advice on the purchase of a road bike
04-03-12, 12:41 PM
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advice on the purchase of a road bike
Hi Bikers
I am a newbie to road cycling. I was a MTB guy and want to change to road cycling. I am looking to buy a road cycle and since I am a student, my budget is limited. I live in Germany and my maximum is 400 euros.
So far I was looking at Decathlon BTwin Triban 3. (400 euros)
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-id_8167038.html
But today I saw on ebay, a carbon Felt F4C 2006. Its used heavily since 2006 (more than 10,000 kms) but considering the longer durability of all carbon frame bike, i am in slight confusion. Triban 3 is also a great bike but for almost the same price i am getting a bike worth almost 1700 euros, its hard not to think about it.
the ebay ad: https://tinyurl.com/cn6c6pm
Please open it in google translate if you dont understand German.
His message in English: "I have participated in 4 races and already completed the TOUR-Transalp and several one-day races. Overall, I have traveled by bicycle since 2006, about 10,000 kilometers and it is therefore possible to recognize external signs of wear. The carbon frame is apparently still intact. Both wheels have to be an easy light and would need replacing for a long or high loads. Furthermore, the bar tape should be replaced and missing two plastic caps on the handlebars. The chain and brake pads were replaced in 2010.
The illustrated tire, bottle holders, the air pump bracket and the bike computers are not for sale. The original bill is available and is included"
What do you guys think? Since I am travelling at the moment, its not possible for me to have a look at the bike.
any advice or suggestion is welcome. I wish you a great week ahead.
I am a newbie to road cycling. I was a MTB guy and want to change to road cycling. I am looking to buy a road cycle and since I am a student, my budget is limited. I live in Germany and my maximum is 400 euros.
So far I was looking at Decathlon BTwin Triban 3. (400 euros)
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-3-id_8167038.html
But today I saw on ebay, a carbon Felt F4C 2006. Its used heavily since 2006 (more than 10,000 kms) but considering the longer durability of all carbon frame bike, i am in slight confusion. Triban 3 is also a great bike but for almost the same price i am getting a bike worth almost 1700 euros, its hard not to think about it.
the ebay ad: https://tinyurl.com/cn6c6pm
Please open it in google translate if you dont understand German.
His message in English: "I have participated in 4 races and already completed the TOUR-Transalp and several one-day races. Overall, I have traveled by bicycle since 2006, about 10,000 kilometers and it is therefore possible to recognize external signs of wear. The carbon frame is apparently still intact. Both wheels have to be an easy light and would need replacing for a long or high loads. Furthermore, the bar tape should be replaced and missing two plastic caps on the handlebars. The chain and brake pads were replaced in 2010.
The illustrated tire, bottle holders, the air pump bracket and the bike computers are not for sale. The original bill is available and is included"
What do you guys think? Since I am travelling at the moment, its not possible for me to have a look at the bike.
any advice or suggestion is welcome. I wish you a great week ahead.
04-03-12, 12:59 PM
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You are leaving out VERY important information. How tall are you? Will that Felt fit you. If it will. Get it, if it won't you won't enjoy the ride and might as well throw your euros out.
04-03-12, 01:16 PM
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Thanks for the response. Well, I am 183 cm and the Felt frame height is 60 cm. Slightly larger for me but doable dont you think? it may seem strange but my legs are longer than most peeps of my height.
04-03-12, 03:31 PM
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I think it will be too big. I think the 57cm Triban would be better. I'm of the "If it doesn't fit perfect I'd rather it be slightly small than slightly large.
But I wouldn't buy anything I couldn't test ride first. And maybe test ride it three times and compare it to a couple of other bikes.
But I wouldn't buy anything I couldn't test ride first. And maybe test ride it three times and compare it to a couple of other bikes.
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04-03-12, 03:35 PM
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I think it will be too big. I think the 57cm Triban would be better. I'm of the "If it doesn't fit perfect I'd rather it be slightly small than slightly large.
But I wouldn't buy anything I couldn't test ride first. And maybe test ride it three times and compare it to a couple of other bikes.
But I wouldn't buy anything I couldn't test ride first. And maybe test ride it three times and compare it to a couple of other bikes.
04-03-12, 03:53 PM
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It has been my experience that nearly everything bought at Decathlon, except for very small things like water bottles and multi-tools, is junk. If I were you, I would wait and keep shopping for another used bike in your price range that fits you.
For those of you that don't know, Decathlon is basically the European equivalent of Academy or Sports Authority. Good for some stuff, but definitely not where you would want to shop for something that you want to last. B-Twin is their house brand.
For those of you that don't know, Decathlon is basically the European equivalent of Academy or Sports Authority. Good for some stuff, but definitely not where you would want to shop for something that you want to last. B-Twin is their house brand.
04-04-12, 03:35 PM
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^above hmm. Thanks for your input. I havent bought anything from their BTwin brand but I had bought a rucksack and some camping equipment from Quechua. I am very satisfied with them for the price I paid. What do you think of their Btwin brand or more specifically Triban 3? worth the money?
@ ahsposo and x-linkedrider Thanks a lot! I think I will give it a test ride and then see. That seller seems to be a good road biker and if not for the bike, will get some tips atleast.
But just in case, say hypothetically the bike is good, it fits me and sells for 300 euros (add another 100 for accessories like pedals, bike computer or new tires maybe etc):
1) he says it already has external signs of wear and tear, how much of a gamble am I taking if I want to use for next 4-5 years...for weekend trips of 50-60 kms plus going to work (6 kms up and down daily)
2) as the bike is old, in 1 year time, maybe some parts require replacement. since it was an expensive bike at first, what if that particular part to be replaced is itself very costly...i am a student here and hence I need to consider maintenance costs too.
3) to come
I am having all these doubts since I am physically not able to see or test it yet. need to wait atleast 1 more week for that to happen. I hope I havent put you off with my rather lame questions.
@ ahsposo and x-linkedrider Thanks a lot! I think I will give it a test ride and then see. That seller seems to be a good road biker and if not for the bike, will get some tips atleast.
But just in case, say hypothetically the bike is good, it fits me and sells for 300 euros (add another 100 for accessories like pedals, bike computer or new tires maybe etc):
1) he says it already has external signs of wear and tear, how much of a gamble am I taking if I want to use for next 4-5 years...for weekend trips of 50-60 kms plus going to work (6 kms up and down daily)
2) as the bike is old, in 1 year time, maybe some parts require replacement. since it was an expensive bike at first, what if that particular part to be replaced is itself very costly...i am a student here and hence I need to consider maintenance costs too.
3) to come
I am having all these doubts since I am physically not able to see or test it yet. need to wait atleast 1 more week for that to happen. I hope I havent put you off with my rather lame questions.
