"Matt Bouchard" wrote in message
om...
| Hi...
|
| This will be my first real road bike purchase so, apologies if this
| sounds a bit silly. I'm looking to buy my first real road bike in 15
| years (Im 31). I will be using it for a triathlon here in California
| in Sept. Afterwards I hope to integrate some touring(w/camping), but
| Ill never do any racing. My budget is $850 for bike + $150 for
| everything else.
|
| I'm looking at two bikes:
|
| 1) New Specialized allez elite 2004 triple. Can get it at my LBS for
| $850+tax which seems like a good price. (is there a way to stop the
| clicking of the derailer?)
|
| 2) A good condition used 1999 Cannondale R2000 with Ultegra, Cane
| Creek Crono Wheels, Reynolds Carbon Fiber Fork, 3T Prima 199
| Handlebar, CP Pave ergometric seat. Asking is $800. Its from a guy at
| work and the bike has been taken care of, and the size is right.
| Here's a pictu
http://us.f2.yahoofs.com/bc/409afe82...ZPOvABkWXm2Vy8
|
| I ruled out the Giant OCR1 since it didnt seem to fit as well.
|
| Assuming both bikes fit me well, which would you go for? I think most
| would say go for the new bike, but I think the cannondale might be a
| better deal. I still have my '94 cannon MTB and I think they make good
| stuff; brother swears by specialized. Either way, Im going to be
| happy.

My opinion is the Cannondale is the better bike for road riding and the
Tri you want it for. But not well suited for loaded touring.

Take a look at these (or any bike) and ask yourself how you are going to
put a rack and panniers on the bike. The Cannondale is a CAAD4 frame,
and although there appear to be small holes on the rear dropouts for
mounting a rack, the length of the chanistays make a rack and bags
uncomfortable. They are too short and you will be kicking the panniers
with your heels all the time.

Touring bikes tend to have a longer wheelbase, and a lot of that is in
the distance between the seat tube and the rear hub.

The Specialized has front and rear rack mounts.But, it's hard to imagine
putting much on either end. It has a compact frame and short chainstays
as well. Racing bikes make uncomfortable tourers. Not only will you be
having troubles with the bags, but it will be pretty twitchy with all
that weight on it.

Since you appear to be just a recreational or entry level triathlete, I
recommend getting a bike that is more suited for touring and simply pull
off all the unnecessary bits for the Tri to save weight. If you can
only get one bike, that is the better direction to head.

On the other had, if the touring thing is still just in the 'thinking
about it' stage, ask yourself if you're really going to tour and camp
with a bike. If you really aren't, back to the Cannondale. Nice bike,
and maybe you can talk the price down a smidgeon.