2nd hand Cannondale or new Giant?

birnie

Hey guys/gals,

Been looking around and getting as muchinfo as possible before making the 1st purchase. I'd be happy with a 2004 Giant OCR3 whcih i can pickup for $900. But i've also found a 2nd hand 1997 Cannondale Caad3 for $800. These seem to be pretty good and the condition looks very good.
Which would be the better buy?

Any info appreciated..thanks.
Birnie

niwatori

mmm... cannondale. cannondale are bloody good at making light weight bikes. just flick your fingernail into the top bar of the metal frame and listen...
bel
-------------
if it doesn't have wheels, it's broken

niwatori

gruppo

Since this is your first bike, I would go with the Giant from your local dealer. That way you get the warranty and the support, service, and fitting (very important).

Now, if the Cannondale is also from a dealer who will provide those same things, then the decision is harder, but I would still opt for new in this case.

__________________
Visit The VeloPages
Find the cycling gear you want fast. FREE. No ads!

birnie

Quick update, it's a 1998 and yes it is red

niwatori

sweet. if you don't want it, i'll have it (!)

i've owned 3 cannondales, one of which i rode into the ground in 5 months flat
(a lesser bike wouldn't have lasted that long). unfortunately, none were red.
they weigh nothing, they look good, they go fast.

that said, i like all bicycles;
and your local shop will look after you no matter where you bought the bike.
do what makes you happy.

bel
------------------
red or dead

Mrmonty

Your local BS might sell you the 04 OCR 3 for less than 900, i purchased one a few months back for $750 because they wanted to move last years stock before the 05 bikes were released.

Mr Burns

birnie

Wow!
Where was that from?

davidbln

We've been riding our Cannondales for a 5 or 6 years - bought them used in The States: I am still VERY happy with mine! I'm not a mountainbike expert, but its a great bike to ride.
...we just need to figure out how to get the bikes to Sydney and back without it costing us an arm and a leg!
-David

Mrmonty

Super elliots in adelaide, but if they have sold their remaining stock it obviously won't be as cheap. There was another shop closer and more friendly that had them advertised at 699 but I didn't have the funds at the time and they sold out.

The Dubliner

Whatever you choose though, remember that your purchase doesn't end there. You'll always be changing bits and pieces until the bike feels right. If this is your first racing bike, you'll love it to bits for a while, and eventually you'll work out what you'd really want in a bike.

The beauty about the Cannondale is that it is a great frame, and is the basis of a great bike. As long as it is straight and not too fatigued, you'd be much better off with it that the Giant.

I bought a second hand CAAD 3 a couple of years ago. I've changed the seatpost and that was it, a cracking good bike.