Originally Posted by
rkalak
The bike doesn't come with cables (although seller has new ones), bar tape, or a chain. I'm assuming the seller has another bike and has retired the bmc, so spare parts (a mixture of ult and da) have been left for it. I'm going to be seeing the bike soon and will check for any mishaps in the cf. Is it possible for something to be wrong with the frame that isn't completely visible? I know how to do a thorough check of the frame - would it be a good decision in this case? The Caad is used as well and would be from TheProsCloset. $1500 bike with Ultegra (2018).
The CAAD is 2018 with Ultegra for $1500 from TheProsCloset. The BMC is local to me. Do you know if there have been any changes to the BMC frame from 2014-2017? I know the frames were the same and that carbon does wear down after a while, but I'm assuming those model year frames were manufactured the same?
The BMC is listed at 1000 - I could probably get that down a bit. This is the only used BMC teamachine from this model cycle being sold in my area, otherwise there are several other carbon bikes of similar component makeup that are listed at much higher costs. I prefer the BMC considering it's cheaper and local and don't have a preference between carbon or aluminum. The bike doesn't come with cables (although seller has new ones), bar tape, or a chain. I'm assuming the seller has another bike and has retired the bmc, so spare parts (a mixture of ult and da) have been left for it.
Well seeing as the BMC is local to you, and you feasibly could (and SHOULD) test ride it to see if it fits you, is comfortable, etc. I would go with that just for that reason alone. You can check the frame for defects visually, and by putting pressure on various areas and seeing if there is any weird creaks or cracking sounds. Also while test riding check for creaking sounds that could be coming from the frame. Carbon does NOT "degenerate" over time, that is a myth.
Not sure if BMC made any adjustments over time to the frame. They typically only make small incremental changes within the same model year over year, unless they completely redesign the frame. You could do some research online on this particular model.
Also considering the CAAD is $1500 versus only $1000, I'd say the BMC is way better value. Chain, bar tape, cables, etc. are cheap to buy. Just make sure you get decent groupset components (are the brakes, levers, etc. also Ultegra, or just the derailleurs?). Also consider what type of wheels the bike comes with, what type of handlebars, saddle, etc. These can be cheap or expensive components, depending on what you are getting. I would perhaps choose a CAAD with very good wheels over an SLR02 with cheapo wheels for example. (and a CAAD with expensive wheels could be lighter than the SLR02 with cheap wheels)
Good luck!