Hi all! I'm a new rider and looking for a new or used road bike.
For new bikes, i'm considering the Triban RC100 or RC120 at $390/$780 CAD respectively. I also want to consider good condition second hand bikes like this Marinoni I found on marketplace. It is size 53 CM. I am 5'6 which I think means the size fits.
Should I go with this used bike or go for one of the Triban models?
by olive-martinis
8 Comments
Do you want an old bike that likely needs maintenance or a new bike that doesnt? Tribans are fine. If you arent comfortable with maintenance, get the new bike.
That Marinoni is going to be a significantly nicer bike than any triban. If it’s in decent shape I wouldn’t think twice about it.
For context, many of their bikes are hand made in Canada which is kinda rare these days. I don’t know if that specific model is but you could look it up on their website pretty easily.
Edit: looks like the Leggero model may have even been built by Guiseppe Marinoni in Quebec himself. I’d buy that bike dude.
Triban. Peace of mind and probably more comfortable
I agree. I have a few older nice bikes including a Marinoni, but the frame design and new components on a new bike are much more user friendly.
I have a custom Marinoni I got in the late late 90’s.
Still adore it. It’s red with champagne and chrome trim.
It’s sized for me and I feel like a champ grinding up a hill.
Even though I dork out over it.
There’s my technical review.
If you aren’t comfortable with bike wrenching yourself, that Marinoni is worth taking to a bike shop and having them do a full tuneup on, even if it’s expensive. This is kind of like trying to choose between a brand new Toyota Corolla and a really cool older sports car that might need some work. The Triban will work perfectly fine, but it isn’t nearly as interesting as this Marinoni.
If you are factoring a tune up into your budget – putting you up near the $800 cad mark – I think there are probably better used options popping up on Marketplace. Even if you are set on a older road bike, there would be options with better components/in better shape. The rust on the one you shared alone would indicate to me that it probably needs work… I would look for something like a Kona Jake or a Specialized Tricross – something with more modern tire clearance. Will be more comfortable.
I’m 5’7 and 53cm bikes are universally too big for me, so make sure it fits first… BUT that used bike is sick and way better value. If it fits you should buy it.