kenjii22

I'm looking to get a bicycle but I don't have a lot of cash. The most I really want to spend is around 650-750. I found a used 2016 specialized allez elie for 600, is that a good price? Is there anything I should look for when I check it Out?

Also I've read that the allez is more of a racing bike and will be less comfortable to ride than others. I was also looking at a new 2018 trek domane al2.

I really just don't know what I should go with.
Thanks for the help

Maelochs

No information, no answer.

How much do you ride now? How much have you ridden int he past? What do you know about bikes?

Do you know how to tell if a bike fits you? Do you know how to tell if a bike is in working order?

How do you think you might want to use this bike?

There are plenty of very good bikes out there for that money. Similarly, there are plenty of tools in a hardware store. No matter how much you spend it is money wasted if you don't buy the right tool for the job you need to do.

So ... what's the job?

12strings

At your price, get a giant contend...ride it for 2 yrs, then you'll know what you want for your next one.

Maelochs

I like the way you think.

kenjii22

I haven't had a bike in about 2 years, I rode on a cheap hybrid before that for 1-2 hours a few days a week. Looking to ride about 3 days a week maybe 20-50 miles, I'm aiming to be able to ride longer distances. The 2016 allez elite fits me, I got sized for an allez at a bike shop.

I haven't looked at it yet but he says it's a well maintained bike. I'm not sure what to look for to know if it's well maintained

Elvo

Jamis Icon Race Bike 2015 | Jenson USA

kenjii22

Anyone?

Maelochs

I do believe that 12 strings made a recommendation ....... Unless you know a lot ab out bikes, buying used is always a risk--you could get a deal or a pile of junk. Unless you are really good at fitting a bike, you could easily end up with the wrong size frame.

Most people (in other words, me) would advise buying the cheaprest marginally decent bike possible and riding it every day until you know exactly what you wanted from a bike.

But, since you have possibly limited road-bike experience ... it also makes sense to buy a really solid bike which is a good value and will give you a good, basic experience.

Every poster who has bought a Contend has been happy with it (Chreck https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycl...ar-year-2.html)

If you need a bike which will be good enough for any normal ride ... group ride, beginner race, short commute, long pleasure ride ..... fit it out with 28-mm tires and it should handle hard-packed dirt trails as long as there are no big obstacles and the rider has a good head for shifting soil. (I think it comes with 28s, actually.)

This is a bike which is about as close to a “do everything” bike as you can get without spending a lot of money.

For your needs and you budget ... you choices are another seven pages of debate leaving you with the advice to buy a Contend ... ort just go to the store and start riding.

kenjii22

Thank you, i'm going to go check out a contend tomorrow

alarsen77

I was in a similar situation not too long ago and the Contend was at the top of my list. But I was able to come across a closeout 17 Cannondale CAAD Optimo at a local bike shop during a big sale they were having. It certainly with 25c tires just like the Contend does bit I plan on putting 28c or maybe even 32c tires on if they will fit.

However if I didn't find this bike on sale I would have been buying a Giant Contend 1. I was going to spend the little bit extra to get the sora groupset, carbon fork, and factory tubeless tires.

San Pedro

That's about what I want for my 2015 Allez Elite , and the 2016 (still has DSW frame too) has the newer tiagra. I think it is totally worth checking out.

Specialized Smartweld Allez Elite review - BikeRadar