New to Sport - Need Help with purchase decision
09-30-15 | 05:24 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 4
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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
I really appreciate your help.
Thanks
Last edited by kunschag; 09-30-15 at 10:35 AM.
09-30-15 | 05:27 AM
#2
Galveston County Texas
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33,335
Likes: 1,286
From: In The Wind
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
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.
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.
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
Last edited by 10 Wheels; 09-30-15 at 05:32 AM.
I have an older Defy Composite 4 and have been very happy with it... would even be better with 105!
09-30-15 | 08:46 AM
#5
feros ferio
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 22,417
Likes: 1,882
From: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
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.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
09-30-15 | 08:54 AM
#7
Seat Sniffer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,916
Likes: 3,088
From: SoCal
Bikes: Serotta Legend Ti; 2006 Schwinn Fastback Pro and 1996 Colnago Decor Super C96; 2003 Univega Alpina 700; 2000 Schwinn Super Sport
+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!
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!
__________________
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
Proud parent of a happy inner child ...
09-30-15 | 08:55 AM
#8
Seat Sniffer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,916
Likes: 3,088
From: SoCal
Bikes: Serotta Legend Ti; 2006 Schwinn Fastback Pro and 1996 Colnago Decor Super C96; 2003 Univega Alpina 700; 2000 Schwinn Super Sport
09-30-15 | 09:27 AM
#9
just keep riding
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 13,560
Likes: 44
From: Milledgeville, Georgia
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
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.
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.
09-30-15 | 09:49 AM
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,222
Likes: 5,439
From: SF Bay Area, East bay
Bikes: Miyata 618 GT, Marinoni, Kestral 200, Soma double cross 2002 Trek 5200, KHS Flite, Koga Miyata, Schwinn Spitfire 5, Mondia Special, Univega Alpina, Miyata team Ti, Santa Cruz Highball, Waterford rs11
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.
