cbyrne87

Hi everyone,

New to the forum and looking to get into cycling. I've found a craiglist posting for a 1994 Specialized Epic for $300 and wondering if its worth it. I would attach pictures or a link, but the forum won't let me. Instead here is the posting language "For sale is a Specialized Epic road bike with a carbon fiber frame and Shimano 105 components. It's ideal for someone in the 5'6 to 5'11 range. It has index shifters that provide precision in shifting combined with control over the bike that you can really feel."

Thanks in advance for the help!

rosefarts

99spokes

That's a classic bike! I'd say it's worth more like $150 but they may get $300... sentimental value.

cbyrne87

Was thinking about offering $200 cash and seeing what happens. Going to ride it first because it's a 54cm frame and I'm 5'10-5'11 depending on who's measuring.

Maelochs

Apparently it has CF tubes joined at Aluminum lugs ... hopefully the joints are still sound. A lot depends on what shape the bike is in ....It's a pretty old bike, and with CF a few hard knocks mean a lot more than they would with a metal frame.

It is a fairly primitive drive rain as well. You should be able to upgrade if you want, though.

The real question is size. 54 cm might fit a person 5-11 but I bet most people that height would opt for 56 ... depends on your proportions and predilections.

From what I have seen online it is a pretty heavy bike at 22 pounds.

I like vintage (but only to modernize) but I'd pass on this one personally ... nothing exceptional about it except that it is CF, which in this case offers no benefits. I'd bet there are steel bikes of a similar vintage which weigh the same and ride as well or better, and which are a lot easier to check, repair as needed, and maintain.

But ... if it fits and ignites your passion, there is nothing wrong with the bike in general .... if the specific example is in good shape, .... $200 would be a fair price IMO.

TiHabanero

Several friends of mine had the Epic road bike, I had the mountain bike version. Good frames, good ride. The fit will be important so you will need to test ride first. Make sure the reach to the bars is comfortable, seat height is adjusted correctly for your leg length. At 5 foot 10 or 11, the frame may be a bit short in length. Typically we fit the Epic road in 54cm to those under 5 foot 10 to 5'6"ish.

If shifters are weak or not working correctly the value goes way down as they must be replaced or at best thoroughly de-gunked and re-lubed. My personal perspective is the value could have a range from 100 to 250 dollars. If mint condition, 300 dollars only because you really want it.

dedhed

Asking $450 here

https://milwaukee.craigslist.org/bik...844841904.html

cbyrne87

Your bike is in much nicer shape.

CliffordK

@cbyrne87's Album/Gallery:
https://www.bikeforums.net/g/user/497745
https://www.bikeforums.net/g/album/13550757

CliffordK

Unfortunately those 1st (or 2nd) generation steel or aluminum lugged carbon fiber frames have taken a beating on the used market.

With only a few exceptions, the value of the bikes don't come in any higher than the equivalent steel or aluminum framed bikes from that era.

And, there are a lot of steel/aluminum lugged Trek, Specialized, and Giant bikes out there.

Nonetheless, $300 isn't a bad deal for that bike.

blakcloud

Good deal or not, I wouldn't put you at your height on that bike. The top tube is going to be too short. Others will disagree with me and that is fine but I feel you would be better served especially on those days that you measure 5' 11". You need a 55 or 56 generally. Lets remember you are not a TDF racer.

Lemond1985

Many will disagree with me on this point, but for myself, I am more comfortable on a frame that's slightly too big than on one that's slightly too small.

Much like a tight pair of pants, if the room I need is not there, it's simply not there and I'm cramped. I'd rather have a little bit of extra fabric than be constricted and breaking seams.

livedarklions

I have a '94 Allez Pro steel bike with the original Shimano Tricolor 600 shifters and derailleurs, and the thing shifts and rides like a dream. Because it's steel I can ride the hell out of it with confidence. I think the reluctance on the part of people to buy the old Elites is a lack of confidence in the longevity and durability of a very old CF/aluminum frame, and I suspect that's a pretty well-founded fear. You might want to buy this as something to toy around with, but I wouldn't make it my daily rider.

Oh, and I really wish I could put 28mm tires on my Pro--the 25s are the only thing I don't like.

If there's anything obvious that looks like damage to the frame or fork, don't buy it for any price unless it has parts you want to use.

cbyrne87

Thanks for your thoughts everyone, and thanks for posting the pictures for me @CliffordK

Ended up purchasing the bike, and love it. Fits great and rides well. Might take it in for a tune up and tighten up the back breaks, but other than that it's in good condition. Going to use it more for joy riding and quick trips up to the local shopping area. Should fit my needs just fine.

Lemond1985

cb400bill

Thread moved from General Cycling forum to Classic & Vintage Appraisals forum.

livedarklions

Sounds perfect for that!

Enjoy.

If you're taking it in anyway, you might want to take it to a shop that does restorations just because they might be able to tell you if there are any problems with the frame that you may have overlooked.

mtnbud

I have the same bike from the same year with Shimano 600 components. It does weigh 22 lbs. It'd weigh less if I upgraded the wheels.

It rides fantastic. It's super comfortable and the shifts are fast and crisp. I am 5'11" and it's a 58 cm frame. It fits me perfectly.

VtwinVince

I had a '96 Epic for many years until it got stolen in 2014. Very nice riding bike, but not a lot of 'feedback' from the frame.