Which one?

[Tweakfreak]

Okay, I am going to start road cycling so I'm a newbie.  I have done a lot of research and web crawling and I am finally on the home stretch to buying my bicycle, BUT I am stuck with a budget of R5000 for the bicycle and all the necessary safety gear etc????  I can get a 2007 Raleigh RC3000 for R3000, or I can get a 2005 Raleigh RC6000 for the same amount.  I know the RC6000 has 105's and WH-R550's.  So kudos to everyone giving any knowledgable and informative answers!!!

[singletrackmind]

105 9speed and tiagra 9 speed.... not that much difference, i would go with the RC6000

[Daxiet]

Would vote for the 07 RC3000. If I am correct the only real difference is the Tiagra vs. 105 components. I am however confident the 05 RC6000 won't have the external BB nor will it have the gear indicators on the shifters. Probably find it weighs more than the 07 RC3000.

 

Keep in mind things wear on bikes, a bike 2 years older would have been exposed for longer to the elements, hence rust (cables, crank, hubs). The teeth on the crank and cassette could be more worn, again this really depends on kms and intensity of use. Age however is measurable whereas millage is in most cases unknown.

 

Furthermore there would have been advancements in the components so the chances are 2007 Tiagra was the 2006 105's.

 

Very important check the wheels, make sure they are true, rather ask the seller to get them trued if they look off before you buy. Damaged rims are a big disappointment.