new and full of questions!

[astivers]

I started riding with my roomate (who is very good and has been riding for several years now) and I enjoyed it for the most part. I really liked riding, but I have been struggling to keep up on the mountain bike I borrowed (which is really too small). I am now in the hunt for my own bike and a road bike at that: ) I am looking to spend about $2,000 and I have been trying a lot of bikes to see how I like the feel. As of now I am down to two different options. I am in love with the specialized roubaix comp or I found a 2005 specialized custom bike for the right price. I don't know if it would be better to get the used bike with all of the high end components or a new one. Please I would love some input from people with more experience!! thanks for the help.

Here is the info on the used bike:
Model:2005 Specialized E5
Condition:Used
Size:54cm
Weight:16 Pounds 5 Oz.

Complete Description:
• Campy Record Cassette, Crankset, Bottom Bracket, Brakes, Front And Rear Derailleurs, KMC X10SL Chain
• Campy Chorus Carbon Shifters
• Mavic Ksyrium ES Wheelset With Ceramic Bearings
• Campy Record Carbon Seatpost
• Specialized Taupe Titanium Railed Saddle
• Ritchey WCS Stem 100mm & Bar 42cm
• FSA Headset
Condition:
• Brand New Bar Tape, Cables & Housing, KMC X10 SL Chain
• The Bike Is Truly In Exquisite Like New Condition
Geometry:
Stand Over: 749mm
Seat Tube Length C-T: 500mm
Top Tube Length Measure Horizontally: 548mm
Head Tube Length: 130mm
Wheelbase: 978mm

[alpinerabbit]

Those are nice components, if it fits you - good. I don't know about devaluation over the pond but for 2000 CHF (about the same) I'd probably buy. Do you know the person who sells it?

Like new - how many miles does that mean / has it ever been crashed?

[Trigress]

Well, obviously the most important thing is that it fits you... As mentioned above the components are great, but there's no point buying a bike too small or too large for you.

Can you get someone to help you with the fitting?

[astivers]

its through ebay, but i talked to the seller and he would sell it with a 30 day trial period to test the fit and let a shop check it out...

[aicabsolut]

That E5 looks to me like a 2005 Tarmac. The Tarmac geometry is quite different from the Roubaix. Go to specialized.com and take a look. Notably, the head tube will be shorter, the head tube angle steeper, the seat tube angle is also a little different. The chainstays are shorter, meaning more responsive and twitchy, and the wheelbase is shorter for the same reason. It is much more aggressive.

Also, the E5 is an ALUMINUM frame (with some carbon parts--kind of like the Cannondale or Bianchi aluminum/carbon frames). It is top notch, though Specialized has phased it out in recent years in favor of full carbon and adding ZERTZ stuff for comfort and shock absorption.

What you need to do if you're considering that bike is to go to your shop and test ride a TARMAC. Compare that ride and fit to the Roubaix.