New to Sport - Need Help with purchase decision
 

I am looking at too bikes and trying to get something I will be happy with for awhile, but also not break the bank. One is a used Look 566, model year 2009 w/ Rival group for $900 (retailed new for $2500), which I can get for $750 most likely. It is in excellent shape and was mostly ridden indoors. The other is a new, leftover 2014 Defy Composite 2 w/ Shimano 105 for $1200 (retailed new for $1850) I have looked at so many bikes and been to so many shops that I am beyond confused. I understand that fit and feel is important, so the question I am really asking is which will serve me better based on being new to the sport (I am 50, athletic, have ridden motorcycles and off-road cycles, and have played most sports) and is my best bang for the buck.

I really appreciate your help.

Thanks

Get the bike that has the Best Fit (feel) to your body.

Try some Long Test rides.

Or buy a used bike and learn what works best for you.

Craigslist is good for that in most areas..

I started with a $15 craigslist bike.

Rode it 1500 miles before buying a new one.

The new one had a perfect fit, gearing, and feel for me.

Rode it 39,000 miles.

I'm very biased... but I would say the Defy!!! ;) I have an older Defy Composite 4 and have been very happy with it... would even be better with 105!

While that Look is a very nice bike, the new bike will come with a warranty and shops usually offer some help fitting and servicing bikes they sell.

Conversely, if you do your own mechanical work, as I do, a well-maintained, high-quality used bike (or car, for that matter) makes a lot of sense.

You could always buy both and get the jump on satisfying your new obsession/addiction.

+1 on the fit. That trumps about everything else. And that is the bad news, because that takes time to figure out.

That Look is a beautiful bike at a great price ... but I'm not a fan of SRAM. And anytime you buy anything use, particularly carbon, there is a possible issue of damage. But it is a great deal. I can see why you're on the fence between the two!

There ya go!

Fit and feel are not just important, they are the most important things to consider.

SRAM Rival and 105 are both good component groups with some people preferring one or the other for various reasons. Less risk with the new bike, but if the used bike is in good shape and the shifters are not worn or gummed up, it could still give you great service.

But the 2 most important factors are fit, fit and fit.

Can't help you with fit, but if it does....that look would be a nice bike. Buying new would get a bike that should fit. Go check out the Defy and see what you need as fit and then go check out the Look.