OP here – Not sure how to post text and pictures, so here is the text;
I am buying my first real road bike (have an old one for commuting) and have found the bike in the picture. After checking things online I think the frame is from 2010-2012 and the wheel set is at least 5 years old. Bike has complete campagnolo athena 11 group and is supposedly in mint condition.
Since this will be my 1st real road bike, I dont want to invest additionaly after the purchase for at least 1 year or so. It needs to be reliable.
Many posts on reddit suggest not buying used carbon bikes, especially used carbon rim brake wheels. What are the issues here? Age? Wear from rim brakes?
Another question I have is about the frame where the seat goes, can this be cut down to lower the seat? I have not seen a frame like this before.
I will probably go see the bike in person this weekend – what should I be looking for, and what should I check before deciding to buy or to skip the bike?
Price is around 1000$ perhaps I could get it for 800$, would that be a good price?
AEMNW on
That almost certainly a fake derosa. It’s probably fine though
carcusmonnor on
I have a real soft spot for De Rosa but honestly I would look at something that would allow you to future proof yourself. For myself I would be looking for something that would at least allow for disk brakes. Thats my personal take, it might not be for you.
Also I recently switched back to a steel frame after using a carbon frame for 10 years and its so nice to be back on brommie steel. If I could, I would go to titanium.
everydayiscyclingday on
I would not buy a bike with an integrated seatpost like that (used or new) unless I had just had a professional bike fit done that confirmed it was the right size. You should definitely not cut the frame to lower the seatpost more than intended from the manufacturer.
Filthy_Filio on
This bike is looking dope and it’s in pristine condition, so i wouldn’t be too concerned about “old carbon”.
No you can’t just cut down the seattube, you have to make sure it’s your size.
But the biggest issue here, is that by spending a bit more you could get a modern road bike with bigger tire clearance, disc brakes and thruaxles.
ValidGarry on
You’ll never be able to put wider tires on the bike so it will always be less comfortable than a more modern bike. The mast seatpost makes for a very specific fit. It’s something that very few top end bikes have/had and never went mainstream because of the lack of adjustability. The gear ratios are probably “big and hard” without low gears on the bike. That makes it bad for climbing. If you aren’t a strong hill climber you’d probably want to change out the cassette and maybe the front rings adding further costs.
It’s an older bike with older design features and older components. Since you’re fairly new to bikes I’d not recommend this and try. To point you at something more mainstream and easier to live with.
6 Comments
OP here – Not sure how to post text and pictures, so here is the text;
I am buying my first real road bike (have an old one for commuting) and have found the bike in the picture. After checking things online I think the frame is from 2010-2012 and the wheel set is at least 5 years old. Bike has complete campagnolo athena 11 group and is supposedly in mint condition.
Since this will be my 1st real road bike, I dont want to invest additionaly after the purchase for at least 1 year or so. It needs to be reliable.
Many posts on reddit suggest not buying used carbon bikes, especially used carbon rim brake wheels. What are the issues here? Age? Wear from rim brakes?
Another question I have is about the frame where the seat goes, can this be cut down to lower the seat? I have not seen a frame like this before.
I will probably go see the bike in person this weekend – what should I be looking for, and what should I check before deciding to buy or to skip the bike?
Price is around 1000$ perhaps I could get it for 800$, would that be a good price?
That almost certainly a fake derosa. It’s probably fine though
I have a real soft spot for De Rosa but honestly I would look at something that would allow you to future proof yourself. For myself I would be looking for something that would at least allow for disk brakes. Thats my personal take, it might not be for you.
Also I recently switched back to a steel frame after using a carbon frame for 10 years and its so nice to be back on brommie steel. If I could, I would go to titanium.
I would not buy a bike with an integrated seatpost like that (used or new) unless I had just had a professional bike fit done that confirmed it was the right size. You should definitely not cut the frame to lower the seatpost more than intended from the manufacturer.
This bike is looking dope and it’s in pristine condition, so i wouldn’t be too concerned about “old carbon”.
No you can’t just cut down the seattube, you have to make sure it’s your size.
But the biggest issue here, is that by spending a bit more you could get a modern road bike with bigger tire clearance, disc brakes and thruaxles.
You’ll never be able to put wider tires on the bike so it will always be less comfortable than a more modern bike. The mast seatpost makes for a very specific fit. It’s something that very few top end bikes have/had and never went mainstream because of the lack of adjustability. The gear ratios are probably “big and hard” without low gears on the bike. That makes it bad for climbing. If you aren’t a strong hill climber you’d probably want to change out the cassette and maybe the front rings adding further costs.
It’s an older bike with older design features and older components. Since you’re fairly new to bikes I’d not recommend this and try. To point you at something more mainstream and easier to live with.