Purchase of 2008 full carbon bike?
07-25-16, 11:18 AM
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Purchase of 2008 full carbon bike?
Bought my first road bike a few months ago but broke the cardinal sizing rule (bought one size too big b/c of "GREAT DEAL"). Now looking for a new bike.
Found a '08 Trek Madone 4.5 w/ 105's (and ultegra rear derailleur) on craigslist for $650 at the size I need. But I'm nervous about buying a ~8 year old carbon bike. Price is where I'd like to be, but don't want the thing to fall apart in a month.
Anyone have any thoughts? I have heard some people say carbon sucks, others say it's the best thing in the world. I'm gonna have my LBS take a look before buying, but if they give it the green light for current state, is there a compelling reason to NOT buy it?
Found a '08 Trek Madone 4.5 w/ 105's (and ultegra rear derailleur) on craigslist for $650 at the size I need. But I'm nervous about buying a ~8 year old carbon bike. Price is where I'd like to be, but don't want the thing to fall apart in a month.
Anyone have any thoughts? I have heard some people say carbon sucks, others say it's the best thing in the world. I'm gonna have my LBS take a look before buying, but if they give it the green light for current state, is there a compelling reason to NOT buy it?
07-25-16, 11:26 AM
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That is quite the loaded question in light of some current posts.
In general, my thoughts would be no issue if treated well, never wrecked. I recall reading a post some time back about a Madone breaking at the BB shell, and the user/owner seemed to indicate it being an ongoing issue with the make...IDK.
Finding a proper sized and fitting bike, especially for large people, can be hard not only on CL, but any of the shops late season as well.
In general, my thoughts would be no issue if treated well, never wrecked. I recall reading a post some time back about a Madone breaking at the BB shell, and the user/owner seemed to indicate it being an ongoing issue with the make...IDK.
Finding a proper sized and fitting bike, especially for large people, can be hard not only on CL, but any of the shops late season as well.
07-25-16, 11:34 AM
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If the frame passes a close visual inspection for damage,
then it's about overall wear. A bike with high miles may need parts replaced,
but many (most?) bikes have not been used that much,
and carbon fiber frames do not appreciably degrade with time.
An earlier version of that frame was one of the few survivors of a brutal stress test.
then it's about overall wear. A bike with high miles may need parts replaced,
but many (most?) bikes have not been used that much,
and carbon fiber frames do not appreciably degrade with time.
An earlier version of that frame was one of the few survivors of a brutal stress test.
07-25-16, 01:19 PM
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My main bike is a 2008 Blue RD1, lots of miles and still an amazing ride. Look it over carefully for cracks etc... but I wouldn't worry to much about it if it's crack free.
07-25-16, 01:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Beerope
carbon will degrade after a few years. its the nature of the material used to lay the carbon into the bike shape
What is the lifespan of a carbon frame? | CyclingTips
07-25-16, 01:28 PM
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There are countless tales of carbon fiber bikes coming to life and eating their owners. They will lie dormant for years, then suddenly one night become conscious and hunt you down and kill their owners. it's a fact ... because it is on the Internet. I know, because I put it there.
