Raerfani

Hi guys, thanks for your input in my last thread. But I've eliminated the bikesdirect bike from my options as service charges would add up to the extra that I would pay at the LBS. Anyhow, I'm just looking to do nice long weekend rides and the very occasional triathlon/local race. I would really like to keep it sub-$800.

These are the three choices:
1) 2008 Trek 1.2 - 8spd Sora components. Looks awesome. $700.
2) 2008 Cannondale - 9spd Sora compnonents. $800. Also looks awesome.

I test rode both of these and I had no preference.

3) A dream bike since last year when cycling struck my fancy a 2006 Trek 1500 - Full 105 but its $960. Beautiful blue and black with discovery logos on it.

Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks you guys are amazing!

jquinaz

i have been looking for a bike for a while now and it started with a big list of about 15 bikes, but now its down to two. The Jamis Ventura Comp and the Trek 1.2. I have not ridden them yet but people on this forum seem to like the comp, so tomorrow i am going to test ride them both and see which one i like because it seems to me, it all comes down to that.

I don't kow if thats any help but if i were you i would throw in the Jamis

Raerfani

Thanks for the reply but I don't know of any Jamis dealers in my town unfortunately. Do they have an online dealer?

IAMTB

Test ride them both for at least 20 minutes. Then buy the one that is the most comfortable from the shop with the best service.

If you don't want to do that, I say buy the Cannondale.

roadiejorge 

I'd take the Trek 1500 out for a spin and see how it feels because looks won't mean much if it's not comfortable. While it might be a bit more I'd make the sacrifice if it was comfortable and I really liked it.

MONGO!

Cannondale

futuresealsnipe

Trek 1500 if you plan on going big. Upgrading is a PITA later and you might as well get what you like. I'd just save up for a little more if you need to.

CardiacKid

The price on that 1500 is about what they were asking for them in 2006. Offer $800 and see what they say. I bet they will come down.

sithi

+1

If the bikes are so similar, the best fit and how it feels to you is the most important thing.

I tried out an 06 Cannondale with 105 parts, and was interested in the Trek 1.2 as well. Can't comment on the Trek, but the Cannondale felt too sluggish for me. I ended with a Felt z90, and absolutely loved it on the test ride.

It falls in your price range as well. You might want to check out a dealer.

dmb2786

+1 My 2007 Trek 1500 cost me $800. The disco logos can't cost you $100+ for a bike that's a year older.

DScott

Isn't the 105 equipped 1500 a 10 speed also? I'd do that over either of the Sora equipped 9 speeds...

ILUVUK

Yes, get the 1500 (assuming it's comfy), but do NOT pay $960! Otherwise if there is no preference between the Cannondale and the 1.2, I'd get the Cannondale.

Raerfani

Man this really puts things into perspective. Thanks for all your comments. I think I will offer $850 and if they can't lower any I will get the cannondale. Thanks again!

Nachoman

That's only a $160.00 swing between the Cannondale and the Trek for jump from mediocre Sora to fantastic 105. Have you considered looking for a Tiagra equipped bicycle, which should be priced between the two?

markyore

+1

I would avoid the 8 speed Sora because if you choose to upgrade nothing will be compatiable.

I would save the extra money and get the 105 or be patient and wait for something used to come along. What size frame do you ride?

Raerfani

The cannondale has some tiagra on it. That was my mistake for not putting it on there.

Raerfani

I ride a 55' to be exact but I will probably go down to a 54'.

Raerfani

So I went back and test drove the Trek 1500 (2007*) and the 08' 1.2 and decided that the 1.2 is out of the question due to its sub-sora and therefore crappy components. However, with tax, I can get the very comfortable 1500 for under $1000. Again, it is a 9spd double with full 105. components. Is this a good deal?

maddyfish

Between the 2, the cannondale if it is a Made in USA frame. Otherwise it doesn't make difference.

Raerfani

Even if it has sora and extra brake levers on the handle bars?

Raerfani

Nobody likes me?

maddyfish

IN the OP you said they both had Sora?

I personally have no use at all for cross top levers.

BikingGrad80

I would not like sora shifters. When you get used to road cycling you start spending some time in the drops. Not being able to shift from the drops is a big negative.

Slackerprince

If you're looking to do any serious riding, especially tris and long rides, you don't want to scrimp with a sub $800 bike!
Pull the trigger on something nice.
Spread the payments out, and as you're enjoying a nice piece of machinery, the $ won't seem so bad, especially if you hang around here with upgrades, bling, and constant bike porn.

Slackerprince

daoswald

If you can afford $800 today, you can afford $960 a month from now, can't you? Even if money is dear, most people can cut $160 worth of hamburgers, candy bars, beer, movies, or *something* out of their monthly expenditures if it's really worthwhile to them. If you can't cut $160 out of June's expenditures, sell $160 worth of stuff in your garage on eBay or at a garage sale.

My point is that the $960 will sting... for about a month. Then you'll be glad to have full 105.

Of course the Trek 1500 with full 105 isn't a Cannondale.... so maybe save for two months. And in the meantime just borrow the bike your friend never uses.