Opinions Please

I have been looking for a new road bike for awhile now.

My plan was to purchase a new one in Feb. and be ready for the spring season. I have been looking at everything, and was really interested in a Trek, Klien or a Specialized at a LBS.

Today I went in to see if they had any more '04 bikes in. I start talking to the sales guy I been working with and he takes me over to the corner of the store. I am fairly tall so most bikes are to small for me.

He shows me this 1999 Specialized Allez pro, this one is Yellow and Black. He puts some pedals on it and I take it out for a spin. Except for a small seat adjustment the bike fits almost perfectly. It will need a longer (about 1 cm) neck, as when I look down the front of the hub comes just in front of the bars. most is hidden. They will trade out even for a new one that fits.

The bike is still new and the LBS offers a 5 year warranty on all bikes. They also have been around longer than I have and I been around 39 years, so they are not going anywhere. It has a full Ultegra Group Set. The paint is perfect, only the tires look old as they are dirty from test rides.

The bike listed in 1999 for $2,300.00. They will sell it now for $1,249.00

I think this is a good deal, what does anyone else think????

I may have to go ahead and make a purchase, but I just don't rush ANY large purchase, thats just me....

Thanks for your input

Troy aka Metalleg

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Train Today, Like you Race The Tour De France Tomorrow...

I'm confused. So it is a 1999 model that they have been keeping in inventory for four years and nobody has bought it? Is it really brand new?

Sounds like the bike is a good deal but it also sounds a little fishy to me because it has been around for that long.

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04 Bianchi XL Carbon w/ Centaur
The Late 03 Jamis Comet. May she rest in peace.

Yes it is new, it has been put in Lay-Away 3 different times.
The guys at the shop have nick named it the ugly step-sister

I think it is a sharp looking bike, but that is just me and I am looking for a well performing bike, not a homecoming queen.

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Train Today, Like you Race The Tour De France Tomorrow...

I have tried this bike myself. I have also tried the S-Works bikes. If money is an issue, this bike is an absolute bargain, and if you can afford it, the S-Works bikes are really top of the line. I almost bought a '99 M4 (S-Works) for about $2,000 this year, but I decided I would wait until next year and buy a top of the line S-Works bike. Specialized makes great bikes, and in that price range if all else is well, you will love it.

Try it with the longer stem and see how it feels to you. If it feels good, I would snatch it up. BTW what are you riding now?

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04 Bianchi XL Carbon w/ Centaur
The Late 03 Jamis Comet. May she rest in peace.

Right now I am riding a 38 lbs. Used Mt. Bike I bought just to see if riding again was going to bother my knee or back. It also still has the knobby tires on it, and I only do road work.

My knee and my back both seem to actually be doing better than before I started riding.

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Train Today, Like you Race The Tour De France Tomorrow...