Buying first Road Bike - Need Opinions
 

Hey all!

I've been a XC mountain biker for the past few years (Ride an upgraded Trek Fuel 80) and I'll be commuting to work this summer, about 120-150 miles a week and decent roads with a few hills. Much as I love my mountain bike, its a bit heavy for that kind of distance every day (Going to save it for endurance training when weather is gross). So, I'm taking the plunge and purchasing a road bike. Right now I'm looking seriously at three bikes used on Craigslist:

2008 Specialized Allez Elite Comp- $400 Specialized Bicycle Components

2011 Specialized Allez Sport Comp - $550 Specialized Bicycle Components

2011 Specialized Allez Elite E5 Frame with components $800 (Still waiting to hear bake on seller the details on the components. So far, I know the fork is carbon, but rest is unknown. If still standard, probably Tiagra) Specialized Allez E5 Road Bike

So, a few questions, since I don't know road bikes as well as MTB:

1. How much difference does the E5 frame make compared to A1 aluminum? I've been reading that its lighter and stiffer, but overall isn't a huge improvement.

2. Would the 2011 Sport be considered better than the 2008 Elite? Big difference I see is the Elite has 105 and Tiagra components compared to the 2011 Tiagra and Sora components. Frames are both A1

3. Opinion on prices to negotiate for on each bike

Thanks guys!

Update: Posted about the 105 vs Tiagra components elsewhere, concluded that they are ~equal due to their age difference.

So right now I just am looking for opinions on what fair prices for the bikes would be, and E5 vs A1 frames

I'd ask you to reconsider. You'll probably be happier with tiagra/105 in the long run than with sora. Instead of worrying about the frame specifics, I'd concentrate on the fit and test ride the bikes. Assuming they fit, pay attention to the wheels (you can ask the seller if they're originals), how many miles are on the bike, and whether they'll throw in the pedals. $400 for a properly fitting lightly used Allez with tiagra/105 components with clipless pedals would be a good deal. If the bike has upgraded wheels with newer tires, don't leave without the bike in your car.

Definately 105 vs Sora. The 105 vs Tiagra was more what i was talking about there, since the Tiagras are from late 2011, and the 105 from 2008 (New Tiagras are pretty similar to the old 105s). Still a great point, I've been a bit spoiled by having XTR on my mountain bike. Definately a great point on the tires, though. Didn't think of that one. Thanks for the reply!

$800 is closer to the price of a new bike:

GT Bikes GTR Series 3 Bike 2013 > Complete Bikes > Road Bikes | Jenson USA Online Bike Shop

With a new bike, you don't have to worry about the cost of new cables, brake pads, chain, bar tape, etc.

I'd look closely at the 2008 Allez. Good luck.

This one is real nice!

Tiagra beats Sora everytime! :thumb: