Found this 2007-2009 Cervelo R3 listed for $800, but was able to get a counteroffer down to $600.
From the seller:
-Size: 48cm
-Wheel:700cc
-Carbon Fiber frame
-Full Dura Ace group
-Carbon fiber handlebars and seat post
-Mavic Ksyrium wheel set
-Super light, about 15 pounds
Questions:
Will this fit me? I'm 5'5"
Will this Dura-Ace groupset still manage well? I can't tell which gen, but I'm assuming they're originals.
Is the bike worth $600? I'm located in Orange County, CA.
I plan to ride on pavement and bike paths alongside the rivers. Don't plan to race or join competitions. Just want to go the distance to stay healthy in preparation for deployments. I don't need all the bells and whistles of a new bike, but would like for a bike that will last me at least 10 years with standard yearly maintenance. Just can't afford a brand new bike right now.
Another option would be to save up for a higher-end Motorbecane from BikesDirect?
I've been eyeing these:
– AERO Road PRO: $1800 (AluFrame, Carbon Fork, Mostly all 105[R7000] groupset, Ultegra[R8000] Rear Derailleur, Disk Brakes)
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/disc-brake-roadbikes/fast-aero-road-pro-discbrake-bike.htm
– Immortal PRO: $1600 (Full Carbon, Ultegra [R8000] groupset, Caliper brakes)
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/carbon-road-bikes/carbon-road-bikes-immortal-pro-dt-swiss-upgrade.htm
– Century PRO: $1476 (Full Carbon,105 [R7000] groupset, Disk Brakes, Tubeless Wheelset [is that good or bad?])
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/disc-brake-roadbikes/centurypro-discbrake-roadbike-xx.htm
Thank you for your time!
by AcSeann
3 Comments
If youre good with that tire width and your local roads are smooth enough for it to not be an issue… and if that era/team means something to you…. thats a pretty solid price for the weight/performance…
I’ll add though that this is a performance bike so the geometry and ride are focused on speed, not comfort… like, at all.
If you are looking to spin in comfort and stack some miles on pathways and roads, you might want to look at some other options that are a steel frame with 35mm or better for tire clearance.
If you’re 5.5 and this is a size 48. I think it would be too small for you. I’d pass. Good deal at 600? If it was your size then maybe. You’re prob a 52-53cm. If the frame is still in good shape and the components aren’t worn out (chain, chainrings, cassette, BB bearings, wheel bearings, headset bearings, derailure bent?,…. ). Trying to find NOS parts for these bikes are a challenge if you don’t know what you’re looking for and or aren’t patient or else you will have a bike shop charge you an arm and a leg. This bike is also a race bike with race geometry. If your just looking for casual and general fitness’s purposes I’d just get something like a State 4130 all road. Something 1x and something a little more comfortable and easier to get used to for riding between deployments. GL.
Externally routed DA shifters date the bike to the mid ’00s and mean that it is 10 speed DA. I don’t like it at that price. People put too much stock on DA parts. 105/Ultegra is a lot better value. When DA these parts wear out you either need to find used/new old stock DA parts $$$ or downgrade with 10 speed Tiagra/Cues parts $.
Not a huge fan of Bikesdirect, they build bikes with older parts and then compare them to current products from the big brands. For example the first bike you linked they are comparing to a Specialized Allez Sprint. Which has 105 12 speed and a full set of Shimano components. The Bikesdirect bike is using 3-5 year old Shimano parts plus some FSA parts to build up an 11 speed bike that is similar but not directly comparable to what Specialized makes. There is also the bit of final assembly that the buyer needs to do. If you get over your head and have a shop do it then you are looking at another $100-200 added to the price.