Help !!! Bike recommendation
 

Hi everyone,
what would you recommend?

I'm looking for my first road bike EVER. I have had a MTB before. I went to my local bike shop and they showed me those two bikes. I'm looking for a good road bike for races, casual riding and eventually triathlon. I train for swimming and running and I take spinning classes.

Argon 18 Krypton 2013 all 105 for 1900$ (Carbon)

Cannondale Caad10 3 ultegra 1900$ (aluminium)


I went online and found 2 used bikes which are

Cervelo S1 2009 (Ultegra, less than 1000km or 700 miles) 1700$

Trek Madone 5.2 2011 (ultegra, new tyres Continental Grand Prix 4000 and Bontrager Race X Lite wheelset) 8000km or 5000 miles 1800$

What would be the best option ?


Thanks for your help :)

Wasn't gonna read this because of the vague title, but moused over and saw my bike. Can't speak for the Caad 10 or the used bikes, but I love my Krypton. Though I can say that if this is your first bike, you don't need Ultegra. If you wanted to buy new, for the same price I'd get a carbon frame and 105s than steel and Ultegra . It feels great and has nice power transfer. At some point, you can upgrade to Ultegra, but you really wouldn't need to. Put that money towards clip on aero bars and a fast forward seatpost/tri saddle. The Madone seams like a good deal, but does have some miles on it. I'd really inspect its condition first (damages, how old the tires are...).

So I'm a bit biased, but if you do decide on the Krypton, you won't be disappointed! It may even be too much bike, because if this really is your first bike EVER, you may not even like biking... or triathlon.

If this is your first bike ever, you probably should focus on getting in riding shape before thinking about racing.

If I were you, I would get a basic 800$-1000$ bike and get in shape on that. Learn the basics of riding and join a club all the while figuring out what you like and don't like about that bike.

Then get a new bike based off your previous bike (such as "I wish the head tube was smaller/bigger, top tube was longer/shorter, more stuff/less, etc"

This will not only allow you to have a race/winter bike that you don't mind crashing but it will also let you get a nice bike that you will have a MUCH better probability of liking (and appreciating)

Word to the wise....you should only race a bike you're willing to crash/replace.

Back to your question I have a caad10 and would recommend it. I have heard great things about the madone. I am NOT a fan of the S1 just because aero road bikes are bs and i have no experience w/the argon.

Check out the caad8's the 800$ specialized allez, scott speedster, giant has an entry level bike.

The gear that is normally bought with a first bike (clothing/computer/shoes/pedals/etc), especially if you want to race, can easily run another 500$.......so thats another thing to keep in mind.

I was chatting with a guy this afternoon who raced his CAAD10 with 105. CAAD10 or the new Specialized Allez with 105 or Ultegra are PLENTY of bike to get started on.
I dunno those are 2 bikes I would be looking at if I was just starting out with the goal of eventually racing. Also keep in mind that in Cat 4/5 racing there is a high probability of a crash (or 2) happening every race so probably don't want to start out with something too expensive. My 2c.

I don't ride any but I always hear good things about the Caad 10. It's a lot of bike for a beginner but if you can afford, go for it.