Advice on a new bike

[Winter76]

Hi Folks,
I've been looking around to buy a new bike and today I found two used ones that pique'd my interest.

They are both Marins and both in the same product line.

The first is a Lucas Valley, it's a year old and the previous owner used it to ride around South America so it'll have decent miles on it. Other than some scratches on the main cross tube of teh frame it looks to be in great condition. The store wants $750 Here's a link; Lucas Valley on the Marin site (http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2007/html/bikes/bike_specs/specs_lucas_valley.html)

The second is a Fairfax. Again it's a year old but only has about 800km on it, it was used by a 50 yeard old man to commute back and forth to work. That store wants $500. Here's a link; Fairfax on the Marin site (http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2007/html/bikes/bike_specs/specs_fairfax.html).

Which bike do you think is the better deal? The Lucas Valley has better components and carbon fiber rear forks. Both bikes have carbon fiber front forks.

I live in Winnipeg and about 1/2 my commute is down a busy street (Osborne Village North to Portage Ave.).

Thanks for your input.

[Winter76]

Some further information. I'm not in the best of shape, but I can push my current bike up to 43km/h for a block or two when I'm being chased by a bus. I'd like to be able to go faster 50km/h+ so I can outrun those pesky busses. I'm looking to start riding on the weekends, for those in Winnipeg, I'm in River Heights and I'd be going down Wellington Crescent and do a loop around Assiniboine park and then back down Wellington. That way I'd be able to just do nice laps until I'm worn out.

[workingbike]

Some further information. I'm not in the best of shape, but I can push my current bike up to 43km/h for a block or two when I'm being chased by a bus. I'd like to be able to go faster 50km/h+ so I can outrun those pesky busses. I'm looking to start riding on the weekends, for those in Winnipeg, I'm in River Heights and I'd be going down Wellington Crescent and do a loop around Assiniboine park and then back down Wellington. That way I'd be able to just do nice laps until I'm worn out.
For myself, I would get very twitchy about a used bike with Carbon Fibre. I would look very closely at the high mileage one with carbon seat stays, if there is ANY, indication of damage or repair then leave it alone. The forks too need inspecting (even after purchase) but they at least are fairly simple to swap out in future. Again, inspection should be part of your routine maintenance.

I've just looked up the price of the Fairfax, I found one place that say MRRP is $449? another place has them listed at $599? I think the first is an aberration? (shrug) assuming the second price is correct, then $500 Canadian isn't too bad if the store will give you some warranty/servicing backup.

I know what you mean about the buses, I have one short downhill where my current bike spins out due to low gearing, just need a leeeetele more to keep away from them. (impatient buggers)

[A.Hutchings]

You ever consider a recumbent bike ?

Check out www.bentrideronline.com for more info on all types of bents.

LBS ( Winnipeg ) selling them are Bikes and Beyond on Henderson , Gooch's on Sherbrook and there's a few local folks who build bent frames / bikes up with whatever components you want .

Another great bent site is Calhoun Cycle in Minni - St Paul ( www.calhouncycle.com )

Not saying they're for everyone of course but I switched to a bent 4 years ago now and have had a smile on my face since then..:D
My wife and I are seriously considering buying a bent tandem to enjoy long - distance tours in our upcoming retirement years .