are both a little bit older than the Specialized, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. If you're going to do triathlons, I think that you would be happier with the brifters on the Trek 420 or the Specialized. If you can afford it, I think that the Specialized is the best option. Given that CL is sort of the great internet garage sale, I always make offers and very seldom pay the full asking price. Offers in the $375 to $400 seem reasonable.

I'd lean towards the Specialized myself, in agreement with fettsvenska. All depending on the individual bikes themselves of course. If it looks good in-person and feels natural to ride, then you're probably fine with any of them.

Thanks. I am leaning towards the specialized. I asked the seller for the lowest price he would accept. Waiting to hear back. I'll update as soon as I get more info

don't ask for the lowest price he will accept, make a cash offer. I vote for the Specialized too, but would offer $400 in cash for it.

Specialized Allez is a great bike but that particular one is from 2004, which is literally a decade old.

2004 Specialized Allez Triple - New and Used Bike Value

I wouldn't pay more than $200 for it. It retailed for $620, which is pretty deceptive considering today's base model Allez cost around $800.

Thank all of you for all your help. This is exactly why I am here. I am in over my head.

Personally if it were me I would work a deal on the Specialized.

The lowest price he will accept is $400

52-54 is a range of 3 sizes. Which bike fits better? Good fit trumps components every day. If your new to cycling go to shop with some good selection and get a fitting, warranty and proper size frame for you. A wrong size frame is never a good deal.