Road Cycling - what to choose?

Last november, I had the choice of choosing a cannondale R600 Double, Or a Used Merlin Ti. Now the cannondale was a brand new 2003. And the Merlin was a used 1999 or 1998. Also the merlin has a time fork with record 8 speed. the cannondale was a 105, tiagra mix, of course 9 speed. What would you have choicen?

Do you own a time machine?

Depends on the price.Probably the Merlin.

Merlin, hands down.

I have a 1992 road frame, which has been converted to a roadie single.

http://www.anthonysloan.com/merlin1x1.jpg

And a 1998 XLM, which has also been wickered with:

http://www.anthonysloan.com/xlmx1.jpg

They are fantastic bikes, and will last quite a while.

Cool jeepster, too. Does it run?

the merlin is 1500 dollars and the cannondale is 1199 but with tax and everything it is 1460 dollars

Assuming both of them are in good shape, I'd go for the Merlin, hands down.

Definitely the Merlin. Campy is the real deal.

Originally posted by timtheroadbiker
the merlin is 1500 dollars and the cannondale is 1199 but with tax and everything it is 1460 dollars Too much for that age and 8 speed record.MHO....too much for the cdale too.

Is campy better than shimano. Also the merlin is 8 speed is that ok?

My belief (experience) is that Campy is a bit better than Shimano on a comparison basis and also has the one main advantage of being repairable. Campy designs their parts to be repaired while Shimano designs theirs to be replaced. This is not always the case, as the bearings in some Shimano parts (hubs, pedals) can be replaced.

I also like to support the underdog (Bill Gates has enough money) and appreciate the Old-world craftsmanship of Campy. Shimano is a bit like Trek. Trying to eat the rest of the world.

But both are high quality systems.

Originally posted by timtheroadbiker
Is campy better than shimano. Also the merlin is 8 speed is that ok? Campy vs shimano = alot of BS,but it's mostly personal preference. Current campy is 9/10 speed 8 speed no longer supported and hard to find.Shifters can be upgraded but then you need cassette and new rear hub to run it.You can buy a Cdale Caad5/ultegra from GVH bikes for $1405.

Originally posted by pokey
Campy vs shimano = alot of BS,but it's mostly personal preference.

Whew...another campy vs. Shimano debate defused. Then again, we haven't had one in a while:D

Originally posted by timtheroadbiker
Last november, I had the choice of choosing..... What would you have choicen?

Did you choose something?

If so which.

Is there a point to all this?

I got the merlin. I just wanted to see if I did the right thing.

Originally posted by ParamountScapin
Campy designs their parts to be repaired while Shimano designs theirs to be replaced. The shifters are the only part that really matters.

Asuming the Merlin is in good shape, it sounds like you made a good decision.

You definitely did. You can get all the Campy 8-speed parts you want/need from Tim at BranfordBike.com Happy riding.