qisage

I'm looking for a used carbon road bike and have narrowed it down to two bikes. I previously had an Orbea Orca which I loved. So I would appreciate any feedback on these two bikes.

First, 2008 Ridley Damocles with Ultegra SL 6600 group. Wheelset is Spinergy Stealth FCC. The bike has barely been ridden and has only 200 miles on it (wheels 2000 miles). This bike retailed for about $5k.

Second, 2009 Felt F3SL (stock bike) with SRAM Red group (mostly), SRAM Rival brakes, and SRAM S900 crank. Wheelset is Mavic Ksyrium Elite. This bike retailed for $3700.

Both are around the same $2k price range. I appreciate any details on your experiences with either of these bikes. Both have very stiff frames which is what I am looking for.

10 Wheels

What warranty do you get with them?

Val23708

Why buy used when you can buy new?

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...RODUCT.ID=9279

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/fr...eedM1SRAMRival

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/fr...elloFP2Ultegra

qisage

None unfortunately. Seems like most manufacturers only warranty the frame to the original owner. I verified with both Felt (lifetime warranty) and Ridley (5 year warranty) and both are for original owners only.

qisage

The only of those bikes I would consider is the Litespeed except is has the SRAM Rival comp group which I'm not a fan.
I've definitely narrowed it to these two bikes.

10 Wheels

Warranty is nice when this happens.


Felt and my bike shop had me back on the road in 6 days

qisage

Besides warranty issues, does anyone have experience with either of these bikes to provide recommendations?

Val23708

Both of those are pretty rare bikes. I'm guessing the F3 is based on the F1 which was a pro frame - probably just cheaper carbon = heavier. Not sure why you would be ok with Red but not Rival.

As for the Ridley, I've never seen a Damocles ever. People buy the Excalabur.

If I were looking for a stiff used bike, I'd look for a Cervelo R3. Which is what I did and ended up with. Frame will run you at least $1500 though.

qisage

Thanks Val23708. Most of the Cervelo's I been able to find are their triathlon bikes.
I believe I am going with the Ridley Damocles. It is a very popular Ridley bike and has won over 100 events.