Hey there! I am new to biking and I think I really want to get into longer distance cycling. For now most of my time biking will be used to get around Chicago, with 5-10 miles bike rides often, and occasional 30+ bike rides, but would like to get even more into longer rides most likely next spring. I am in a tight spot financially though, but do not want to get an old cheap bike to just have to replace if I end up LOVING the sport ya know? I have a few options including:
Specialized Allez 2020 -$650 – [https://offerup.com/item/detail/1621392096](https://offerup.com/item/detail/1621392096) this would be my max budget but it seems like an AWESOME and well taken care of Specialized since there are a lot in my area. I feel i would snag it if they said yes to $500 in a heartbeat
Bianchi Imola 2007- $475 [https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/567379968889754?ref=saved&referral\_code=null](https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/567379968889754?ref=saved&referral_code=null) I feel this one is overpriced but I do really love the look of this bike. I think maybe if I could get the price down it could be a good starter with the 105s on it.
Specialized Alez (2008 maybe?) -$250 – [https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1822394741510155/?ref=saved&referral\_code=null](https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1822394741510155/?ref=saved&referral_code=null) this one looks well used but in pretty good condition and CHEAP, although the red tape on the top tube and would likely need a new cassette. Maybe it’s a good starter since I don’t need crazy good?
Trek Alpha 1.5 2011 I believe $350 – [https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1348252206069110/?referralSurface=messenger\_lightspeed\_banner&referralCode=messenger\_banner](https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1348252206069110/?referralSurface=messenger_lightspeed_banner&referralCode=messenger_banner) This one is just cheap but has Tiagra over 105 i beleive.
LASTLY Bianchi Volpe 2009 $250. [https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/782823960516609/?ref=saved&referral\_code=null](https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/782823960516609/?ref=saved&referral_code=null) This one is green which I wanted. I hear good things about it as well for being a great cheap starter bike. I will say though… I live in Chicago I will never use gears that this has hahaha.
Sorry this is massive I am just trying to slim my pickings down and realize what I actually need compared to flashy and exciting new bikes I am looking at as well. Any tips, advice, and words of wisdom are SUPER helpful. I also need to still go see these bikes as some of the listings SUCK.
Thanks!
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by Chocceymilk