Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Road Cycling
Reload this Page >

Second hand advice, what's "too old"?

Notices
Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

Second hand advice, what's "too old"?

Old 07-31-21, 12:08 PM
  #1  
stampz
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 21
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Liked 13 Times in 6 Posts
Second hand advice, what's "too old"?

Potentially stupid question, which I think I already know the answer too.

I am looking at picking up a new winter trainer/"second" bike. My heart wants to go shiny and spend at least £1k on something...if I can even find anything in the current bike drought.

However, a friend of mine who is getting out of cycling has offered to sell me his Cannondale CAAD 8 2014 for £300.

It's in great condition, 105 groupset, 8.6kg...he hasn't ridden it for at least 2 years, with some new cables and a new chain it would look good as new...but it's bugging me that it's 7 years old and I don't know if it should be.

So how old is too old? Should I steer clear and go with something new but less specced, or am i being stupid?

Its this version https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Can...Bike-2014/2PHC

Thanks!
stampz is offline  
Old 07-31-21, 12:34 PM
  #2  
genejockey 
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
 
genejockey's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 17,662

Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace

Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10247 Post(s)
Liked 11,600 Times in 5,946 Posts
Apart from my 2020 Canyon, not one of my bikes is newer than 14 years old. A bike that was a good bike in 2014, if lightly ridden and well maintained is a good bike today. Use the extra 700 quid for new tires, cables, bar tape, and a saddle, and still have most of it left over!
__________________
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."

"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
genejockey is offline  
Likes For genejockey:
Old 07-31-21, 12:35 PM
  #3  
stampz
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 21
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Liked 13 Times in 6 Posts
Originally Posted by genejockey
Apart from my 2020 Canyon, not one of my bikes is newer than 14 years old. A bike that was a good bike in 2014, if lightly ridden and well maintained is a good bike today. Use the extra 700 quid for new tires, cables, bar tape, and a saddle, and still have most of it left over!
This is exactly what I was think....common sense prevails
stampz is offline  
Likes For stampz:
Old 07-31-21, 12:56 PM
  #4  
Bah Humbug
serious cyclist
 
Bah Humbug's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Austin
Posts: 21,147

Bikes: S1, R2, P2

Mentioned: 115 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9334 Post(s)
Liked 3,679 Times in 2,026 Posts
Bike drought and you have a line on a CAAD for 300GBP for the trainer? Yes all day - wifey just bought a Fuji Sportif with 8-speed Microshift for trainer duty for double that...
Bah Humbug is offline  
Likes For Bah Humbug:
Old 07-31-21, 01:02 PM
  #5  
Seattle Forrest
Senior Member
 
Seattle Forrest's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 23,208
Mentioned: 89 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18883 Post(s)
Liked 10,645 Times in 6,054 Posts
Blood pressure meds, or yelling at kids on your lawn.
Seattle Forrest is offline  
Likes For Seattle Forrest:
Old 07-31-21, 01:37 PM
  #6  
zatopek
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Damascus, MD, USA
Posts: 1,294

Bikes: Neilpryde Nazare, Storck Scenero G3, Colnago Extreme Power, CAAD 10, Bowman Palace R, Strong Custom Foco Steel, BMC SLR01, BMC ALR01

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 96 Post(s)
Liked 114 Times in 53 Posts
In my I-own-far-too-many-nice-bikes rotation, one of my favorite rides is a 2011 Giant TCR SLR. It, like the CAAD in which you have interest, is aluminum. A well cared for bike can last many, many years.
zatopek is offline  
Old 07-31-21, 02:13 PM
  #7  
Broctoon
Super-duper Genius
 
Broctoon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Muskrat Springs, Utah
Posts: 1,713
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 768 Post(s)
Liked 983 Times in 508 Posts
Wait, 300 quid for a really nice seven year old Cannondale? Why did you not already grab it before he changes his mind? 2014 is not old. I mean, it is for something like an iPhone, or a fruit fly. If it had been at the bottom of the ocean for the past six years, that’s a problem. But you said it’s in great shape. I’d jump on that deal!
Broctoon is offline  
Likes For Broctoon:
Old 07-31-21, 02:15 PM
  #8  
genejockey 
Klaatu..Verata..Necktie?
 
genejockey's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 17,662

Bikes: Litespeed Ultimate, Ultegra; Canyon Endurace, 105; Battaglin MAX, Chorus; Bianchi 928 Veloce; Ritchey Road Logic, Dura Ace; Cannondale R500 RX100; Schwinn Circuit, Sante; Lotus Supreme, Dura Ace

Mentioned: 41 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10247 Post(s)
Liked 11,600 Times in 5,946 Posts
Originally Posted by seattle forrest
blood pressure meds, or yelling at kids on your lawn.
hey!
__________________
"Don't take life so serious-it ain't nohow permanent."

"Everybody's gotta be somewhere." - Eccles
genejockey is offline  
Old 07-31-21, 02:30 PM
  #9  
veganbikes
Clark W. Griswold
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ,location, location
Posts: 13,280

Bikes: Foundry Chilkoot Ti W/Ultegra Di2, Salsa Timberjack Ti, Cinelli Mash Work RandoCross Fun Time Machine, 1x9 XT Parts Hybrid, Co-Motion Cascadia, Specialized Langster, Phil Wood Apple VeloXS Frame (w/DA 7400), R+M Supercharger2 Rohloff, Habanero Ti 26

Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4253 Post(s)
Liked 3,866 Times in 2,579 Posts
Nothing is too old. Heck would love a nice lugged Italian bike with Campy 50th.
veganbikes is offline  
Likes For veganbikes:
Old 07-31-21, 02:36 PM
  #10  
stampz
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Apr 2020
Posts: 21
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Liked 13 Times in 6 Posts
Originally Posted by Broctoon
Wait, 300 quid for a really nice seven year old Cannondale? Why did you not already grab it before he changes his mind? 2014 is not old. I mean, it is for something like an iPhone, or a fruit fly. If it had been at the bottom of the ocean for the past six years, that’s a problem. But you said it’s in great shape. I’d jump on that deal!
Ha! Thanks for this I think I will :-)
stampz is offline  
Old 07-31-21, 02:37 PM
  #11  
Champlaincycler
Full Member
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Adirondacks
Posts: 331

Bikes: 2018 Diverge Comp, 2016 Specialized SL4 Comp,

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 68 Post(s)
Liked 48 Times in 38 Posts
I bought a 1989 Cannondale race bike for $50 to use on my trainer. Had to add a riser stem as it had a ridiculous saddle to bar drop for this old man. I like it so much that I take it out on the road occasionally, challenging to ride a 53/39 crankset but a fun diversion.
Champlaincycler is offline  
Old 07-31-21, 03:47 PM
  #12  
freeranger
Senior Member
 
freeranger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 2,579

Bikes: 06 Lemond Reno, 98 GT Timberline mtn.bike

Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 421 Post(s)
Liked 690 Times in 430 Posts
My road bike is a 2006 LeMond-and I have no problems with it, people I ride with have newer bikes. Mine is in the shop less (as in not at all!) I also have a mtn.bike-'98 frame, later on the rest of it. But no parts on it later than 2004. Again, no problems at all. They do get regular maintenance. A well maintained bike, unless badly wrecked or similar, will last a good long while. 2014 would be modern to me. If well maintained and in good shape, would not hesitate.
freeranger is offline  
Likes For freeranger:
Old 07-31-21, 06:02 PM
  #13  
Kimmo 
bike whisperer
 
Kimmo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Melbourne, Oz
Posts: 9,533

Bikes: https://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=152015&p=1404231

Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1520 Post(s)
Liked 716 Times in 508 Posts
My best treadly is fifteen years old, and is a 6.3kg aero weapon. No envy for newer bikes.
Kimmo is offline  
Old 07-31-21, 08:58 PM
  #14  
tempocyclist
Senior Member
 
tempocyclist's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2021
Location: Australia
Posts: 815

Bikes: 2002 Trek 5200 (US POSTAL), 2020 Canyon Aeroad SL

Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 310 Post(s)
Liked 664 Times in 324 Posts
I hope you've snapped up that bike by the time you read this! That's not even bordering on too old. It'd make a good bike not just for the turbo but for actually riding too!
tempocyclist is offline  
Likes For tempocyclist:
Old 08-01-21, 10:59 AM
  #15  
Outrider1
Full Member
 
Outrider1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 402

Bikes: Trek Emonda ALR 5

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 155 Post(s)
Liked 296 Times in 137 Posts
Take that deal!
Outrider1 is offline  
Old 08-01-21, 02:58 PM
  #16  
Inusuit
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: SE Wyoming
Posts: 607

Bikes: 1995 Specialized Rockhopper,1989 Specialized Rock Combo, 2013 Specialized Tarmac Elite

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 213 Post(s)
Liked 588 Times in 278 Posts
Two of my bikes are over 30 years old. My road bike is a 2013 I bought last year, basically new old stock. Sure some components are outdated but the bikes fit my needs. I wouldn't hesitate on a 2014 at that price.
Inusuit is offline  
Old 08-01-21, 09:32 PM
  #17  
Symox
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 702

Bikes: '23 Poseidon Redwood, '07 Specialized Roubaix Comp Triple, '12 Gravity Fixie, '21 Liv Rove 4, '06? Giant EB Spirit

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 345 Post(s)
Liked 237 Times in 151 Posts
Nothing wrong with older bikes. A well maintained older bike can often outperform a neglected newer bike so there is always that.

Yes, many of the technologies have advanced but some (like going from 10 to 11 speeds) are just incremental. Some of the bigger advances like STI brifters, external bottom brackets and dual pivot brakes have been around for a while so I wouldn't hesitate getting a bike 7 years old if the price was attractive.
Symox is offline  
Old 08-02-21, 06:20 AM
  #18  
sw20
Full Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Surrey, UK
Posts: 255
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 99 Post(s)
Liked 41 Times in 26 Posts
Originally Posted by stampz
Potentially stupid question, which I think I already know the answer too.

I am looking at picking up a new winter trainer/"second" bike. My heart wants to go shiny and spend at least £1k on something...if I can even find anything in the current bike drought.

However, a friend of mine who is getting out of cycling has offered to sell me his Cannondale CAAD 8 2014 for £300.

It's in great condition, 105 groupset, 8.6kg...he hasn't ridden it for at least 2 years, with some new cables and a new chain it would look good as new...but it's bugging me that it's 7 years old and I don't know if it should be.

So how old is too old? Should I steer clear and go with something new but less specced, or am i being stupid?

Its this version https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Can...Bike-2014/2PHC

Thanks!
Steer well clear, but give me your friends contact details
sw20 is offline  
Old 08-02-21, 06:48 AM
  #19  
Bob Ross
your god hates me
 
Bob Ross's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,580

Bikes: 2016 Richard Sachs, 2010 Carl Strong, 2006 Cannondale Synapse

Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1233 Post(s)
Liked 1,241 Times in 689 Posts
Originally Posted by stampz
it's bugging me that it's 7 years old and I don't know if it should be.

So how old is too old?
Not 7 years.

Bikes from the 1980s and earlier will need their rear dropouts cold-set to accomodate modern axle widths, and if you don't want to do that it can be tough finding hubs and freewheels to keep a bike of that vintage running.

But 2014!?!? That's practically new!
Bob Ross is offline  
Old 08-02-21, 06:54 AM
  #20  
Andy Somnifac 
Senior Member
 
Andy Somnifac's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,297

Bikes: Too many.

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 92 Post(s)
Liked 174 Times in 86 Posts
Originally Posted by stampz
It's in great condition, 105 groupset, 8.6kg...he hasn't ridden it for at least 2 years, with some new cables and a new chain it would look good as new...but it's bugging me that it's 7 years old and I don't know if it should be.

So how old is too old? Should I steer clear and go with something new but less specced, or am i being stupid?
I don't think I own a bike NEWER than something from around 2013-2014.

For that price, in the middle of pandemic-induced shortages? If you don't buy it, I will.
__________________


Andy Somnifac is offline  
Old 08-02-21, 09:18 AM
  #21  
Iride01 
I'm good to go!
 
Iride01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,811

Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020

Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6100 Post(s)
Liked 4,732 Times in 3,262 Posts
Sounds like a deal. But make sure the bike fits you. If it's way too big or way too small for you then you will be wasting money.

Components date a bike more than the frame and fork. So while those components are several versions old, they are still good.

Until you ride enough to want something better, it's a good enough bike at a reasonable price for today.
Iride01 is offline  
Old 08-02-21, 10:23 AM
  #22  
topflightpro
Senior Member
 
topflightpro's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 7,567
Mentioned: 54 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1851 Post(s)
Liked 675 Times in 427 Posts
Mr. Belvedere is correct. This seems like a great deal.
topflightpro is offline  
Likes For topflightpro:
Old 08-02-21, 10:49 AM
  #23  
Dan333SP
Serious Cyclist
 
Dan333SP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: RVA
Posts: 9,308

Bikes: Emonda SL6

Mentioned: 97 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5721 Post(s)
Liked 261 Times in 99 Posts
I'd probably pay that much for a lightly used 105 groupset (I still run 5700 and need to replace some bits soon), it's like getting a really good frame, finishing bits, and wheels for free!

Was just watching some NorCal Cycling YT videos last night and saw a guy on a CAAD10 contesting the wins in races where most people are on brand new aero carbon bikes. It's still very much a great bike by any standards.
Dan333SP is offline  
Old 08-02-21, 11:23 AM
  #24  
caloso
Senior Member
 
caloso's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865

Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur

Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times in 1,417 Posts
Jump on that deal! You could ride it all winter on the turbo and then freshen up the wheels and tires for spring and you'll have a hella fast sleeper bike.

Also, people are practically giving away really nice 10-speed rim brake wheels, so keep your eyes open for those too.
caloso is offline  
Old 08-02-21, 03:32 PM
  #25  
Broctoon
Super-duper Genius
 
Broctoon's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Muskrat Springs, Utah
Posts: 1,713
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 768 Post(s)
Liked 983 Times in 508 Posts
Originally Posted by caloso
Also, people are practically giving away really nice 10-speed rim brake wheels, so keep your eyes open for those too.
Truth! My area's online classified ads are filled with good 10-speed alloy wheel sets, usually $200 or less. That's for really nice stuff. The ones with a little wear or styling more than 10 years old, you can get for a lot less. Seems everyone wants carbon now, or disc brakes.
Broctoon is offline  
Likes For Broctoon:

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.