Buying a new bike - what should I be looking for?

[gmccarthy]

 

I'm busy looking for a new bike to replace my old Cannondale R600. Went to a few shops today and have a few ideas of what I want to get.

 

Saw a Cannondale R3000 for R22k   - the guy at the shop said it was a 2007 model, but after looking on the Cannondale website the only R3000 I could find was a 2004 model. Is it a 2004 model? Is the shop trying to sell me a old bike?

 

Also saw a Raleigh RC7000 about the same price. (These things aren't cheap!) and a Giant something or other with 105's for 15k

 

My question is what should I be looking at when deciding what to get?

 

The Raleigh and Cannondale had Ultregra components - the Raleigh is carbon, the Cannondale R3000 is  aluminium. Is the carbon fibre frame better? I'm a big rider - 6'3 95kg's - is  carbon/aluminium better for big rigers, or doesn't it make a difference? The Giant is slightly cheaper but still nice looking.

 

Which bike would you get and why?

 

gmccarthy2008-09-20 08:25:44

[4ph3X]

buy the prettiest one with the coolest name

[Speedi]

Carbon will give you more response, i was riding on alu and when i changed to carbon there was a HUGE difference. Suddenly you can hear sounds you didnt before, gear changes sound better! Carbon i would say is better, but perhaps Cannondale make really nice feeling alu bikes?

 

 

 

But for weight(as in frame weight) and ride, go for the carbon!

[Oiltrash]

What type of rider are you? Funrider?

 

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[Speedi]

 

 

 

 

 

Is that you? Speedi2008-09-20 09:03:23

[Sammajoor]

Buy from one of the dealers who did not attend the meeting and who gives YOU the consumer the best price.

 

Not someone who has to pay an installment on an expensive German Sports car

 

[gmccarthy]

lol - nope thats not me. Just a fun rider.