Is Buying an Older Used Road Bike Worth it?
09-27-17, 01:19 PM
#26
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rule #1 = know what you are looking for. good luck!
09-27-17, 02:18 PM
#27
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And this is what I thought too. I bought a cheap carbon bike. Road it lots and lots and it started creaking. I took it to two bike shops who sold me a bottom bracket and some pedals and when that did not cure the creak, and being driven insane, I swapped out the frame thinking that carbon frames wear out, and that I should get steel or titanium one day.
Then recently my next carbon bike (again five years old, with lots of miles) starts creaking and I think "oh no, it is the fault of that non durable carbon stuff".
But then I got advice from folks on the Internet who recommended a checklist of things to do when your carbon frame creaks check, clean, grease and tighten:
1) Quick Release (esp rear)
2) Chaining bolts
3) Pedals to crank
4) Left crank to spindle
5) Bottom bracket to frame
6) Chain wear
And now my five year old carbon frame is silent and feels essentially like new. So, I think I likely junked a carbon frame for no good reason, and that the lack of durability of carbon my be overstated.
This suggests to me that old carbon bikes may be better value than may be assumed.
Then recently my next carbon bike (again five years old, with lots of miles) starts creaking and I think "oh no, it is the fault of that non durable carbon stuff".
But then I got advice from folks on the Internet who recommended a checklist of things to do when your carbon frame creaks check, clean, grease and tighten:
1) Quick Release (esp rear)
2) Chaining bolts
3) Pedals to crank
4) Left crank to spindle
5) Bottom bracket to frame
6) Chain wear
And now my five year old carbon frame is silent and feels essentially like new. So, I think I likely junked a carbon frame for no good reason, and that the lack of durability of carbon my be overstated.
This suggests to me that old carbon bikes may be better value than may be assumed.
I don't think people believe carbon is any less durable if it never kisses the Tarmac.
09-27-17, 08:28 PM
#28
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Well, i don't own a Tarmac, so I guess I am safe ... . but I really don't know what my bikes are up to once I turn out the lights in the garage. Who knows which bike I might catch hooking up with which other bike if I made a surprise visit?
09-28-17, 05:29 AM
#29
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Other materials break too.
I am biased. A LBS sold me a branded aluminium bike and it rattled my bones. I hardly used it. I bought cheap low-brand carbon for almost the same price online, and cycled my butt off, literally.
09-28-17, 09:50 AM
#30
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My advice, make sure the wheels and frame will accommodate the size tires you want.
My 2013 Spesh Roubaix ($750 used) has 14mm wheels, barely enough I feel for the 28c's I want to use.
And be aware of the gearing. The Roubaix had 50/34 up front and a 12-30 cassette. I went to a 11-34 cassette because I'm old, fat, and we have many hills here.
My 2013 Spesh Roubaix ($750 used) has 14mm wheels, barely enough I feel for the 28c's I want to use.
And be aware of the gearing. The Roubaix had 50/34 up front and a 12-30 cassette. I went to a 11-34 cassette because I'm old, fat, and we have many hills here.
Last edited by Sunsetman; 09-28-17 at 09:56 AM.
09-28-17, 10:15 AM
#31
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This. If you are used to a mountain bike, a road bike will be much different.
I got my 2013 Spesh Roubaix thinking the endurance geometry would be good for me. I'm sure it helped, but getting comfortable with drop bars has been challenging. I'm 55. I've been swapping stems trying to find the sweet spot compromise for riding on the hoods, top, and drops.
I got my 2013 Spesh Roubaix thinking the endurance geometry would be good for me. I'm sure it helped, but getting comfortable with drop bars has been challenging. I'm 55. I've been swapping stems trying to find the sweet spot compromise for riding on the hoods, top, and drops.
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