Raleigh Prestige?
 

What do you think about the 2004 Raleigh Prestige? I can get one for $1650. I also had had an opportunity today to buy a 2003 Trek 5200 (one 54 cm) from my LBS, which they refer to as the DEMO bike, but I think I heard them say it belonged to the race team as well. Need some advice fast. I rode the 54, and I fit prolly either that or a 56.

I've been looking at a lot of bikes, and I've moved my budget from $1k to $1.5k-shopping for no less than 105 component level with a good frame, preferably with CF stays.

Really appreciate input from experienced riders and/or dealers.

I see why you are debating since both bikes appear to be very close in value. Don't let your emotions make a quick decision. There may be a better deal for you besides these two. Keep an open mind.

Get the right size bike. What is your bike inseam ? How tall are you ? There is a difference between the 54cm and the 56cm 5200. Cranks sizes and stem sizes vary by frame size. Raleigh typically only uses 170mm or 175mm cranks. The Raleigh 56CM probably has 175mm cranks. I think 172.5mm is more of a match for that frame. What size cranks are on the Trek 54cm ? How 'new' is the 5200 ?
Frames - IMO, the Trek carbon has the better frame. Aluminum has a harsher ride, but I have read where the carbon seat stays are nice. Weigh wise, I would guess both bikes are 17 or 18 pounds w/o pedals.
Components - Shimano Ultegra on both bikes. The Raleigh has a rear 11-23 cassette, the Trek 12-25. For general riding, I prefer the 12-25. If you had to change the Raleigh to a 12-25, it would be about $ 50. Would the dealer swap out for free ? The Raleigh has nice Mavic wheels and the integrated headset.

All good points. I'm about 5'10" w/ 30" inseam, and size the bike by ensuring there is 0">1" of clearence when straddling the bar.

The 5200 has dings and scratches but appears to be in otherwise good condition. I'm buying more for the weekend ride and weekly commuting, and don't expect to be racing--although I'm not counting it out.

My primary goal is to get a good platform (frame/fork/wheels) that I can build on by upgrading the less expensive components.

If the 5200 fits you, I think that is the better buy assuming the price is reasonable. I know the Raleigh sounds tempting, and it has top notch components, but IMO the frame is not equal to the Trek. As far as your bike inseam, it sounds alittle small. I am 5'10" and have a 32.5 bike inseam. Bike inseam is measured from the pelvic bone to the ground. Stand against a wall and place a book 'on end' between your legs and as high as possible in the crouch area. Measure from the top of the book to the ground (bare foot). My calculated frame size is about 55.8cm with the 32.5 inseam. Assuming your inseam is around 30, then the 54cm Trek could be a match. Some other size issues are bar width (42cm or 44cm), crank length mentioned above, and stem size. Make sure you are comfortable. It can get costly trying to swap out parts for better sizes. The 5200 has become the 'sweet spot' for road bikes. It's performance oriented, dependable, carbon, yet won't totally break the bank.

I'd be surprised if you'd fit a 56. In fact, you won't. You're definitely in the 54 (c-c) territory.

Choose the bike that feels best and throw out the theoretical calculations.

I'm 5'10" with a 32" inseam and I ride a 54 or 55. My problem is finding the long top tube I need (56). So my bike size is determined more be that than the seat tube. I currently ride a 55 with a 56 top tube and a 13 cm stem. Your proportions are more extreme than mine.

Traditional fit systems try to put me into a 56. Well (many years ago) after owning one as my first serious road bike I can confirm that the fit system didn't work for me. That bike was huge. Every bike since has been 54 or 55.

Thanks for all the great feedback. As I've been told, when in doubt go with the smaller frame. I've found a 2003 54cm Trek 5200 at a local dealer offered at $2300, brand new, not a demo. It's even in the Naked Carbon color I was hoping to find. There doesn't appear to be any major differences between '03 and '04.

Unless someone can talk me out of it, then it just may be sitting under the tree for Christmas. :D

my prestige
 

The 2003 Raleigh Presitge comes with almost all DuraAce vs. the 2004 Prestige comes with I believe all Ultegra. Don't understand why the decision to downgrade on the newer model.
I was able to get the 2003 Prestige for $1500 and it's a 56cm. The bad thing is it sits in the box it was shipped in until I get home in Mar.

This pic was taken off of ebay recently. I've seen a few of them on there but they usually don't have the original componets that came with them.

Probably something to do with the '04 10 speed DA being a fair leap in price from the old 9 speed.