First this is not spam, I am not selling a bike in the forums. Please don't PM for one

I recently crashed and completely messed up my old Schwinn Fastback and am looking into purchasing a used bike to replace it and hopefully upgrade. I spend a lot of my time on the mountain and spend my cash mostly on those bikes. I am looking for a new roadie to ride post mountain rides and to ride in local Phoenix events like Tours de Scottsdale and Tucson and to train on when not on the mountain.

I have looked in the classifieds here at two bikes in particular, the Specialized s-works '03 to '05 models, and Cannondale R5000 same model years. What should I expect to pay for those bikes?

Also my knowledge of road bikes is severly limited so if you know of any other used bikes the info would be much appreciated. The Schwinn I had was alright but kind of a piece of garbage and would like that have something better without breaking the bank.

Well, for used.. eBay is a good source..

What's your budget? Used can save you a grand or so, depending on the model and quality and all of course. But, with used, you generally can get a better bike for your money.

I'd say, the Speciallized S-Works Tarmac/Roubaix, if they are in your budget at eBay, would be a good bike.

Are you looking for a specific brand? Price range?

I have heard good things about the Specialized Roubaix. Comfortable and sporty.

I would like to max my price range out at 1500. What bikes could I reasonably get for that and what component groups could I expect? I don't care if I buy a used bike with scratches/blemishes etc. I bought the Schwinn and had to give it a complete overhaul, but for 250 bucks for the bike and repairs and 2 hours I had an OK bike.

$1500 can get you a pretty decent bike used... Just search around eBay...

sogno, FWIW, I feel like getting an S-Works Roubaix too! But, I still would prefer the Tarmac.. :)

I just checked ebay and the roubaix seems to be in my price range but the tarmac is generally about $500+ more. I was just making sure on bike types. Like I said I have read nearly everything when it comes to mountain bikes but nothing with road bikes.

Well, the Roubaix is a more comfortable ride vs the Tarmac. That said, both are VERY good and fast bikes.. Responsive and all.

Tarmac - geared towards racing, more agressive, 'faster' of the 2. 'more of a racing type' but still comfortable.

Roubaix - geared a little more towards comfort (used by team Gerolsteiner at Paris-Roubaix, the race with a LOT of cobblestones for a long long distance... Hence, the need for a more comfort bike). But, still fast and all.

Depending on what you would like, you can decide between the 2 from here.. Oh yeah, of course, go to a LBS and try out both bikes for fit and all that and see which you like..

Oh yeah, my reply to your thread is my 1001st post :)

Gratz on the post. I don't even have that many at mtbr. I will try both rides at my LBS during the break. I just have to find one that sells specialized bikes. Most I know of don't but they are mainly geared to the mountain user.

Yeah go try out the bikes... Don't do those 5 minute rides I'm sure you know... Try sprinting, climbing, cornering, descending if possible...

I'm sure you'll like both bikes but go with the one that speaks to you most.. :)

Also, you might get addicted. Be warned :D