So new to the site, first post. Basically I’m looking for a second bike that I can tool around on when I want to change things up. I’ve found these two that have kind of caught my eye and would love any advice on both/either. Are they worth the asking price? Do I need to worry about anything? Just whatever you can help me with, as I’m a newb to bikes. They seem to both be in really good shape for how old they are. Frame size is the same and they are both equipped with shimano 600. Also, both are asking 300. I haven’t looked at, or ridden either yet, but hoping to do so in the next couple days.

-Trek 2300, in the ad says it’s an EX+. I’m guessing it’s early ‘90s? It’s a carbon frame, the picture show only minor scratches and scrapes, all the joints look to be in good shape.

-‘93 Diamondback Prevail TG. Again, looking at pictures this bike looks like it’s in great condition, almost like ridden only a handful of times then hung in the garage for 20+ years.

I have no idea what I’m looking for, or trying to avoid, so any help is appreciated. Thanks!

Links to the ads would help.
First: will it fit you? Then condition.
If not these two, there's always another coming down the pike.

Get an idea of what size bike you should be on.

I don't know much about the DB Prevail, but some googling tells me it might be made of some nice steel. I (and a lot of people that frequent the C&V forum) would prefer the steel bike over the carbon.

The Prevail retailed at 1k or slightly above it. Uses Prestige OS tubing, made in Taiwan. Certainly stiffer than the 2300. I had the 2100 and at 230 lbs it was a soft ride. 300 bucks sounds steep to me for 24 year old bikes that are not remarkable in any way.

I had a similar era Diamondback interval tg. I believe it was the same frame with Shimano RX parts.

Very nice rider - good all-day bike. Would take it over vintage "crabon".

Either way, the 600 stuff is gold.

I just sold a 1990 Diamondback Master TG with a full 105 groupset for $210. It was in really solid cosmetic and mechanical condition- everything was properly greased and cables were in good shape.
I think the buyer got a pretty good deal on it considering the size and time of season.

I hated selling it because it was a really strong ride- it wasnt harsh but it felt stiffer than most older road bikes due to the OS tubing. It was just a bit too small in the end.

The Prevail TG was a step up over the Master TG and thats evidenced by the 600 components instead of 105.
If the Prevail TG you are looking at is actually a '93, then it has 600STI shifters. Assuming those work properly, I would pay $300 for it as a keeper.

I absolutely would have put $350 overall into my Master TG(bought for $200) if it had fit by swapping out the shifters for Microshift 7sp STIs, new cables and housing, and new tires. That is comparable to if you buy yours for $300 and make updates.
You will most likely need new tires($50-75), new cables and housing(probably rusted), and new bar tape since the bike has been hanging up unused for almost a quarter century. Fresh grease in the headset, hubs, and bottom bracket would be great too, but probably not necessary right away and could wait until the winter after you got some miles in.

Leftthread I tried to post links, but kept getting a message saying I can’t until I do 10 posts. Maybe I was doing it wrong? Or do I just need to get a little more active on the site?

But I did end up going with Prevail. It fit great and felt like a fun ride. I was able to get it for quite a bit cheaper as the shifters weren’t working. Thankfully I found a local repair shop thats going to help me with them, as well as teach me a few basics as I’m pretty new to this bike thing, haha and all I have to do is tie a few flies for him. But anyway thanks for all the info folks