Advice sought on going full carbon
 

I've been riding a steel bianchi commuter for about 9 months which comes in at about 40 lbs with rack and wire baskets and has become a beast to ride on the weekends without taking it apart. I've been researching dedicated road bikes took some for a spin at the LBS. I'm set on full carbon now and my wife gave me the go ahead (30th b-day + 10 year anniversary same week) to spend a ~$2k. I'm torn between two bikes:

1. Trek Madone 5.0 '06 $2,300 new
2. Trek 5200 '01 $2,200 used

The 5200 has full campy record, upgraded headset + wheelset and is a sweet ride. I would have to replace the extra short stem. The previous owner is a serious rider and is moving up to true Italian. He's selling it through a LBS so I'd still get the fitting. Though I didn't see any visible damage I am concerned with the age of the frame and the high mileage. Also my other bikes are shimano and I'm wondering if it will be awkward to go back and forth with the shifters.

Any insight is appreciated

A 2001 5200 for $2,200? What is the wheelset and how new is it?? My 2003 Project One 5200 cost $2,600 brand new in 2003. That being said my Trek has Ultegra and race-lite wheels...

Go with the new Madone. You never know how badly a used frame has been abused. And they are really close in price.

6 year old componets riden by a "serious rider" (i.e. lots of miles) may have seen the better part of their useful life. I'd get the new bike.

+whatever on the madone.

go new, that way you will always know how well its been taken care of.

that 5200 is a a bit pricey. my '06 was $1799 brand new 2 months ago. that better be one hell of a wheel set.

I always get a kick out of people who paid $3,000 for a bike 5 years ago, and want $2,200 for it today.

Buy the new one.

Would you buy a 30 year old car with 120,000 miles for 70% of the original price?

A '66 Mustang fastback 4 speed 289 (40 years old) was about $2,500 new. I'd love to pay $1,750 for one today.

Touche. Mmk, 20 year old honda.

new

Why don't you go ride some different bikes? Once you go Campy, you will likely sell your Shimano stuff...lol.
I would go new or almost new for CF. Consider a Bianchi 928 in that price range...great bike for the money.
George

+1

I paid 1850 out the door for mine with Veloce (it was factory ordered, not sitting at LBS)

retails for 2700 + tax fyi...

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d2...d/PICT0596.jpg


My friend bought the same with Ultegra for 1950 out the door.

my budget was 2G's and full CF. I found MANY MANY good deals on closeout 2006 models....worth considering IMHO.

They're both probably fine, but the newer bike has fewer uncertainties. I have a 5.2 madone that I've been really happy with. With the bike you are coming from, the upgraded headset/wheelset on the 5200 aren't going to be noticeable.

Again, sweet bike. How much she weigh?

I went DA from Chorus and have never been happier..........

Gary, why did you switch and why do you like DA better?
George

The price on the 2001 5200 is way too high. I couldn't get $2500 for a 2003 Lemond Tete de Course w/full Record and Eurus Wheels all with less than 100 miles on it. :(

Go new!

And, show me a used bike with accurate "used" milage.

I find the DA to be more precise "feeling". That's about it. I could ride either and be very happy. In my opinion don't get up in the Shimano vs Campy crap. It's all just so good nowadays.

If i were you i would go down to the LBS and have them check the end of year closeouts. Right now trek has tons of madones on closeout. I work at a trek dealer, they should be able to get you a really good deal!

+1

Newsflash to greedy eBayers: you lost 50% off the resale price the moment you walked out the shop door with your new bike.

Thanks :)
As shown it came in at 19.4 lbs.
FSA Gossamer Crank is kinda heavy....

Madone!