New vs. Used
 

Hi all,

I know this might start a major debate, but here goes. I have a 15 year-old Bianchi that I have been thinking needs to be put out to stud. The way I see it, I have the following options.

1. Buy new, willing to afford up to $1800 - $2000, been looking at the Cervelo Soloist, Cervelo Prodigy, a closeout Trek 5000.

2. Buy used, changes all the time, but am currently looking at some Bianchi's, a XL EV2, XL Boron around the $1100 range, hoping to try to negotiate lower.

3. Find a closeout or secondhand frameset and build one out at GVH.

Any thoughts?

A little about me. Road recreational back in College. Have pick it back up for about a year now and am riding about three to four times a week, for approximately 50-70 per week. Mostly flat but I do hit a few moderate hills occasionally. I am doing my first tri (sprint) in September and would like to do 2 or 3 a year if all goes well.

As usual, thanks in advance for any and all opinions.

why?

:)

The biggest reason is the downtube shifters. I'm used to them from over the years, but they are awkward. Other reasons, are more gear selections, lighter weight, thrill of the new, etc. The last reason is also important and that is because I want to reward myself. Over the last year and a half, I have lost 25 pounds (206 to 181) through swimming, riding and running.

before you think about anything else... does the old frame fit you really well? Do you like the ride? If so, perhaps just new components?

If you love the frame, maybe strip it and get it painted before building it back up.

I will take your old Bianchi :)
and if you dont get any of the other used Bianchi's let me know where I can get one of the :)

LordOpie

I've looked into that and it is my understanding that it would be very expensive,c onsidering the rear cassette is a six speed. I would have to change the derailers, the rear casssete, the crank the shifters and the levers. The bikes I am looking at have Ultegra, so I would be looking at spending $500 to $600. So I figured go for another.

Bianchi_rider

I plan on keeping it. Unless of course you made me an offer I cannot refuse. LOL As for the others, I am really thinking about getting one of them. I am going to see one of them next week. I'll let you know once I make a decision. I would hate for you to out bid me. LOL

Well, I will take the ev2.. I am not greedy :)

The processes of buying a new or used bike are opposite one another.

When you buy a brand new bike, you decide what you want and then leave it up to the dealer to find you the right size.

When you buy a used bike you should first look for a bike that's your size and then decide if the frame and components are what you want.