Cyclocross bike advice
What do you think of this as a starter bike for me? Never raced before, might like to commute on this as well. The price seems a little high for what is likely a 1999 or 2000 with 105 components.
What do you think of this as a starter bike for me? Never raced before, might like to commute on this as well. The price seems a little high for what is likely a 1999 or 2000 with 105 components.
price
Yeah... unless that thing is just mint when you check it out I seriously think an offer of half that is very reasonable. It would have to be in REALLY crazy good condition to be worth that in my book. It sounds like the person selling it has no clue either... why post it with a flat tire?? Not even an actual photo. Who knows what sort of surprise you'll find when you show up to test ride that baby. :) But seriously if you could get a functioning bike for under $500 how could you go wrong really!
You're gonna love cyclocross. :) Get ready for nats!!
more ideas
Oh... and if you're willing to get into the $850 range... for only another $149 you could have a pretty nice rig from here: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/cross_bikes.htm
I know a few people who have purchased bikes from these guys over the last few years. Including my cousin who picked up one of those Fantom Cross Pros listed above last fall. He's been very happy with it and I think you get a ton of bike for the dough. The 2011 Fantom looks sweet with full Rival group, carbon fork, etc for a cool grand... great value!
No to the Cannondale
I agree with Eric. Unless you can get that for around 400 I would not even look at it. Here is my plug for our team sponsor. I know Paul has stuff around the 1000 mark as well. But if you are looking for used I have need some sweet deals on Craigslist over the last few months. I would keep looking on there and you can find cross bikes for around 500-700 range that I would say are good buys. If you buy one from Bikes Direct do yourself a favor and spend the money to get it professionally built and tuned before riding it. They sell great deals and great product but the people I have talked to who have purchased them have had a ton of issues until they get it worked on at a shop.
The Sram Rival group is rated the #1 group from Velo News when it comes to cross. If you are use to Shimano Sram can be a hard one to change over for just a cross bike in my eyes. You don't have the horns to grab onto and the levers are a lot shorter. However with a few adjustments and a little riding it is awesome. Just depends on what you like. I am riding Sram again and love it but just a thought when you are looking.
So get finding one and get riding one. Cross is the best and Nationals was the best event I did all year long last year. It was a blast.
Excellent advice!
So I know a few more details and actually got to see the bike today. It's a 1999 and the guy who owns it doesn't have much of an understanding of its relative value only the original purchase price of 11 years ago. It has Ultegra shifters and a derailleur style I've not seen before. It's a nine speed triple. Here is the Bikepedia Stat-sheet.
The bike itself is in good shape and appears to weigh somewhere in the 20 to 22 pound range. I am considering making him an offer of $300 ($550 less than he is asking) and that letting him know that there are much newer bikes for sale in that price range with similar or better component groups. I would need to replace wheels, pedals, tires, and cosmetics like bar tape to be able to race it. I like the idea of a component group that I can understand and I'm not afraid of a slightly older bike if it's as reputable a maker is Cannondale.
What additional thoughts do you have?
Sounds Good
I say if you can get that for 300, ride , race and love it. changing the pedals, tires and wheels will make a huge difference.
Update on components!
He countered at $600 (down from $850) but may still go lower. He gave me an update on the component set.
Front Derailleur - Shimano Ultegra
Rear Derailleur - Shimano XT (From mountain bike line, which I am told is good for cyclo cross racing)
Shifters - Shimano Ultegra
Crank - Shimano Ultegra Triple
Wheels - Not entirely sure, Mavic I believe. (Extra set of tires are cyclo cross tires)
Only one set of brakes
The Fork has been upgraded as well. "X Wound Up" I believe it is carbon.
Does this change the desirability of this bike, even though it's 1999 although relatively unused?
You could always just jump in with both feet...
and show up with a sweet carbon ride:
http://www.scott-sports.com/us_en/product/9083/45031/215727
It's new from late last October, so it doesn't even have a full cross season on it. They claim a weight of under 17 lbs, but I haven't ever weighed mine. New ones sell for ~$3500, but I would sell this one for under 2K.
It would be the perfect 'starter' cross bike! :)
Actually,...
...I rode the Scott CX comp today, as did my wife. Sweet rides! I am hoping to get one for under $500 to get started. Looking for a jr bike too. Our 10 yr old is the only one without a road bike. Not lots of $$$ this summer to get everything I want. Hey, you're gonna race with us so you need a rig!
not a problem
If I sell the Addict CX then I'll get a new one in time for the season!
Better
As for the Cannondale I think you can get better for $600. That bike won't sell at the price it is at. So keep looking and if you don't find something contact him again and pick it up. You have time before cross starts.
Thanks
Good advice!