TexasT

I am new to cycling, been looking and researching road bikes for a bit now. Narrowing it down and wrestling with spending $1100-1500 to buy new with aluminum frame, probably with Shimano Tiagra/105 level components. One cycling friend suggested that I really need to spend significant time in the saddle to really figure out what I like/dislike/types of rides I will do most frequently. Test rides wont really tell me that due to lack of experience. He then went out to say after a year or so, I would probably want to upgrade or buy something different anyway. That leads me to lean more to the use market so I am not shelling out as much for something I will likely replace in a year. Feel free to chime in with your opinions on the above thinking as well. Also, Have previously run marathons, so no stranger to training, highly doubt that I will not enjoy cycling and stick with it.

However, my primary question is to get some opinions on this bike I found on Craigslist: 2005 Trek 1500, original owner, 105/Ultegra components. I have not seen it or ridden it yet, but it is the proper size (been fitted at a LBS to a 60cm Trek Madone). My research shows they retailed for about $1100 new. I will definitely take someone who knows bikes with me before buying, but hope I can pick up a few opinions as to what you think the value range should be. Looking forward to being a part of this forum.

Trek 1500 - sale or trade

Thanks,
Tom

dtrain

Are you sure it's still available? Been posted a month and not updated for past 18 days? If so, that also tells you the price is too high.

TexasT

Yes, it is still available. I emailed to get the year model and got a response. I am thinking also the size, not as many buyers at that size.

dtrain

~$400 for the bike. Check those wheels over for sure. Saddle is horrible, but you'd be buying one (or more) with many bikes anyway. Kickstand and stem look pretty bad too (you can tell that the owner was really wanting a hybrid). Do you want/need size 14 shoes?

Dan333SP

It looks relatively lightly used and it is in good shape, so $400 seems like a good price. For what it's worth, I paid $500 for a 1999 Trek 2500 (also 60cm) about 3 years ago (it has Campy Chorus, so there was the Italian bump in the pricing). Definitely replace that saddle and that stem immediately if you do end up getting it, and maybe use those as bargaining chips to negotiate the price down a bit.

Elvo

Paid $500 for a 2005 Felt F70 with newer SRAM Rival so $400 sounds about right