HI IM NEW

[dingdongdead]

Hello there
im a student from brighton and im looking to buy my first road bike in about 8 years.
i have a budget of about £500, any suggestions?

i found this second hand specialized allez elite, 2006 model, which has done 250 miles, everything is in complete top form and ive struck a deal for £550.
what do people say?

please read this comment also

"In fantastic condition hardly used. Please note the spec of this Elite is better than the current one i.e. 105 and not Tiagra/Sora"

what are peoples opinions?
i personally think it sounds like a good deal seeing as its not used and brand new ones tend to lean towards the £1000 mark

many thanks
tom

 

[BigonaBianchi]

im a student from brighton and im looking to buy my first road bike in about 8 years

..8 years is a long time to wait for a bike mate

...seriously...welcome to CC

 

[beanzontoast]

Watch that you don't leave it where it can get nicked would be my advice!

 

[ChrisKH]

Seems a bit expensive to me - you can get last year's model for £600 new.

Offer him £450.

 

[ChrisKH]

Oh, and welcome.

 

[johnnyh]

£300... hiya!

 

[Mr Pig]

Hi I'm old. weclome.

 

[tyred]

Hello and welcome.

 

[rich p]

Overpriced as has been said. I don't think the Spesh Elite ever had Sora on it. Minimum was Tiagra and a bit of 105 I think.
It's 3 years old and how do you know it has only done 250 miles?

 

[alecstilleyedye]

welcome ddd. if the bike has only done 250 miles in 3 years, make sure you find out where it's been kept.

 

[dellzeqq]

Specialized 2006 Allez Elite Features Specialized E5 Columbus SLX tubing in compact race geometry, with FACT carbon fork featuring Zertz damping
Lighter, faster shifting Shimano 105 20 -speed component group
Lighter and stiffer FSA Gossamer MegaExo 2-piece crankset
Mavic Aksium 20/24 spoke wheelset
Ergonomically designed and medically proven Body Geometry Avatar Gel saddle
Specialized Pav II FACT carbon seat post with Zertz insert Ergonomically designed Body Geometry Avatar Gel saddle


Now, these are great bikes, but, tell you what...I'd never buy a bike with carbon forks second hand. Or, if I did, I'd buy a new (and compatible) pair of forks to go with it.

 

[cheadle hulme]

Hello there
im a student from brighton and im looking to buy my first road bike in about 8 years.

Why wait years? Get one now man!

The spesh is good, and 105 is a definite improvement over Tiagra. The Aksium wheels are pretty bombproof too.

These are a bit more expensive and don't have the brand recognition of spesh, but are excellent bikes. The Boardman is highly rated by bike mags, have a google.

http://www.buyabikedirect.co.uk/products.php?action=prodinfo&pid=3223

http://www.boardmanbikes.com/road/road_comp.html

 

[dingdongdead]

hmm i dont know what to do
he said its done 250 miles as the tread is still cmpletely intact. its been kept in his garage apparently wrapped up - it looks 100% new. ive got someone looking at it today.

i dont know what to do now. its £550 for second hand, hardy been touched and a brand new allez (standard version) is £550 new. so surely ill be getting better components for my money, despite it being second hand and briefly used...

 

[alecstilleyedye]

if you've got someone reasonably knowledgeable to look it over, you're unlikely to get stung. if your not that experienced though, it's unlikely you'll notice much difference between the two bikes. if it's not really the right size, walk away.

still, if you buy it, i hope you really enjoy riding it.

 

[dingdongdead]

its the right size and he lives about 1 mile from my house back home - pretty ideal...
im going to head to the local specialized bike now and see what they think and speak to the guys there