thorneric

Looking to get some helpful advice in regards to a 2013 Trek 1.5 series (compact) bike that is being sold for $400. The seller claims there is on about 160 miles on it. As someone who will be new to the road bike arena and looking to not break the bank on a bike before knowing if this is something i'd be interested in, i am looking for a inexpensive entry bike. Would this bike qualify as that given the price point? is this a good deal?

I am not allowed to post attachments apparently, so i'll summarize the specs below:

Frameset

Frame: 100 Series Alpha Aluminum

Fork: Trek carbon road, SpeedTrap compatible

Sizes: 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64cm

Wheels

Wheels: Alloy hubs w/Bontrager Approved alloy rims

Tires: Bontrager R1, 700x23c

Drivetrain

Shifters: Shimano Tiagra STI, 10 speed

Front derailleur: Shimano Tiagra, 34.9mm clamp

Rear derailleur: Shimano Tiagra

Crank: FSA Vero, 50/34 (compact)

Cassette: Shimano Tiagra 12-30, 10 speed

Pedals: Nylon body w/alloy cage

Components

Saddle: Bontrager Affinity 1, steel rails

Seatpost: Bontrager Race, infinite tilt adjustment, 20mm offset

Handlebar: Bontrager Race VR-C, 31.8mm

Stem: Bontrager SSR, 31.8mm, 10 degree

Headset: 1-1/8" semi-cartridge bearings

Brakeset: Alloy dual-pivot brakes w/Shimano Tiagra STI levers

Rajflyboy

Ok base model bicycle 👍

nothing special but if it fits and is affordable and in good condition you should be able to get good reliable miles out of this bicycle

Retro Grouch 

It's just like shoes. Comes in 8 sizes. If it happens to be the right size for you, you will be able to ride that bike for a long time and get lots of benefit from it. Wrong size, just like shoes, never a good deal.

Ogsarg

If it truly has only 160 miles and is the right size for you, I would think that was a pretty good deal and a great way to get started road biking. Even with few miles it may still need some work from lack of use so look it over carefully.

DrIsotope

If it is indeed in like-new condition, Bicycle Blue Book has it at right around $400. Any visible wear or parts in need of replacement (tires, bar tape, etc) drops that to ~$350.

sean.hwy

If it is anything close to "Bicycle Blue Book" I think you got yourself a good deal. At lest for me here in the Bay Area everyone wanted WAY more than Bicycle Blue Book so I just bought a new bike instead.

tim24k

On a used bike I will only pay half of the new price and only if it’s in like new condition. I fugue service and a warranty is worth paying 50% more.

livedarklions

If it checks out and fits, that's plenty of bike for your needs. If you're a beginner, it's going to take a lot of riding before you get to a point that bike is somehow holding you back.

dedhed

Take Bicycle Blue Book values with a grain of salt in general. For one thing they don't take into account location which can be a huge factor in prices.

Phil_gretz

If you are willing to pay $400, has no apparent worn-to-replacement-needed items, and the bike IS IN YOUR CORRECT SIZE, then don't worry about a few dollars one way or the other. $400 would be top end.

Also, seller claims about miles must be ignored as either puffing or misrepresentation, unless you can find physical evidence to prove or disprove the claims. "This bike was ridden by a little old lady only on Sundays to church and back." Sure.

thorneric

Thanks for the replies everyone. Unfortunately, while I was emailing with the seller they decided to sell the bike without letting me know or countering. That was frustrating. I’ll keep searching!