Used trek 1.2 or new bike

connormi

Hi, Just looking for a bit of advice, am going to buy first roadbike soon, willing to spend around 500. Am wondering is it better to buy a secondhand bike like trek 1.2 or giant, felt etc or buy a new entry level bike with carbon fork for around 500, like viking torino, Gt series 5, claud butler levante are all around 500 in local shop.
What are peoples opinion on a used trek 1.2 bike in comparision to above bikes.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/2011-VIKING-TORINO-MENS-ROAD-RACING-BIKE-RRP-499-99-/250914351798

macnab

I have a Trek 1.2 and I can vouch for it as being a good bike, well built and a solid ride. It has a mix of sora and tiagra components which are good but weigh a bit more than the more race oriented ultegra and dura-ace. In total my bike weighs about 9.5 kg's which is about 1kg lighter than the other bikes you mentioned. However the shimano 2300 components on the other bikes to my mind are budget items and so I would be inclined to avoid them. I would suggest a minimum of sora components.

codie

Providing its the right size this would be a good buy http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056556621.Otherwise I would definately go with the Trek 1.2.I had 2010 model and ya it is a good solid bike.

codie

Don't buy your first bike over the net .To buy a bike like the viking over the net you would want to know your stuff in relation to sizing and that.Be sure to get a bike that fits you .See it in the flesh first before you take the plunge.They are plenty of bike shops that stock 2nd hand and a massive amount of bikes for sale on Adverts.ie and other web sites.

Lumen

I'd get a used Trek 1.2.

AFAIK they have eyelets for mudguards and a rack, so make a great winter/commute bike should you end up buying something more bling.

bedirect

can you buy the trek on the cycle to work scheme ? should work out at 500 for a new one. like all bikes with usage you are going to replace cassettes, chaina,wheels etc, so look at these first. Look at a felt f95