Devon86

Hi all,

I am looking to buy my first bike (I’ve borrowed others or had cheap hybrids as a kid). I am wanting to lightly train for a sprint triathlon, and also have a good bike for possibly commuting in the future/pleasure rides.

I don’t fully know my budget. I originally set out to spend a few hundred for a “prove it bike”, but found that was going to be tough. I was open to $400-$500 for a good used bike, but was almost ready to pull the trigger on a new REI co-op 3.1 adventure bike for $1100 only to find they sold out the same day as I guess the market is tough right now.

I’ve found a 2012 Giant Defy 3 for $250 and a 2011 Cannondale Supersix 5 105 for $650. I like the looks of the cannondale a lot more, and it’s full carbon, but I’m wondering how much of a difference all of that will make given the age (and is it worth the $400 extra dollars). I don’t think I’ll find a quality gravel bike in my range, so am ok with a nice road bike...I’m hoping to put as wide and comfortable of tires as I can on them.

Does anyone have any guidance on these two? Do those seem like decent deal? Will I regret not spending $1500 on a nice gravel bike? Will I be able to resale that Cannondale for a decent price in a few years if I decide I like it and want to get that gravel bike? Could I put light panniers/fenders on it if I choose to commute in the fall? Sorry for so many questions, haha.

Thank you all in advance!

ridelikeaturtle

If you don't have decent gear - pedals/cleats/shoes, shorts, jerseys, sunglasses (eye protection), jacket, gilet, helmet, gloves, etc. - I'd buy low on the bike and think about all the "little things" that will add up to complete the budget.

Then after you've done a few thousand kms, you'll have a much better idea of exactly what you want in a bike, and you can transfer all of those goodies with you to the new bike.

Phil_gretz

I'm sorry, Devon, but there's no definitive answer to your question. ridelikeaturtle ^ has a point. If you were to buy the Defy, then you would have money left over for some of the necessities. Maybe take it to a bike shop for a complete check, replacing whichever consumables are worn out. They'll get the adjustments right for you, too. The remainder can get you a decent helmet, floor pump, patch kit, tire levers, on-bike inflation (frame pump or CO2 inflator), and whatever you lack in basic apparel to get started. At this point, you don't know what you don't know. But you can learn by simply doing.

gene99

a "hood used" bike? a defy 3 for $250? super six 105 for $650?

sounds like you are dealing with stolen bikes, Devon, and you know it.