some questions about buying used bike from LBS
 

hey guys. i just rented a Felt F75 bike today to try and maybe buy. after riding the bike, it seemed nice but i have to get used to the new seating position versus a mountain bike that i've been used to and the seat's a bit hard too. just some things to get used to. anyway, if i do end up buying the bike, is it reasonable for me to ask them to replacce the bar tape? also what's the best way to inspect for cracks on the frame. the bike shifts fine also.

one thing that i noticed was the paint on the rear drop out, where the cassette is located, is chipped. there's a bit of metal exposed near the bottom of the seat stay. is this a normal thing to see on a used bike? i've uploaded a picture of it below. i guess it might just be from the chain going to the lowest gear? anyways, what else should i inspect for on the bike. it seems to ride fine.

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/9907/imag0076h.jpg

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

If what I can find about the F75 is right, then it has CF seatstays and alloy chainstays . That problem might be a deal killer for me. Somebody qualified would have to assess the damage to see if it's cosmetic or if there's something actually wrong with it. Replacing the bar tape would be no big deal.

it seems that only metal is exposed though. i don't see any carbon.

I'd get a second opinion on that. That looks like the metal of the dropout is exposed close to the joint where the seatstay is bonded. Carbon + aluminium means that it would have to be bonded together. Like I said before, this may be more than a cosmetic problem.

I'd also ask about the warranty. Some manufacturers have a transferrable warranty, some don't. I'd also be interested in what Felt would have to say about that sort of damage.

That doesn't look so hot...

hmm... so in this case which would be the better choice, a brand new 2011 F85 or this 2010 F75. if i'm a beginner would i notice the difference in the components used such as 105 crank versus FSA crank, microshift shifters, etc? also i'm not sure if i understand Felt's branding and terminology but is the F85 frame in any way carbon? also, kind of a stupid question but is there a difference between carbon and carbon fiber? ( i don't think so but just want to make sure lol.) i've seen descriptions both ways on bikepedia

Super-light Butted Aluminum Frame


http://triathlonlab.com/2011-felt-f85-road-bike.html

so would the difference in components be noticeable?

Review of the F-75.

http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/rev..._FeltF75.shtml

lol i've already read that

I ride 2008 F-85.

Toss up between the two bikes you are considering.

I would buy the bike that has the best warranty.

yeah i'm kinda leaning towards the F85 too, but i just don't know if the difference between the two will be noticeable (particularly the microshifters versus 105 shifters), since i've already ridden the F75 for a few hours already.

I put 2047 miles on my F-85 last Oct in 22 rides.

Pic at the 2000 mile mark.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/h...02000Miles.jpg