Ramble556

Hello All,
Hope you can advise me. I am a beginner and looking for invest around USD 2.5K to buy a good road bike. I know for some of you this might not be a good budget when it comes to a good bike. However, my intent is to buy a second hand bike, unless you disagree here and think that even a new bike may be an option such as Ridley Fenix.

I was thinking of either purchasing a Canyon Ultimate AL SLX 9 2014 model for 1800 USD ( Is that a fair price ?)
Cannodale Super Six sram etap for 3100 USD ( Is that a fair price ? )
Other option is new Ridley Fenix SLic 105 Shimano for about 3100 USD.

May I ask- which one is worth the money?

Thanks!

10 Wheels

Buy a low Priced Road Bike and Learn much about Riding.

Tony P.

It would be a error to spend a substantial amount on a bike as a beginner.

Beyond basic bike measurement, there are nuances in bike frames and mechanicals meant to align with a riders skill, physical ability, and style. Your skill and physical riding ability will improve as you ride so a bike suited to you now may not work as well later.

As 10 Wheels said, start with a low priced bike and learn, first.

Ramble556

The point is money spent on a low priced bike will be a waste. Why not buy a better bike that I can use for at least 3-4 years.

PeteHski

Being a mechanical engineer, I've always been very wary of buying used bikes. You just don't know the history (did the last guy over-tighten the stem bolts? Was the drivetrain properly maintained? Was it crashed?). It's even harder to weed out the chaff if you are a beginner. But having said that, there are many used bargains around since new bikes depreciate like stones!

Anyway, with a 2.5-3k budget I would buy new. Latest Shimano 105 is a very decent groupset. What you should ask yourself though is whether or not a "race" bike is the most suitable starting point. Most people would be better off on an "endurance" road bike with a slightly more forgiving fit and compliant, stable ride. Shop demos are your friend at this point.

Tony P.

If you know what bike you need for 3-4 years, buy it. If not, you'll be better served with a lower cost investment.

chaadster

Yeah, if you can discern quality and understand what makes one thing better than another, buy as much quality as you can afford. When you start seeing things just getting different rather than better, that’s when you’re getting the most for your money.

I agree with PeteHski to go with a new rig in this price range, especially if you can buy from a local store and take advantage of that resource. Frame and component quality is so good these days that lower-line groups are closer to top-line components, performance-wise, than ever before. Further, I think knowing your bike is properly sorted and functioning will make it easier for you to learn and understand what you like and what works for you. Buying a used bike and having to find out that it doesn’t shift great because the previous owner mixed in incompatible bits, was a ham fisted tech, didn’t do something right, or that the derailleur hanger is bent, is just a waste of time.

Ogsarg

Since you're new to biking, how did you come to decide you want a road bike? Lots of other types of bikes and you may find you enjoy something else better or you may not like riding at all. In my case, I started riding an old hybrid just to get some exercise. As my ride length increased, I started considering road bikes and my first one I bought used. Rode that for a few years and enough miles that I had a pretty good idea what I wanted when I got my first new road bike.

Generally I would recommend a used bike if you are comfortable doing your own basic repairs/maintenance but there are upsides to buying new in that you get a shop that will help you get something that fits properly, which is important. Another thing is that with bikes in high demand, if you do decide you want a different bike or don't like cycling, you won't take as big a hit selling a lightly used bike.

SoSmellyAir

Second this advice, especially with respect to a carbon fiber frame, where it is almost impossible to discover hidden stress fractures.

Jumpski

Comfort/bike fit is the key here. If possible, demo said bikes- good luck.

Inusuit

As someone who returned to bicycling after a long pause, I agree with those who say an investment of $1500-$3100 might turn out to be a bike that does not fit your needs or preferences. I started riding again on a 1987 Diamondback Ascent MTB that I found cheap at a thrift store. After a couple of months riding with friends and some time spend at the LBS, I bought a used Specialized Tarmac road bike. I don't regret buying it, but find that now I much prefer riding on dirt roads and two tracks accessible from my house. I acquired a 1989 Specialized Rock Combo from a friend. It's good enough for me at 76 on those back roads.

If I had to predict what I might be riding in 5 years, it might be an ebike. As others have noted, if the high dollar new bike isn't what you want in 6-8 months, you will take a depreciation hit trying to trade it for something else.

Ramble556

Thank you very much Guys. With your advise, I am looking to buy a second hand bike and that too with Aluminum frame. Just to let you know that I have been driving a beginner level MTB for the last 2 years on road. I know that may sound odd so wanted to buy a proper road bike instead.

I came across Cannodale CAAD 8 2013 in very good condition for 1400 USD. Is that a fair price? The guy said he can't come below the said amount as he has recently upgraded all the components below-
Discs- Vision Team 35 comp SL
Tyres- Schwalbe Pro 25 mm tubeless
Rail- Nitto Randonneur Touring 39 cm
Front wheel and comb- Ultegra 6700
rear cassette- Shimano 105 R7000
Hub- Shimano SM-BBR860

What do you guys think? Is it a fair price or a rip off? Thank you again!!

philbob57

I just checked ebay's completed listings for CAAD 8s, and $1400 seems way over-priced. If it fits you, though, the bike is probably worth more than average to you. OTOH, why pay the guy for over-improving his bike? Why did he need new wheels - accident or incompetent maintenance or ??? If he expects you to reimburse him for his expense in getting the bike ready to sell, why does he expect you to pay retail when he probably didn't?

Iride01 

None of those old bikes are worth that money. That's why bicycles are not a good investment. You'll get about the same health and fitness for the money spent with an inexpensive bike as you will an expensive bike.

So don't think of your future bike as an investment. You commitment to cycling can be an investment. However that doesn't require large outlays of cash to get great results.

2500 USD will buy you a very decent new bike that isn't already dated by several versions old components. And when that bike is a few years old, you can toss it in the trash and get another bike. Better yet, give it to someone that can't afford a bike like that.

eduskator

I properly maintained used bicycle is as good as a new one. Plus, it's cheaper. There are a few things to check before buying though. If you are not sure, you can always bring the bike you want to buy to your LBS and have them inspect it for you.

PeteHski

I would agree, but a lot of bikes I see around are not properly maintained. It’s going to be a bit of a lottery buying a used bike if you have no experience. But it will be cheaper. All comes down to budget really. A new bike costs significantly more, but takes away potential hassle.

Buying used and then taking it to a good shop for a full check/service is not a bad compromise, presuming you don’t buy a lemon.

bampilot06

I would recommend going to your local LBS and test riding what they have in stock. They prolly have one in your price range, they will get you fitted to the bike and most will allow you to bring it back for adjustments. Fit is extremely important.