tenminutes

Looking to buy a new bike for around $2000 after spending the past few years on an '04 Trek 1200. My main priorities (after fit) are carbon frame, and upgraded components.

I found a used 2009 madrone 4.7 for around $1800, but it's TCT carbon, which I guess is not as good as the OCLV, but has all Ultegra components. My hesitation is that there are 2012 madrone 4.5's with all Ultegra and TCT carbon for a few hundred $$ more at a shop nearby, and buying from a shop comes with warranty etc...

Are there other bikes I should be considering that I could pick up new for around $2000 that would match a 4 year old TCT carbon frame w/ Ultegra components? At first look I felt like this was a knockout deal (the Madrone 4.7 retailed for around $2600 when it was purchased) and didn't want to sit on it, and some previous investigation suggested that $2k wasn't enough to get into carbon and Ultegra new, but now I'm not sure if I should hold out and investigate some other brands (Specialized, Giant?) and see what they offer around my price range.

IDK, maybe I'm just looking for a sanity check as this is sort of going to be my first large purchase since graduating/getting a job and having a little money haha. Any help appreciated

puckett129

https://www.pricepoint.com/Brand/Lite...-Road-Bike.axd

Brand new Litespeed with Ultegra for 2 grand. I think that price is only good today, but yeah, there are deals to be had that are better than that Trek.

Long Tom

$1800 seems high for a 2009 bike that listed for $2600. Another way to put it- I think you'd have a hard time turning around a selling it for $1800 yourself.

Deals abound on 2013 bikes in bike shops right now. At the ~$2k price point, there's a lot of options, and I'd say the ideal thing to do is ride as many bikes as possible and buy what moves you. Ultegra is nice but 105 will be just peachy so don't overlook a 105 bike. Heck.... Tiagra is pretty good stuff, though where's the fun in showing off your new Tiagra/carbon bike.... grin...

Elvo

Get this one instead:
https://www.pricepoint.com/Brand/Lite...-Bike-2013.axd

SoreFeet

Buying used carbon bikes is a gamble. You don't know the history. A small crash could compromise the frame. Visual inspection checks are not 100 percent accurate. Getting a new bike with a warranty is a good deal. Ultegra is good but a better frame with lesser components might be better.

seymour1910

can't go wrong with either of these. heck if it were me I may even consider the black and white 105 version at $1599 and save the $400 for other things.

softreset

Something to consider -

https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/Searc...x=20000&type=0

BBB Value:
$1,363 (Like-New)
$1,298 (Excellent)
$1,169 (Good)
$870 (Fair)

floridamtb

I just bough a 2013 Madone 4.5 w/ Ultegra for $1999 so $1800 is a NO

tenminutes

Thanks for all the input everyone. Ended up pulling the trigger @ $1300, seller seemed very trustworthy and was able to give me the original txn receipt for what that's worth, maybe some warranty coverage could still come from that?

Either way, my first ride off of my '04 trek 1200 was quite enjoyable, though it could use a fitting

Vlaam4ever

Those Litespeeds are a good deal. WOW

tenminutes

Are these litespeeds actually good buys or are posters on this forum on the payroll? Never seen so many people on the internet agree on anything

unionmade

Those are good deals.

seymour1910

I see what you mean but those are good deals especially if someone bought yesterday because they were 20% off. if you want to see how good a deal they are go to your LBS and see what a Carbon Ultegra bike will cost you. If I had the funds I would get one.