Hey, everyone! Biking virgin and looking for a used road bike to start with. I have familiarized myself with some of the brands, but I found this bike on ebay and wondered if it was a reputable brand and what kind of price it would go for reasonably. Its a Serotta Fierte Steel 50 CM Road Bike and the starting bid is $500.00. It is a 2004 model with Dur Ace components. Thanks! :confused:

Serotta's are extremely nice bikes and that bike will go for much more than the staring price of $500

Serottas are an excellent brand. There are few that are appreciably better. Dura Ace components are some of the best in the world. The Fierte is, I think, their least expensive bike, but it's still a killer machine. One thing that's vital, is to make certain the bike fits you well. That involves much more than the stated frame size. Also make sure the bike hasn't been damaged, that all the parts are in working order.

Thanks for the replies!

Sorry, Ultegra components, but those are good from what I understand.
My max I want to spend is $800, but I want to maximize what I can get for that.
I'm checking ebay and craig's list and I went to LBS to find out what size I needed. I also did a fit calculator and it said a 51, so Im looking at 50-52's. I have a long inseam (31 without shoes) for being 5'4. Unsure also about getting a WSD bike or going unisex.
Makes my head hurt!

Serotta is one of the great names in frame-building. This is both good and bad for you, as chances are unfortunately extremely slim that the bidding will stay within your budget. They are coveted and sought after.

Mapei is right, the serotta wil likely go much higher than your budget will allow. While Serottas are very very fine bicycles, theare not for the budget concience, even used. I would look for something from specialized, trek or Cannondale, or many other companies that cater to "everyday" cyclists. For $800, you should be able to gwt a decent 2 or 3 year old frame with Shimano 105 componentry, which is excellent components for a new cyclist. As a general rule of thumb, if you are looking at a 2 or 3 year old bike in good condition, it should be priced at about 60% of it's original retail price. 70% if it's only a year old, or perhaps 2 years if it has been used very little and is in mint condition. As someone who does a lot of wheeling and dealing for bikes on ebay, I generaly can buy bikes in at least very good condition for no more than 50% of thier original price. The great thing is, I can almost always recoup my entire investment a year or two later.

You are doing right by going used. Paying 60% of retail is on the high end. I got a 3 year old ride for 25-30 % of retail, but that was a screaming deal. 40-50% is not hard to find.

I hope you have a seperate budget for accessories. You will spend several hundred dollars on a helmet, shoes, shorts and other accessories.

There's a 2002 Cannondale on there now, but Im afraid it might be too big for me at 52 cm. Waiting on standover height measurement from seller now. There's also a Specialized Allez Sport (2007) Im watching, but waiting again on stand-over and components from seller.
There are also several nice Treks with Tiagra and above components (2200, Medona, and 2300). Im also watching 2 1000 WSD's but Im not sure the components are that great (sora/tiagra). What do y'all think?

Thanks for great advice!

Older Cannondales are know for very stiff/harsh rides.

It sounds like you are new to biking. I might suggest looking into a more relaxed frame such a Trek Pilot or Specialized Allez. They are efficient road bikes that put you in a little more upright position. Many new cyclists find them more comfortable. They have a sloping top tube so stand over is not a critical measurement.(It generally isn't anyway) I would think you could find one of the above bikes with carbon forks, seat and chainstays and 105 components in the $600-800 range pretty easily.

There is a 52cm Allez comp that looks pretty nice.

It sounds like you have the bug, just be patient.

I know it! It's hard b/c my husband already rides and loves it. I spin, but haven't hit the open road. He thought a Cannondale probably wouldn't be the best for me, but Im just trying to look at all options.Our local used market stinks, so no chance for me on Craig's List or in paper. Thanks for all help!

Thanks for the replies!

Sorry, Ultegra components, but those are good from what I understand.
My max I want to spend is $800, but I want to maximize what I can get for that.
I'm checking ebay and craig's list and I went to LBS to find out what size I needed. I also did a fit calculator and it said a 51, so Im looking at 50-52's. I have a long inseam (31 without shoes) for being 5'4. Unsure also about getting a WSD bike or going unisex.
Makes my head hurt!
I think your measurements make you a good candidate for women's specific design - long legs, short torso. IMO, you should forget standover clearance as a determining factor and focus on top tube length (virtual/ effective in the case of sloping TT's). My guess is you're going to be closer to a 50cm frame with a TT length of no more than 52cm (51cm would be better) with an 80mm stem.

....he thought a Cannondale probably wouldn't be the best for me...
I agree with hubby. In your case, there are better choices.

Okay, what about a 2006 Specialized Allez Comp with all 105's? It's a 52, but I checked the stand over and tube top and it seems to fall within my measurements.
What's a decent deal on a bike like that? Thanks, y'all!