Raleigh RC 2000 or Schwinn Fastback?

[NDM]

Hi, I'm currently looking at the following 2 road bikes:

Raleigh RC 2000: R2,800, Tiagra groupset, carbon fork, visually looks to be in better condition. 

Schwinn Fastback: R3,500, 105 Shimano groupset. Doesn't look as good visually as the Raleigh.

I haven't physically seen either bike yet - just pictures. Been assured that both bikes are in good working order. Would be grateful for any opinions on which would be the better buy? I'm a first time road rider and looking to use the bike for a sprint tri.

Thanks!

[NC_lurker]

Share links to the ads.

105 is a higher spec than Tiagra, but that assumes they're same generation.

Given that you're looking for a bike to just try out road cycling the RC2000 might be the better option purely because that's the one that looks better to you! Plus it's cheaper...

 

[Eugene]

Choose the one that is the correct size for you. 

If they are both the right size, choose the one that looks like it has been looked after better. Lots of scratches means the owner doesn't care about it and probably didn't maintain it. 

If they are the wrong size, look elsewhere.