Road Cycling - Shimano RX100 or 105s?

I'm considering buying a used bike and found two possibilities. The first, a 2000 Giant OCR1, has Shimano 105s while the other, 1997 Cannondale R600 CAAD3, has RX100s.

Any thoughts on the different component groups? Which is better? Why?
Any thoughts on the bikes themselves?

I am new to biking (haven't done any before) and think I want to get into Triathlons. I'm starting out small...

Thanks, Steve

RX100 became 105... the 105 is better b/c its newer. RX100 isn't 9spd STI compatible either.

I would go with the OCR. The bike is newer, and the components are better.

RX100 became 105... the 105 is better b/c its newer. RX100 isn't 9spd STI compatible either.

I remember seeing 105 components long before I saw RX100 stuff. It's a step up, but I don't think it's a newer group.

105 is better, but is there a significant price difference (presumably price matters, or you wouldn't be buying used)? Reason I ask is that I have an old Allez (mid-'90s, at least) w/RX100 that I bought used. It had lots of miles on it before I got it (original owner rode it from Indiana to California, for sure), and I've put probably 5,000 on it with no maintenance except lubrication, and it still works and shifts fine. It's not a nine-speed, but non-racers don't need nine speeds. I swapped the original downtube shifters for barcons (had a set in the parts bin), but otherwise it's completely original except for tires, brake pads and grease.
You want to look at fit first, of course--if the bike doesn't fit, it doesn't matter what components it has. If they both fit, though, and there's much of a difference in price, I wouldn't let the RX stuff scare me away.

I thought the only difference between the 105 and the RX100 was the anodizing on the 105???

Structurally at least a few years ago, I think they were identical.

If you are buying an older bike though, make sure the STI levers still work, I have bought more the one which have been worn out, 105, 600, etc...

I ride a 2001 OCR 1.. It is a solid bike! A bit stiff cause of the aluminum frame, but a great climbing bike. I have probably 5-6k miles on it, and aside from replacing the chain twice, brake pads, and now the cog set, everything works great... The 105 performs great! cant go wrong if the price is right..

I'm considering buying a used bike and found two possibilities. The first, a 2000 Giant OCR1, has Shimano 105s while the other, 1997 Cannondale R600 CAAD3, has RX100s.

Any thoughts on the different component groups? Which is better? Why?
Any thoughts on the bikes themselves?

I am new to biking (haven't done any before) and think I want to get into Triathlons. I'm starting out small...

Thanks, Steve

Is there a price difference? How much?

RX-100 is the 1997 equivalent of today's Tiagra, although I think better quality because RX-100 uses less plastic. The STI shifters are 8-speed but if you switch out the shifters and cassette, the rest of the components should work fine in a 9-speed configuration. The only degraded performance would possibly be slower shifting in the front derailer because the cage is wider and the chainrings are a bit farther apart. (I used RX-100 7 speed components with 9 speed ultegra shifters and cassette and everything worked fine except the slower FD shifting.)

Do heed the warning about worn out STI shifters though. Make sure they click and do not stick.

Both bikes will have the classic "Aluminum" ride and stiffness. Do you have a preference for traditional geometry or compact geometry? I personally would pick the Cannondale just for that and the Made in the USA attribute.

105 is better, but is there a significant price difference (presumably price matters, or you wouldn't be buying used)? Reason I ask is that I have an old Allez (mid-'90s, at least) w/RX100 that I bought used. It had lots of miles on it before I got it (original owner rode it from Indiana to California, for sure), and I've put probably 5,000 on it with no maintenance except lubrication, and it still works and shifts fine. It's not a nine-speed, but non-racers don't need nine speeds. I swapped the original downtube shifters for barcons (had a set in the parts bin), but otherwise it's completely original except for tires, brake pads and grease.
You want to look at fit first, of course--if the bike doesn't fit, it doesn't matter what components it has. If they both fit, though, and there's much of a difference in price, I wouldn't let the RX stuff scare me away.

Hey Velo! I think we have something in common.

I've got a circa '94ish Allez with the RX100 component group too. I bought mine new back then and put a fair amount of miles on it. Like yours, mine has had no maintenance other than lube and the rare tensioning of a cable. I love that bike! But...

Here's a question for the board...

When I bought my bike, I went to a good LBS and bought the thing that felt best after test riding 3 or 4. I didn't do much research or know much about what I was buying, I just knew it felt good. I rode as time allowed (3x per week for about 20-40 miles each) for about 5 years.

Now, fast forward to today... I'm riding more and more after a "buy a house, have a family and switch jobs a couple times" hiatas. I've slid back into my 3x per week routine and I'm loving it... So much so that I'm considering a new bike with all the discussion I've been reading about modern frame materials, component group improvements etc. Trouble is, I think I bought a pretty darn good bike all those years ago and am concerned that if I drop a bunch of money on a new ride, it won't be much of an upgrade leaving me disappointed.

Since you have a bike bearing the same name and component group as the bike I purchased (except I still have the original downtube shifters) I thought you might know some stuff about the overall quality of the bike and components I currently own as compared to the newer stuff on the market.

Here's a couple of things I'm interested in regarding a new bike:

1) the downtube shifters are OK, but I'd really like to move away from them as I've always been nervous shifting into highest gears on downhill runs because I have to one-hand the handle-bars while in the drops and reach down with my free hand when I'm already going pretty darn fast.

2) Although I haven't done any maintenance to date, the gears are getting "louder" and the shifting isn't as "exact" as it was when I first bought the bike. I suspect I have some maintenance in my near future but maybe the stuff is just wearing out.

3) Related to speed, 30 on the flats is doable on this bike for me but I can't get the thing over 40mph on my favorite hill -- I love to go fast. But even back when I was younger, I could never break 40 on this bike on this hill. Breaking 40 is my white-whale at this point and I don't care if I have to buy a new bike to do it. NOTE: Using a bigger hill is sorta cheatin' don't ya think?

4) The lugged cro-moly frame is comfy, but it's pretty heavy compared to the stuff in my LBS.

5) 2500 is the buget for this little endeavor although if there is significant difference at 3000, I'd probably do that.

Also, I'm trying to figure out what model Allez I own. There are "some" markings on it:

Allez on the top tube;
Cro-Moly Direct-Drive on the fork;
Built in California USA on the chain-stays

It's in Specialized Red with the markings in Yellow. Any idea what Allez family it comes from? Is it a "sport"?

TIA for any help, Velo (or anyone else).

Hi Raanders,
you should start a new thread with this question. It will prob get buried down here. I would suggest visiting several bike shops, even if it means driving an hour or two, to see what you really like.
I can't really help, I'm more of a touring kind of guy. I go half as fast as you do. But.... I would like to test ride this frame sometime http://www.habcycles.com/teamissue.html

Hi Raanders,
you should start a new thread with this question. It will prob get buried down here. I would suggest visiting several bike shops, even if it means driving an hour or two, to see what you really like.
I can't really help, I'm more of a touring kind of guy. I go half as fast as you do. But.... I would like to test ride this frame sometime http://www.habcycles.com/teamissue.html

Funny... I was just looking that over -- it was referenced in one of todays threads earlier. Sure is sweet huh?

i have 1999 RSX (step below RX100)... and it shifts quickly, smoothly, and quietly... kinda like butter, you might say. i wouldnt go for newer stuff simply because they are newer or more advanced. rivendell never sells the latest and greatest.. and i dont think people often complain about their parts being inadequate

I agree with the other user's posts on which component is better- While the Shimano 105 is a higher end model I have been incredibly pleased with the RX 100 components (front/rear breaks, font/rear derailer, wheel hubs and column shifters) on my 96 Cannondale R400.

Eventhough I own an 11 year old entry level bike, I am incredibly pleased. I ride roughly 7000 miles a year with a few long distances rides along with several club rides averaging 17-20 mph. In addition I do the vast majority of my riding within the 5 boroughs of NYC where I live which is infamous for its crater size potholes, and unforgiving terrain that really rattles bikes. I only state this because I have put some serious wear on my bike and the RX 100 components are still as accurate and responsive as when I first purchased the bike. Shifting gears is flawless and precise even when exerting a lot of force while downshifting. Conversely, I used a friend's 96 Cannondale R500 with Suntour front derailer and it had issues with unexpectedly shifting inbetween gears on aggressive uphill climbs.

I obviously maintain my bike regularly as I am sure we all do, but given its age and use I wouldnt have ever thought they would hold up so well.

I would highly recommend this component model.

Good luck and happy riding