Hello! I'm looking for my first road bike for training for an ironman and for the race itself. Also looking at using it for longer recreational bike rides (100+mile rides) and shorter triathlons.
In between (I believe the links/pics show the exact same components from the bikes I'm looking at):
- 2009 Cannondale Roubaix Expert Not sure of the specific year, but this looks exactly like the bike I'd be able to buy from a friend for $300 (maybe it's newer, but assuming it's this one). It's in good condition and barely ridden: https://www.specialized.com/gb/en/roubaix-expert/p/22412?color=31381-22412
- Ultegra components
- 2009 Jamis Xenith ($600 locally) https://ibb.co/YvNQdbr Includes Marathon 28mm tires and bike computer.
- 105 components
- 2014 CAAD 10 105 ($650 locally) Image of what it looks like but not the specific bike here: http://i.imgur.com/JKDtVo4.jp Includes saddle bad and cateye computer.
- 105 components
I'm leaning towards the Cannondale since it's half the price and can use the extra cash for any upgrades and gear I'll need. Or should I not be entertaining older bikes and stretch my budget to buy something new since it has new tech and is reliable? https://www.cannondale.com/en-us/bikes/road/endurance/synapse/synapse-2
New to biking overall so not sure where the tradeoffs make sense. If I'm not racing for the podium, will I be okay with a cheaper option within my budget? Or will I be going that much faster on a brand new bike?
by MasterCaptainDolphin