First time buyers dilemma
06-16-08, 05:29 PM
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First time buyers dilemma
Hey all, first time poster here. Been researching and looking for my first road bike for about two months now and it has come to this: Giant ONCE (turn of the century, owner doesn't know, well kept frame) team frame, full ultegra $650 and a Cannondale R800 caad7 full ultegra, Gipiemme wheels $850.
So anyone with more experience know which one would be better for a first time buyer? The price difference isn't so bad, 800 was roughly my cut off but if it's worth it I wouldn't mind paying for it. At the moment the cannondale seems like a better investment in the long run.
Thoughts?
So anyone with more experience know which one would be better for a first time buyer? The price difference isn't so bad, 800 was roughly my cut off but if it's worth it I wouldn't mind paying for it. At the moment the cannondale seems like a better investment in the long run.
Thoughts?
06-16-08, 05:38 PM
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which one fits the best?
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06-16-08, 06:29 PM
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Generally, I say get the one that fits better. As an aside, used carbon personally scares me, but that's more of my issue. So I say go for the cannondale, might be worth trying to talk them down to $800, my guess is that you'll probably be able to get it for that.
06-16-08, 06:56 PM
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If the giant fits better I'd get it. 9 speed ultegra is pretty good (apart from the rattling shifters/levers, easy to fix) and the alu tcr frames were pretty good bikes.
If it's the all black or yellow and black one, they are great frames and ride nice.
But, check them both out and have a ride. Both are no good if they don't fit right.
If it's the all black or yellow and black one, they are great frames and ride nice.
But, check them both out and have a ride. Both are no good if they don't fit right.
06-16-08, 07:20 PM
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As others have said, fit is the most important criteria. It doesn't matter how nice the components, paint job, or price are if the bike does not fit you properly, as you will most certainly not enjoy it.
There are some fit guides on the internet that may get you somewhat in the ballpark in terms of finding the appropriate size and whether your top tube length is going to be workable without compromising handling due to a super long or super short stem. Of course, these are all somewhat generic and don't take into account any physical constraints you may have in terms of flexibility, etc.
That said, I vote for the Cannondale assuming all else equal.
There are some fit guides on the internet that may get you somewhat in the ballpark in terms of finding the appropriate size and whether your top tube length is going to be workable without compromising handling due to a super long or super short stem. Of course, these are all somewhat generic and don't take into account any physical constraints you may have in terms of flexibility, etc.
That said, I vote for the Cannondale assuming all else equal.
