WTB: Road Bike 54-56 cm - reasonably priced

Hands down the best bang for the buck in that range is a used Giant TCR from between 2000 and 2004.  You can usually find them on Ebay for around $500 or so with Shimano 105-level components.  he'll want a size medium, which is equivalent to 55cm.  You may have to watch Ebay for several weeks until one comes on.  There was one that just closed that only got up to $340 and didn't hit the seller's minimum - it was a 1999 model and the guy had upgraded the older style fork, but I think the price reflected the lack of the excellent Giant fork.

He could even race on a bike like that with no problem and it will last.  I had one until I upgraded to a carbon Kestrel Talon (also available at awesome prices now in the $1200 range new on Ebay).  My wife doesn't ride as much and she still has her Giant TCR.

Good luck.

selling my specialized roubaix 54 cm all carbon with very low miles for a 1000. Bike is mint condition 2008 model. In Queens if he want to spend allitle more. More then welcome to take a look

Thanks guys. Yeah, he can't spend a grand. We found a Specialized Allez Comp (2003) in pretty much perfect condition for around 500. Ultegra stuff on it. CrMo Columbus frame and a few extras. I think he may grab that... though he's hung up on the fact that it's a steel frame.