New Trek 1500 or Second Hand 5000
 

I've been doing some cycling on a mountain bike for about a year now, and will buy my first road bike in the next month.

My local dealer has a one-year old Trek 5000 that he can sell me for about the same price as a new Trek 1500. The Trek 5000 is in reasonable condition but has a lot miles put on it by its previous owner.

I'd appreciate some opinions as to which bike is the better buy.

Depends on what you want. The 5000 is carbon, right? Whereas the 1500 is Aluminum. Just depends on your personal preferance, and what kind of riding you want to do. Personally, if the groups are the same, the 1500 is also a very nice bike.

Is he offering the frame warranty if you buy the 5000? If so, it may be worth it.

If the 5000 is only a year old, it probably has only a few thousand miles on it at the most. Shouldn't be much cause for alarm, but if it has in upwards of say 7 or 8 thousand miles, see if they'll replace the chain and cables as part of the terms of sale.

The OCLV rides very smoothly.....I don't have any experience with the current aluminum Treks, but older ones rode a bit harsh. I'm sure they are much improved since the early/mid 90's.

If it were me I'd get the 5000. I've never looked back on a purchase and wished I'd gotten lower quality. Your new bike won't be new once you walk out the door with it.
Resale value will stand close to your purchase price for a few years with the 5000. You'll lose half the value of the 1500 as soon as you leave the shop.

I have and like my 1500. It does bounce me around a bit compared to my other Ti framed bike. I'd expect the 5000 to give you a nicer ride, especially if the road you ride on has ruts or cracks or chipseal etc.

The 1500 is a great deal. I have one and never looked back.

The 5000 is also a great bike and may have some higher end components on it. The frame material is also different so take that into consideration. If the miles are low (1,000 or so) it is probably a good bet - if the bike fits you though.

In the end, it will come down to which fits you the absolute best.

I have an 2005 1500. REALLY like it. Bought it as my first road bike to see if I would like it. One season later and I want to upgrade. I have actually been looking for a leftover 2005 5000. The 06 5000 has MANY differences from the 05. (not good ones in my opinion) I would go with the 5000 as long as it fits you. Just my 2 cents!!

If the 5000 is a 2005 model OCLV it can't have more than a 2 or 3,000 miles on it.(Unless the person rode mad miles every single day) That's nothing on one of those bikes! I have two of these bikes and if it were me...I'd buy the 5000 as long as it's your size and in good condition. The 1500 is a good bike as well, but it's not a 5000.

I think the key is how well it fits. If one fits better than the other, go with the better fit. If there isn't a difference, then go with cycle17's advice!

I wish I had your problem! :rolleyes:

I agree with most. It's preference, try out both and see which one you really like. Take it out for a good, long test ride.

id get the 5k, I have a new 1500 but its not carbon.

And of course, the 5000 will carry more wow and kool factor.

Lets face it, the bike you ride will print an image to other riders till you prove them wrong by smoking them.

Get the 5k

Thanks everyone for your helpful tips. Based largely on the posts above I had decided to go with the 5000 but was a little unsure of the size, after taking it for a test ride. BTW it was more comfortable than a new 1500 on the test ride. Because of my concerns I got fitted and was told I should get a 58cm. Unfortunately the 5000 was a 56cm so I bought a new 1500.

I was sorry to miss what appeared to be a bargain, but decided to give priority to a correctly fitting bike.

you made the right choice