icq9988

I am looking for my entry-level road bike to start the hobby. I am 5'7;
Currently found a few from local:

**$1200, specialized Allez Elite 2020, basically brand new condition, less than 20 miles, w/ Speedplay Wahoo pedals and Wahoo computer and speed tester on rear wheel , the only concern is I have never used any special pedals and how much to invest on shoes; 52(or 53)cm size, from a local private seller
**$800, Cannondale CAAD9 5(there's number 5 on the frame bar so assume CAAD9 5), said it's made in Bedford PA last year; with bike computer, front/rear lights attached; 50cm size, CAAD9 should be model 10 years ago so not sure why they still made it in 2020? from a local private seller;
**$1000, 2015 Cannondale synapse carbon 5 105, 44cm size, private seller 2 hours away

I need some suggestions which one is the best deal

Thanks in advance!!!

alcjphil

Fit is first and foremost. Three different size bikes only one of which will fit you

icq9988

Thanks! Sorry forgot to mention I have family members at 5'2" and 5'9", so also want to know price-wise/quality-wise, is there anyone better than others? Thanks again!!!

Trakhak

"made in Bedford PA last year" was poorly worded; the seller meant that that bike was built in Bedford during the last year that Cannondale bikes were manufactured in the US. Subsequent Cannondale production was in Asia.

Ogsarg

At 5'7", I would think the 50 or 52 would be the most likely to fit but this can vary based on body proportions and bike geometry. Is it possible the Synapse is actually a 54 and not 44?

The Allez and Caad are going to be more race oriented where the synapse is an endurance bike and possibly better for a beginner but once again, that is a generalization. Hard to say which is best because there are lots of factors; fit, condition, maintenance needs, etc.

Regarding the pedals, you would need bike shoes that can accept a speedplay cleat. These can range in price from around 100 up to 500 dollars. Clipless pedals are not hard to use, but it's likely you'll fall over once or twice when you first start using them and forget to unclip before coming to a stop.

As a beginner, there is an advantage to buying new in that a shop can help find the right bike type/size and fit you on the bike but I understand that is difficult now with so little inventory available. I bought my first road bike used and realized later that it was a size too big. While I enjoyed it and put about 5000 miles on it, I really noticed the difference when I got the correct size and got fitted.

icq9988

Thanks! Now I finally understand what that "last year" meant

icq9988

The Synapse is a small frame; Your information is very helpful for beginners like me! Thank you

philbob57

If you use a(n) LBS, note that they may try to sell you what they have, even if the fit is not ideal. You might luck out and find someone who won't do that, but beware.