DGoeder

I found an ad for a Scott Speedster (I believe it's an S1 from the pictures) for $500. I'm still pretty new at this and have a lot to learn, so I was wondering if that's a decent price?
I've been searching online for reviews and it seem that the price is pretty good if I'm looking at the correct MSRP when it was released. ($1500-$1700)?
One of the concerns I've come across is the mixed reviews of Aluminium frames. I'm 6'1" and around 235lbs. Some of the comments I have found seem to indicate that Aluminium frames tend to fatigue over time. Is that true? If so, how long a life would one expect to have?

It fits my budget right now, but I can wait for another deal to come along if its not worth it. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

CraigB

I have a Trek aluminum that I rode for over 10 years at or above 250 lbs and have never had a problem with it.

rebel1916

Someone is going to come into this thread very soon and tell you all kinds of nonsense about aluminum. Disregard them, they are completely full of ****. I have a 10 year old aluminum MTB that I have wailed on for years. It's stll going strong.

fietsbob

The people who set up the bike at the dealership, have a significant input
on the Good bike part ,
adjustment, assembly attention to detail, and service after the sale.

I have an Aluminum framed Koga Miyata World tour WTR.. (with a Rohloff hub).

that is what people used them for..
touring all over the world, to pretty remote places..

Dudelsack 

OK, why don't you tell the truth and admit that you RIDE RECUMBENTS!

Oh, back to the OP: aluminum is fine. My bent is aluminum. You can trust the material.

StephenH

The fatigue issue is pretty much a non-issue for normal bikes. If it's something vintage or got a half-million miles on it, that'd be a concern. Look it over good and make sure it's not cracking anywhere.

Mobile 155

Just make sure it is the right size for you and it should be fine. Walk into any LBS and look all the MTBs and see what they are made of. Those puppies get abused and they hold up fine. Pick up a MTB magizine and see what the bikes you see flying through the air and racing down a single track are made of and you will see aluminum works just fine. Chances my next N+1 will be aluminum simply because I get more bang for the buck.

rebel1916

Only recumbents made from chromoly steel. The finest bicycle material known to man or God. Does Jamis make a recumbent?

SlimRider

Hi there DGoeder!

If you're intersted in a nice road bike, I would suggest that you go to your local bicycle dealreships and test-ride as many bikes as possible. My personal preference is a chromoly steel frame. I just love the feel of steel when riding. Some people prefer aluminum and some prefer carbon fiber. It's entirely your choice!

I always say try them all. If your preference turns out to be something other than steel, then Que Sera Sera!

For $560 I'd suggest the Jamis Coda Sport:

www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/street/coda/12_codasport_rd.html

- Slim

Jamesw2

Since you admit you are new at this may i make a suggestion . To learn about components visit www.bikesdirect.com and your local bike shop.

I also have AL bikes. One of the bikes survived me being taken off the bike by a pickup mirror. Although it's duty now is on the trainer.

DGoeder

Thanks for all the replies so far. I do have a steel frame road bike currently: https://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...mega&Type=bike and I've been pretty happy with it. I'm looking to upgrade a little bit if I can, or just have a second bike just because...
It's a CL listing, and I'm wondering about it because I've been seeing the same posting since November. That's sort of why I'm wondering about the price vs. the value. I would assume if it's a really great deal, it would have been taken already. Either that or there is something functionally wrong with it.

DGoeder

From what I have found, the S10 is essentially the S1 only newer.
https://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...peed&Type=bike

I wasnt sure how reliable the MSRP on this site was, or how well the brand holds its value.

SlimRider

If the S1 was not abused, or riddened daily for an extended period of time, and taken over tough terrain, you'd most likely have a good deal there. However, that's the problem with purchasing a used aluminum framed bicycle. You never can tell just exactly what it's been through, historically speaking.

Was it dogged and ridden like a DH racing MTB over roots and crevices?...Who knows?

Was it involved in an accident and the seller has no future faith in the integrity of the frame?...Who knows?

OTOH, it may just be that it was purchased new, ridden a few times, but spent most of its life hanging on a hook in somebody's garage.

How would you ever know?

You could just have faith in human nature and assume that the seller is being totally honest and forthright.

Personally, if it were me, I'd pass on a used aluminum frame, due to its limited fatigue life.

- Slim

Mr. Beanz

Don't you just hate those guys? Especially with the guys with photo proof.


Aluminum isn't "always" fine, like any material.

I was 220 riding this bike. After 13,500 miles (3 years), snapped on a climb.

This was the frame


This is the frame


carbon/alum mix..snapped the day after a climb....14,500 miles (3 years)

This was the frame


This is the frame...snapped at the alum section. I figure it was the tube design at the cut out



I'm sure design has much to do with it as I have the same, or more mileage on this 98 CAD3 with no problems.

rebel1916

Yep, cause steel and titanium never crack either.

fietsbob

Remember Aluminum in airplanes has Hours of service logs, kept,
then they park them in the desert.

only a personal inspection can really see the thing..
Remote, this is not the place to have physical inspections.

DGoeder

Duly noted.

Mr. Beanz

Of course that's why I said any material.

My buddy's Steel DeRosa broke after 3 or 4 years and he was 200lbs.

He has the tube replaced, painted then sold the sucker.


steel1 by mrbeanz1, on Flickr