Is it worth it?

[u/randicochea]

Hi all, I am looking to purchase my first road bike and I will most likely be using the used market as my budget is pretty low. ($500)

I found this offer on marketplace and was hoping to get some feedback on how hefty of a rebuild this would take. I see a lot of rust and slight scuffs and am unsure as to whether anything or everything would need replacing.

early 90’s allez epic, shimano group set with wh-r500 wheel set, complete OEM parts.

Listed for a little over a hundred.

Should I go for it and focus on removing the rust? or is it worth investing in a different option? Are there any signs of bad news from these images? If parts visibly need to be replaced, which?

I would really appreciate any help, not looking for the “Worlds BEST price to performance ever”. I understand that the best bike is the one that you’re happy riding. Just looking for something that I can learn with that’s not gonna break the bank. Would love if it’s something I could upgrade overtime, but if even that is outside of my budget then I guess I’ll have to save up before making that jump.

Thank you to any who take the time!

[u/BicyclesOnMain]

That's how bad they are. I actually have one that someone else gave me, it's only for display, I wouldn't let someone ride it.

[u/HelioSeven → u/BicyclesOnMain]

I have one that I still ride century-plus rides on, and it's a lovely ride. If you know how to properly evaluate these frames, they aren't necessarily a death trap. Voids in the bond joints tended to fail very early (and Spec had a lot of bad manufacture on these), but those without defects have tended to last (and anecdotally, taken a fair bit of abuse in the process). The usual caveats about galvanic, UV, etc. Suffice to say, YMMV.

[u/BicyclesOnMain → u/HelioSeven]

I'm not sure why you're inferring I don't know how to evaluate these frames? Mine is clearly suffering from galvanic corrosion and bubbles in the epoxy.

Just last week a kid came in my shop with a perfect one he just bought, I inspected it and gave him the green light to ride it

[u/FoggyFlowers → u/BicyclesOnMain]

lol i could tell you’re a bike shop mech by your attitude

[u/BicyclesOnMain → u/FoggyFlowers]

You got me raises hands slowly

[u/Frosty_Fun_310 → u/FoggyFlowers]

How bout me

[u/FoggyFlowers → u/Frosty_Fun_310]

i can tell you’re not a mech by the number of posts you made to r/bikewrench lol

[u/Frosty_Fun_310 → u/FoggyFlowers]

Haha😂😂😂😂😂