is it ok to buy a new 2008 w/ the 2011 coming out?

Save the few hundred dollars and buy the 08.

More then OK, it's the best way to get a new bike cheaper. Technology has changed very little since 2008 so go for it and save cash. You might be able to talk the LBS down further or maybe have the LBS through in some accessories for the listed price because he may be more motivated then you think having an 08 taking up floor space. I would try to have some accessories thrown in worth maybe $100 retail which means maybe only $50 out of his pocket. Or maybe throw in 5 years worth of free tune-ups, then he's only out labor, if you do this get it in writing. I think he has room to negotiate from the listed price yet, you just have to find his sweet spot.

Over the summer we just purchased a new - 2007 cannondale synapse (With 105 groupset) for my wife from the LBS. They went out of their way to earn her business and made the bike fit her very well. (new stem, different handlebars, different seat, bike fit, etc) It is a great bike and she really likes it.

Since then I have purcahsed a 2007 bike off of e-bay (Scott CR-1 Pro - ultegra) and it has proven to be a very good purchased for us as well. There have been some updates to the groupsets recently but not all of the updates have been for the better. I know it has been said that the current 105 is equivelent to the last generation ultegra, but a friend of mine with a 2010 Trek 2100 (with 105 group) has ridden my scott and said the ultegra on it (last generation) shifts better than his 105. (just his opinion) also with the last generation when downshifting, you can jump 3 gears at a time rather than just 2 with the current generation.

Anyway - if it is the bike you want and it fits well, I would certainly purchase it and not look back.

Supposedly from another forum that the new 105 is junk. It appears that Shimano has made the 105 with cheaper parts now perhaps trying to force people to buy or upgrade to either Ultegra or Dura Ace.

My wife wants a new road bike, she does triathlons, but is looking for a versatile road bike. We found a new but [COLOR= #ff0000]2008 Trek Madone 5.1[/COLOR], Complete Ultegra for what looks like a great price. Is it stupid to buy a 3 yr old bike? I have heard Ultegra made changes in the last 1 or 2 yrs, does this matter?

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FWIW. IMO, a NOS [COLOR= #ff0000]2008[/COLOR] bike should cost only about 50% of MSRP ...

A NOS 2009 bike should probably cost about 55%-to-60% MSRP ...

A 2010 ([COLOR= #808080]this is currently LAST YEAR'S MODEL[/COLOR]) should be about 35%-to-40% off of MSRP.

BTW. I wouldn't worry about the cosmetics of the 2011 Ultegra shifters/crank vs. the cosmetics of the 2008 Ultegra shifters/crank ... in fact, I would avoid the most recent Ultegra & DA cranks because replacement chainrings will be extraordinarily expensive.

If you are worried about cosmetics, then switch the Shimano shifters for some non-QS Campagnolo shifters.


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