colinarndt

Hi everyone,

First post here. Been a lifelong leisure cyclist, but am starting to spend more time on my bike and would love an upgrade. Got a 1975 Univega Nuovo Sport in college 10 years ago, and naturally it was a revelation after commuting on mountain bikes my whole life. But now it feels overly heavy and I'd like a more modern riding experience.

My usage is primarily commuting and trail riding (the Military State trail - gravel - in southern Wisconsin) - a few miles at a time, maybe 10+ on weekends.

These two models caught my eye on craigslist, and are available and in a similar price range. I don't really know enough about bikes to know which will be the best fit. I'm not a pure road cyclist in that I prefer a ride that isn't very stiff - and currently have copious tape on the Univega's handlebars and a somewhat cushy seat.

2012 Trek 9th district - $450
2012 Trek 9th District SRAM Components (Matte Black) + Extras 54cm

200? Giant OCR 2 - $500
Giant OCR 2 Bicycle

The owner of the Giant doesn't know the exact age (second owner), but the OCR 2 was only made until 2008, and according to bikebluebook.com the most it'd be worth on its own is $350. He admits he doesn't know much about bikes, but that he got the $500 figure from a Trek store employee based on the upgraded components. So he may not be interested in being talked down very much. Since both bikes have upgraded components, an area I don't know much about, it's hard to me to judge what that puts the true value at.

I'll have to verify the Giant is the right size for me (the seller couldn't tell me what it was, but he's 6'1" and I'm 5'10"). Assuming it's a fit, that's the bike I like better - in overall look, and because I'm not sure I'd want to go back to the handlebar style of the Trek. But the Trek seems a better value for the price.

Thoughts on the right price for each? Do you think I'm on the right track looking at these bikes?

Thanks for reading.