View Poll Results: What setup should I go for?
Voters: 11. You may not vote on this poll
Newb: First road bike buying options (used C'dales)
10-02-05, 11:43 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Miami Beach
Posts: 16
Bikes: 2003 Cannondale R800 Triple
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Newb: First road bike buying options (used C'dales)
So I've recently moved to the flatlands of FL and have struck interest in road biking. For my first bike I'd only like to spend something in the $500 range.
I've done some research and chose Cannondale as the frames I'd like to ride. I'm 6'3" 225lb and (I've read) their frames are known to be stiffer and more comfortable for larger riders (compared to the little 140lb guys). My LBS had an '02 R400 Triple with SORA components; I liked the smooth ride, but the drivetrain sucked (and they claimed it was freshly tuned). Also, they wanted $525 for a used stock model, which is overpriced. I've since read about SORA horror stories, so I'd like to have at least Tiagra comps because I don't want my bike in the shop every week.
So I'm doing research on the net and have been pricing different models, but I need an opinion.
Should I be looking for an older frame with Dura-Ace/Ultegra components, or a newer frame with Tiagras/105s?
Basically I need to know if buying a used '98-00 CAAD3 frame with '98-00 Dura-Ace components will be a pain because of repairs and maintenance, or if the quality of the comps will be worth it.
The other option is to keep a look out for a slightly used CAAD5 frame with Tiagra or 105 components.
Input?
I've done some research and chose Cannondale as the frames I'd like to ride. I'm 6'3" 225lb and (I've read) their frames are known to be stiffer and more comfortable for larger riders (compared to the little 140lb guys). My LBS had an '02 R400 Triple with SORA components; I liked the smooth ride, but the drivetrain sucked (and they claimed it was freshly tuned). Also, they wanted $525 for a used stock model, which is overpriced. I've since read about SORA horror stories, so I'd like to have at least Tiagra comps because I don't want my bike in the shop every week.
So I'm doing research on the net and have been pricing different models, but I need an opinion.
Should I be looking for an older frame with Dura-Ace/Ultegra components, or a newer frame with Tiagras/105s?
Basically I need to know if buying a used '98-00 CAAD3 frame with '98-00 Dura-Ace components will be a pain because of repairs and maintenance, or if the quality of the comps will be worth it.
The other option is to keep a look out for a slightly used CAAD5 frame with Tiagra or 105 components.
Input?
10-02-05, 11:53 AM
#2
Go Titans!!
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Culver City, CA
Posts: 2,489
Bikes: '04 Eddy Merckx Team SC - Record - Rolf Prima Vigor; Andy Hampsten Cinghiale - Dura Ace 7800 - Rolf Elan Aero
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you can find a decent used frame that fits, I'd go that route. For around $500, good luck finding a decent new/non-used frame built up.
__________________
One must live the way one thinks or end up thinking the way one has lived.
--Paul Bourget
One must live the way one thinks or end up thinking the way one has lived.
--Paul Bourget
10-02-05, 02:05 PM
#3
Body by Guinness
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Irvine, CA
Posts: 3,326
Bikes: Specialized Allez Pro; Cervelo P2 SL; Tsunami (Converted to Fixed Gear)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If it were me, I would look for bikes with 105 and see what I thought of the frame. C'dale stuff is really good.
__________________
Fredo, you're my older brother and I love you...but don't ever take sides, with anyone, against the family again...ever.
Fredo, you're my older brother and I love you...but don't ever take sides, with anyone, against the family again...ever.
10-02-05, 02:48 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Northern California
Posts: 10,879
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 104 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Depends on the value of your time. You may be able to get a better deal on a used bike, but getting a good fit is a lot easier with a new bike. You need to have a lot of free time to get a good fit with used bikes.
10-02-05, 08:15 PM
#5
Direct Hit Not Required
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: San Bruno, CA
Posts: 6,193
Bikes: Leopard DC1, Ridley X-Fire, GT Zaskar 9r
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Get an older frame in good condition. Newer ones use Integrated Headsets, blech.
https://www.chrisking.com/pdfs/Int%20...0Explained.pdf
https://www.chrisking.com/pdfs/Int%20...0Explained.pdf
10-04-05, 07:59 AM
#6
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 20
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Too bad you didn't live a little closer to PA. I have an older 60 cm R800 that will not be needed now that my R1000 is here. It has complete 105 components and new tires. Hell i'd even throw in an old set of rollers all for around 600.00.
Rick (Pa.)
Rick (Pa.)
10-04-05, 09:00 AM
#7
Certifiable Bike "Expert"
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 5,647
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'd look for something from 1999-2001 time period, nine-speed 105. $700 or so on Ebay, maybe less this late in the season. Newer Shimano stuff is generally better.
Try to find a garage queen, but be prepared to do some tuning and maintenance.
Try to find a garage queen, but be prepared to do some tuning and maintenance.
10-04-05, 09:10 AM
#8
Certifiable Bike "Expert"
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 5,647
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If my 2000 R800 were lost or destroyed, I would search Ebay for this:
2003 R600
I believe you should ride a cool bike, and this is the best looking Cannondale I've seen. Plus, it's got a decent yet modest parts spec, weird wheels and integrated headset notwithstanding.
2003 R600
I believe you should ride a cool bike, and this is the best looking Cannondale I've seen. Plus, it's got a decent yet modest parts spec, weird wheels and integrated headset notwithstanding.
10-04-05, 11:07 AM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: North Central Massachusetts
Posts: 1,281
Bikes: Cannondale R600
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hey, that's my bike! (except mine is black and was sold as an '04)...
If you can get something with 105 group, that would be good. You don't really need DA, particularly if you're looking for bargains. My bike (R600) was just under 1K a year and a half ago. I wasn't planning on selling it, but if I did, it might go in your price range.
If you can get something with 105 group, that would be good. You don't really need DA, particularly if you're looking for bargains. My bike (R600) was just under 1K a year and a half ago. I wasn't planning on selling it, but if I did, it might go in your price range.
