threetone

Hi all...

The last time I rode seriously aluminum was the new technology! I have been catching up, but would like some advice on a bike....specifically is Ultegra that much better than 105, and are used bikes good to go at places like ebay? My budget is probably about 1000...

THANKS!

Steve

pearcem

ebay can be good, but there are a lot of scammers, especially in the high end bikes. I haven't ridden ultegra or 105 but plan to soon since i am facing a similar decision to yours. the biggest difference i have heard about is the weight savings and a little bit of smoother shifting in ultegra. you may also want to consider looking at similar campagnolo components if you want crisper shifting and have smaller hands(the hoods fit small hands better). if you wanna go with 105, there are a lot of new 105 bikes in the $1000 range. good luck!

Chef23

You should be able to come up with something nice for 1000. On eBay make sure to stay with somebody with good feedback. If it seems like a deal that is too good to be true from somebody with no feedback and they want a Western Union Money order stay away.

If the seller has a decent amount of feedback 10+ transactions over a period of time you should be fine.

Geo_NJ

at this time of the year its a buyers market. look around for leftover 2004 models. i picked up a great bike at campmoor in new jersey as a closeout. geo

Surferbruce

ultegra's a step up for sure in fit and finish(especially the new 10sp) but 105 is a raceworthy gruppo and all you really need. sometimes you'll find bikes with a mix, like 105 dr's and ultegra shifters. i'd try to find a deal on something new from a shop. you can do well on ebay but it's always a gamble- for a grand you can get a nice new bike from a shop if you're willing to take some time and look around.

itwonder

I don't think the Ultegra dr is much different from the 105, but the Ultegra shifters are more precise and easier to actuate. Check out a Cannondale R700; should be able to get a leftover 2004 or negotiate down a 2005 to around $1000.

tspinning

i just wanted to say i started with the 105 vs. ultegra question too but i have been very very pleased with my decision to go ultegra, it shifts like warm butter, and is strong enough to make shifts while hammering on the hills too, this is where i think the advantage over 105 might come in, beautiful finish too, good luck do lots of research, and before you buy ebay def contact the seller, i bought my bike there but only after a few talks with seller (turned out to be bike shop owner from cali! who gave me a great deal on a bike, i had to do my own research on fit and size however and it took awhile as no local shops i know of carry my brand of purchase (kestrel)

threetone

Thanks for all the replies...I am getting there now...might actually go new based on your advice...feel a little funny about ebay...

Thanks again!


Steve

HiYoSilver

Threetone,

You should be able to get a great deal. Don't forget performance, this time of year they'll allowyou to postpone your payment for 12 months. I wanted/needed disc brakes and good feeling bike. Ended up with the Giant OCR touring for about a grand. The disc brakes are about $220, so go to regular model if don't want/need disc brakes. Don't forget to budget bike stuff, if you don't have them already. We bought 2 bikes and spent the cost of one more bike on bike junk. Word to the wise ;-)

Dchiefransom

JUNK******************************? Isn't using the words "bike" and "junk" in the same sentence grammatically incorrect?