I can’t figure out how to post text AND image. So, here’s the body text to the post.
So, I’m new to cycling. I’m signed up for a super sprint tri and a 25 mile gravel race (well maintained rural roads) and am in need of a bike. I’ve been training for the tri for a while. My run, swim, and stationary times are under the average. The bike race is a few months after the super sprint and I’m doing it more to keep me motivated to continue training. It’s time to get off the stationary and onto the road. I’m leaning more towards new because it’s so simple. Go, get fitted, ride. I’m strongly considering a Trek Demante AL2. All told, bike, pedals and whatnot will run me just shy of $1500, which is something I can afford. I already have that money set aside, so the budget isn’t my concern.
Today, I see on Facebook a Trek 1000 for $100. It’s the sora set. But, it’s also only $100. It fits me. It’s local. But, I know I’ll have to take it in and have it gone over by a technician since I know little about bike maintenance. Am I in the wrong headspace looking at this bike?
So, I guess my question is, does it seem like a better idea to get this used bike for $100 and pay the extra money for a tune up and all that? I’m thinking I can learn on this bike, mess it up, brake something or whatever and not really be out that much money. Or, is that not really something to be concerned about?
Did you start off with a used bike and wish you’d just gone straight to a new bike? Did you start with a new bike and wish you’d gone used first? What are your experiences here?
rider3728 on
Depends on how much the frame is worth
thatbikeddude on
Not that one.
snoopyfive on
I was going to buy used on FB Marketplace over the summer, but found a newer and better model on sale for a couple hundred more. Looked around and found a completely different model with a better group set and an even bigger discount (Felt VR40) at a local bike shop.
Ended up paying a few hundred more than I had planned, but ended up with a new bike and free tune up from the bike shop.
KarolaMarist on
Get something newer thats used and has somekind of suspentsion and wider tires.
I owned mine for a while now been in few changes but it’d a fab entry level bike but for gravel it’s not that kind of bike I used mine for road use only
Dreamland_Nomad on
A few things to consider are the weight, gears / drivetrain, and having disc brakes. The new bike will more than likely weigh less than the old bike. Not sure how many gears either of them have and if the new one has disc brakes then I would definitely go for that. It sounds like you’re a pretty active individual in general and I feel that you won’t be like the particular part of the covid phase people who went out and spent hundreds on a new bike just to turn around and sell it months later because they truly didn’t have an interest in riding or what have you. I have faith that you would truly enjoy riding. As for doing gravel rides, the tires on the used bike are too thin, and depending on the fork width it could be a possibility that you would not be able to put the appropriate size tire for riding gravel. I do believe the new bike would suit that need off-bat. You would not have an issue with “messing up” a bike. If you are referring to being clipped in, the bike shop should be able to not only explain how to use clips but also be able to adjust the tension of the clips while you are on their trainer getting the bike fit. I’ve always had new bikes but I started with a new bike from the actual bike shop instead of the grocery store bikes back in 2008 and eventually began long distance shortly thereafter. I have bought new bikes for all terrains and adventures over time so I have a nice collection that is well worth it for me because I absolutely love riding 😊. Good luck on your adventure 😀.
Roubaix62454 on
You can certainly do sprint tris on that bike as well as the Domane. The Trek 1000 is not a good choice for gravel, especially a 25 mile race – limited tire size likely 25mm max. That would not make for a pleasant 25 mile gravel race or ride. Think flats. Well maintained or not. I have 32mm tubeless on my Domane SL6 and ride country roads including some gravel sections. If I was going to race gravel on it, I’d consider going wider than 32mm. If the AL2 comes with 32mm tires, you certainly upgrade to a better 32mm tire. This will be ok for the road and then give it a go on the gravel. You’re going to have to compromise somewhere with one bike to race on the road and gravel.
Devils8539a on
I owned that exact Trek 1000. Not a good candidate to convert to gravel. The wheels aren’t that great, you will have tire clearance issues. Also weight wise having a triple up front. If I remember correctly the fork is also AL not Carbon so it will be uncomfortable on gravel. Go with the domane.
ToriGirlie on
Really depends on your budget. I’m not sure id recommend that for a gravel race even if it’s on well maintained rural roads. Ive ridden 23 mm tires on chat and it’s not a fun experience. If your budget is low an old rigid frame mountain bike would be a solid answer. Something like an old rock hopper or a multi track would be nice. I’ve heard decent things about the Walmart gravel bike which is around 230ish, but that might need a friend with some wrench experience to make sure it’s correctly put together.
If you have 500 to a thousand you can do really well with one of the Poseidon gravel bikes. I’m sorta dreaming of the ambition x. Over a grand there’s a ton of great options.
Chipofftheoldblock21 on
I think go with this for the sprint and road riding, and another $100-200 hybrid / mtb for gravel. When you have an idea what you really like, THEN spend $1k+ on a new bike. As in, like road more? Gravel more? Legitimately both? If you decide you really prefer road, you can get a true road bike, or vice versa.
11 Comments
I can’t figure out how to post text AND image. So, here’s the body text to the post.
So, I’m new to cycling. I’m signed up for a super sprint tri and a 25 mile gravel race (well maintained rural roads) and am in need of a bike. I’ve been training for the tri for a while. My run, swim, and stationary times are under the average. The bike race is a few months after the super sprint and I’m doing it more to keep me motivated to continue training. It’s time to get off the stationary and onto the road. I’m leaning more towards new because it’s so simple. Go, get fitted, ride. I’m strongly considering a Trek Demante AL2. All told, bike, pedals and whatnot will run me just shy of $1500, which is something I can afford. I already have that money set aside, so the budget isn’t my concern.
Today, I see on Facebook a Trek 1000 for $100. It’s the sora set. But, it’s also only $100. It fits me. It’s local. But, I know I’ll have to take it in and have it gone over by a technician since I know little about bike maintenance. Am I in the wrong headspace looking at this bike?
So, I guess my question is, does it seem like a better idea to get this used bike for $100 and pay the extra money for a tune up and all that? I’m thinking I can learn on this bike, mess it up, brake something or whatever and not really be out that much money. Or, is that not really something to be concerned about?
Did you start off with a used bike and wish you’d just gone straight to a new bike? Did you start with a new bike and wish you’d gone used first? What are your experiences here?
Depends on how much the frame is worth
Not that one.
I was going to buy used on FB Marketplace over the summer, but found a newer and better model on sale for a couple hundred more. Looked around and found a completely different model with a better group set and an even bigger discount (Felt VR40) at a local bike shop.
Ended up paying a few hundred more than I had planned, but ended up with a new bike and free tune up from the bike shop.
Get something newer thats used and has somekind of suspentsion and wider tires.
https://preview.redd.it/1mo3gbae9mae1.jpeg?width=528&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=37b9addb2b9265a0f1df9bcbd351bf20e882d0e5
I owned mine for a while now been in few changes but it’d a fab entry level bike but for gravel it’s not that kind of bike I used mine for road use only
A few things to consider are the weight, gears / drivetrain, and having disc brakes. The new bike will more than likely weigh less than the old bike. Not sure how many gears either of them have and if the new one has disc brakes then I would definitely go for that. It sounds like you’re a pretty active individual in general and I feel that you won’t be like the particular part of the covid phase people who went out and spent hundreds on a new bike just to turn around and sell it months later because they truly didn’t have an interest in riding or what have you. I have faith that you would truly enjoy riding. As for doing gravel rides, the tires on the used bike are too thin, and depending on the fork width it could be a possibility that you would not be able to put the appropriate size tire for riding gravel. I do believe the new bike would suit that need off-bat. You would not have an issue with “messing up” a bike. If you are referring to being clipped in, the bike shop should be able to not only explain how to use clips but also be able to adjust the tension of the clips while you are on their trainer getting the bike fit. I’ve always had new bikes but I started with a new bike from the actual bike shop instead of the grocery store bikes back in 2008 and eventually began long distance shortly thereafter. I have bought new bikes for all terrains and adventures over time so I have a nice collection that is well worth it for me because I absolutely love riding 😊. Good luck on your adventure 😀.
You can certainly do sprint tris on that bike as well as the Domane. The Trek 1000 is not a good choice for gravel, especially a 25 mile race – limited tire size likely 25mm max. That would not make for a pleasant 25 mile gravel race or ride. Think flats. Well maintained or not. I have 32mm tubeless on my Domane SL6 and ride country roads including some gravel sections. If I was going to race gravel on it, I’d consider going wider than 32mm. If the AL2 comes with 32mm tires, you certainly upgrade to a better 32mm tire. This will be ok for the road and then give it a go on the gravel. You’re going to have to compromise somewhere with one bike to race on the road and gravel.
I owned that exact Trek 1000. Not a good candidate to convert to gravel. The wheels aren’t that great, you will have tire clearance issues. Also weight wise having a triple up front. If I remember correctly the fork is also AL not Carbon so it will be uncomfortable on gravel. Go with the domane.
Really depends on your budget. I’m not sure id recommend that for a gravel race even if it’s on well maintained rural roads. Ive ridden 23 mm tires on chat and it’s not a fun experience. If your budget is low an old rigid frame mountain bike would be a solid answer. Something like an old rock hopper or a multi track would be nice. I’ve heard decent things about the Walmart gravel bike which is around 230ish, but that might need a friend with some wrench experience to make sure it’s correctly put together.
If you have 500 to a thousand you can do really well with one of the Poseidon gravel bikes. I’m sorta dreaming of the ambition x. Over a grand there’s a ton of great options.
I think go with this for the sprint and road riding, and another $100-200 hybrid / mtb for gravel. When you have an idea what you really like, THEN spend $1k+ on a new bike. As in, like road more? Gravel more? Legitimately both? If you decide you really prefer road, you can get a true road bike, or vice versa.