Second hand Allez advice

evovilol

Hi all

Been looking at getting my first road bike for a while now... Various options have been considered, and a Triban 5 from Decathlon has been the front runner in terms of value for money for a first timer that doesn't quite know what he wants for a while now. :-)

However, when I left my mountain bike at the LBS for some TLC I noticed a second hand Specialized Allez Sport (double) 2009 for £400. From what I can see it is a Tiagra bike (although this one has a 105 rear mech).

Any thoughts on this particular possible deal? Good or bad? Assuming it doesn't have any problems of course.

Bozabyka

I had an Allez.
They are great bikes.
Check what wheels are fitted.
I snapped several spokes and ended upgrading the wheels.
Might have been my weight, bike shop said spokes snapping on the Allez was a common problem.

smoggysteve

IF it is in good condition and mechanically sound I would say it was a good deal. Wheels are consumables albeit over a long period so if you had to change them its no big thing. So long as the frame is ok and the gears most other stuff can be replaced or upgraded without breaking the bank.

evovilol

Thanks for the replies guys. Going to go head down to the shop now and take it for a test ride.

nochekmate

Overpriced for a 2009 Allez in my opinion but then of course you'll be paying a bit of a premium by buying through a shop rather than a private sale.

Only £700+ new, so not a huge discount for a 2009 model.

evovilol

I was having the same thoughts as well, but you need to look at the value the bike shop provides in this case, if any.

In any case, someone else got in there this morning before me... :-(

smoggysteve

It may be slightly premium price, but since you are buying it from a retailer , new or used, you have your customer rights protected over a sold as seen eBay purchase. If you find a fault you can return it.