siGno

This is the bike we are going to check out today, as there is literally nothing better on craigslist. Actually there is a slightly better bike that I will show you but its WAY overpriced...

Anyways this is the one we are looking at, 2012 Trek Shimano Alpha Aluminum road bike

Its a 2010 Trek 1.1 .. not 2012 people on craigslist are so silly, anyways I just contacted him and told him what his bike actually is and he said he would take $300 which is fair, it looks to be in good condition what do you guys think for an entry bike for her??

ALSO Here is the one that is overpriced so you guys can giggle, Trek Alpha Aluminum road bike 52 CM

Now I am not SUPER knowledgeable with bikes as I am still pretty damn new to the scene aswell, but to my knowledge this bike is worth $450 MAX, as it was MSRP $1100 in 2011... Right?? This guy is kidding himself right???

Anyways any input would be appreciated we are going to test ride the blue one tomorrow

coolcamaro12

That craiglist really SURPRISED me On a serious note, The blue one seems like a good deal if the bike rides well and is in good condition.

siGno

Do you think that the $800 one is more worth it if the guy is willing to come down to like $485?

Probably not even still eh?

coolcamaro12

I was talking about the first one...

siGno

Yeah I know, I was just curious if you thought that the $800 one was still better if I can get him down to $485? But no?

siGno

Anyone else have just some general input before we head out the door and pick up the blue one?

eric1971

The first bike is actually a 2010. I would pass on this bike do to the 2300 drivetrain and shifters. They do not function the same as Shimano's other groups, such as Tiagra, 105, Ultegra, etc.

2010 1.1 - Bike Archive - Trek Bicycle

The second bike is a 2011 with Tiagra 9-speed. This is a nicer component group and definitely a more expensive bike.

2011 1.5 - Bike Archive - Trek Bicycle

Bicycle Blue Book thinks it is worth about $500 if "like new".

2011 Trek 1.5 - New and Used Bike Value

Info on the first bike -

2010 Trek 1.1 - New and Used Bike Value

mprelaw

I doubt that the dreamer who thinks that a 2011 1.5 with 9 speed Tiagra is worth more now than anyone could have bought it for new, at the end of the model year, will take $485, but hey, it doesn't hurt to ask.

A 2011 1.5 for $485 is a better buy than a 2010 1.1 for $300.

coolcamaro12

Oh. my bad, I read your post wrong. I didn't know you were the guy that started the thread I would just go with the first one. The second guy has such a high value I don't see him bringing it down to anything worth buying.

siGno

Yeah he won't budge... So also pass on the 2010?

siGno

This other guy is saying pass on it cause of 2300 components do you agree?

siGno

Yeah he isn't budging on price I think I am just making him mad.... So the question is ... Wait?!??! Or go test ride the 1.1. What say you?

mprelaw

I had a 2300 RD with Microshift shifters on one of my older bikes. I could keep the shifting acceptable myself, and I'm not the world's greatest wrench. What bothered me more than the shifting were the gaps in a 12-25 eight speed cassette. Spec on 2300 is that a 26t granny cog is the biggest it can accept in the back, although some guys can tweak it to go a bit higher, so they say.

Other than clunky shifting, the other common complaint about 2300 is that you can't reach the thumb button shifter from the drops. But if your GF is entry level, she probably won't be riding on the drops very often, if at all.

eric1971

A lot of this comes down to personal preference, but if it was me, yes I would keep looking.

Or, research the 2300 shifters and what makes them different, and decide if it matters to you.

obed7

In the price range you are talking, why not just go to the LBS, test ride several and buy a new one?
You will get helpful insight into what she really needs based on the type of riding she intends to do and where she will actually be riding, she will get a basic fit... follow up service/tuneup, and a warranty...

siGno

He said he would take $275 for it... Does that change anything?

PiLigand

Welp, I'd buy it. Jussayin. I've ridden the 2300. If she's not used to Ultegra, it will be quite nice just to have integrated shifters. A lot of these particulars are things that only people with a whole lot of riding under their belts are going to notice.

I think $275 is a good deal.

siGno

Welp it sold I just got back from my bike ride and was gearing up to head out and he texted me and said it sold for 300 already LOL, meh its okay we will just wait for something better to pop up.

Wanderer

Decide what you want, how much you want to pay, and BE READY TO POUNCE - FAST, when what you want is available.