remn1968

Hi Community,

New to this group, and looking for some guidance... I am about to buy a second-hand bike two options available, the ones I liked the most, but I am not sure what is the best deal, any advice will be highly appreciated... both under 1000KM, well maintained, both Shimano Ultegra
Option 1 Argon 18 Gallium Pro, full carbon, the frame is from 2012 but was built, put together in 2014, very low mileage no a scratch
Option 2 Trek Emonda ALR 6, full aluminum, 2017 very low mileage as well, some usage is visible, but almost like new.

Never had a carbon bike, before I had Opus XC and now riding a Cannondale CAAD 12, apparently one of the best aluminum frames out there...

The first option, Argon 18 gallium is $350 is less expensive than the Trek Emonda, though it is about 4 years older... is it worth the price difference?
How much life left has the Argon 18 Gallium frame? since it was built back in 2012?

Thanks for your comments

Rafael

cb400bill

Thread moved from Introductions to Road Cycling.

topflightpro

That Argon is fine. Just make sure the RD cable is not rubbing the frame as it exits the BB and that the seller includes all the headset bits and spacers.

Not sure it's worth you effort to go from a Caad 12 to Trek ALR, unless fit is an issue.

remn1968

Thanks, that makes sense, aluminum by aluminum is worthless, I had already made my mind for the Argon anyway, let's see how it goes with carbon... fit was an issue, frame 54 a bit too long, I have a short reach ... long legs.

Be well.

Eric F 

IMO, the Argon 18 is the easy choice here...as long as it fits. A better quality bike that doesn't fit right is not an upgrade.

topflightpro

If the Argon comes with all the headset pieces and spacers, you can increase the stack height quite a bit without sacrificing stiffness - assuming the steertube is long enough.

eduskator

5-6 year old bikes that have less than 1000kms? This doesn't sound right.

To answer your questions, a bicycle lifespan depends on several factors such as usage, maintenance history, mileage (of course), etc. While an AL frame will eventually suffer from what we call metal fatigue (it's inevitable), a CF frame can also crack after a certain amount of usage and depending on how it was ridden during its life.

If I were you, I would get the Argon because it's Carbon Fibre IF it's in good condition. Both don't really compare, the Argon is better.

Finally, it's OK if you can get a larger bike fitted to your specs perfectly, but if you need to do some sacrifice, pass on the deal & wait for a bike that fits you. It is not worth it and you will regret it on the long run. A properly adjusted bike is a lot more important than saving a few hundreds of dollars.

remn1968

The fit was the main reason for getting out of the CAAD12, which I loved, this is smaller, fits way better.
Thanks Eric

remn1968

yes it does, will keep it in mind, tough my fit issue was the reach more than the stack height. the steer tube is original, it is long enough if I want to increase the height.

Cheers

sdmc530

I can only speak to the Argon, they are awesome!

Headset spacers are easy to come by as well. I know the Trek is a fine ride too though.

remn1968

Thanks for all the comments; the Argon bike is in pristine conditions, the frame belonged to a sponsored pro-racer that had it storage for a long time.
The CAAD12 ST was a good fit, though the reach was too long, needed to use a 50mm stem and didn't feel right.
The Argon is a better fit, shorter TT, good size for my inseam...

You guys are right, few bucks or cheaper bike is not worth if the fir is not right... Ii was more thinking about the reposition price when the time for selling the bike comes; a 2012/2014 bike vs 2017 was difficult to judge.

I'll enjoy the Argon in the meantime

Thank you !

Eric F 

Lots of reasons why it could only have 1000kms. Could be a second bike...or 3rd...or 5th (N+1, right?). Could be that the owner decided to (or had to) stop riding not long after buying it. Life gets in the way sometimes.

eduskator

Indeed my friend! Statistically speaking, it's still odd though. It looks like OP bought the bike & likes it so, case closed!

Eric F 

Yes. Great to see the OP got himself an excellent bike!

remn1968

Thanks Guys ! what OP stands for ?
I'll be around in this Bike Forum, very useful and friendly.

Cheers

Eric F 

Original Poster - the person to start the thread...or...Original Post - referencing information from the first post of the thread.

In this case, OP = you.

NoWhammies

Having had two Argons before moving on to my BH, and with Mrs. NoWhammies riding an Argon (which she bought before meeting me) I'd say for go the Argon. Great bike. No complaints. I think you'll be happy with your purchase.

remn1968

Didn't take long to make my mind and already got the Argon, it feels really nice, though wheels are not that light, entry-level ones, old Bontrager... can live with it for some time

Cheers

Eric F 

That Argon is certainly worthy of a future wheel upgrade. Congrats on your "new" bike. Enjoy the ride