kineticjen

I'm thinking about buying a $600 used 2005 Cannondale R1000 for my husband.
I just recently got into road cycling and bought a Specialized Ruby Comp. He currently has a Giant MTB and is afraid that he soon won't be able to keep up with me. He talks about just getting a cheap-o used road bike ($200 or less) that's at least lighter and more aerodynamic than his mountain bike... but I think that will just be a waste of money? So, I thought I would poll the experienced. The option we're looking at right now is the R1000: it looks like it's in pretty good shape...aluminum frame with carbon forks, a mix of ultegra and 105 components and campagnolo tires; a few scuffs and dings here and there... but overall good. Is it worth $600? or is it a better idea to look for something new or just let him get his uber-cheap one? He's a pretty big guy, 6'2 and 225... which would possibly put a lot of stress on an already used bike? I'm not sure how that works. Any advice or opinions would be appreciated! Thanks!

Surferbruce

a 600$ used cannondale with ultegra/105 will be light years ahead of anything you can buy new for the same price (or even quite a bit more). assumning it fits him, i'd do it.

john7531

Hi, I'm still kinda new to this sport myself(just started riding last year). I really don't wish to play expert but I agree that you would probably be better off in the $600 range for a good used road bike. Although, I would recommend ebay, seems like there are a lot of really good 105 level bikes in that price range. Scuffs seem normal, dings do not. However, that particular Cannondale model is generally well regarded from all the reading I have done in the last year or so.

jsmithepa

The $200 bike would most likely have big cogs/nanny gearing for the casual rider, then u will have to end up tweaking it anyways, if the cheap components are meant to be taken off wo much effort. Not too crazy about yer husband's idea.

ukie

Are you sure it is 2005 r1000? That model should have full Ultegra, Ksyrium Elite wheels, caad8 frame, and being in good condition should be worth more than $600.

kineticjen

ukie, you're right. After looking at the cannondale archives, it has to be a 2004. The front derailleur and brakes are 105, and the prior owner must have switched out the tires. It was supposed to be selling for $800, but the LBS guy made a mistake and said $600; like a good salesman, he stuck to his word. We bought it this afternoon and my husband is a happy guy (happy mother's day! ha). He bought a pair of shimano shoes and 105 pedals and he's already an expert! Unbelievable, as I researched my bike for months and am still trying to get used to speedplays. I'm thinking about switching over to to keo sprint elles, or maybe even 105s. My husband couldn't get over how easy they were to use, and from what I've been hearing... speedplays tend to be pretty difficult to conquer? Any suggestions?

ukie

I ride speedplay frogs. I love them. Light, easy to clip in/out. Lots of float. Walkable.