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Need help choosing between 2 bikes

Started by trainercb · · Last activity · 9 posts · 1,523 views

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01 / Original postNeed help choosing between 2 bikestrainercb · 12 Sep 2012 02 / This pagePosts 1–9Page 1 of 1 · chronological order 03 / Latest replyPost #9frisbie17 · 16 Sep 2012

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Original section
Road Cycling
Published
12 September 2012
Last activity
16 September 2012
Original author
trainercb
Posts
9
Discussion status
Public discussion
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1,523
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0
Topics
Aluminium framesBike fitDowntube shifters

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  1. Original post
    trainercb
    Archived post
    #1

    [IMG]cyclingforums.com700[/IMG]

    I purchased a very mint condition Specialized Sirrus from the 90's for $125. Mechanically and cosmetically, the bike is fantastic.

    2 days ago, I purchased a near-mint 2010 Motobecane Vent Noir. Here are its specs:
    "Shimano Ultegra/105 Triple STI 27 Speed, TruVativ Touro Triple Crank, 7005 series Double Butted Aluminum Frame, Kinesis Carbon Fork, ProMax DualPull Brake Calipers, Ritchey AeroProDS Rim Wheelset, M-Wings Competition Bar, Stem and MicroAdjust Seatpost"

    I'm very new to cycling, so I don't really know what any of that means. I can say, that the short time I've been cycling I've absolutely fallen in love with the sport. I've went on 3 cycling rides so for combined 50 miles.

    I only paid $350 for the Motobecane. My question is, should I just re-sell the Motobecane for higher and make money, or should I keep the Motobecane and sell the Specialized? To me, they both ride and feel exactly the same. I guess I'm too big of a newb to tell a difference, thats why I'm askign you guys to tell me if I got a good deal and need to hold on to the Motobecane?

    A few of my friends told me to keep the Motobecane simply for the fact to get away from the downtube shifters that are on the Specialized. Then I;ve had some people say hold on to the Specialized Sirrus because its a rare bike.

    Input would be HIGHLY appreciated. Here is a picture of the Motobecane:

    [IMG]cyclingforums.com700[/IMG]

    The photo at the top is of the Specialized when I bought it and it was covered in dust. It is actually in great shape and was cleared as "being in perfect condition" from the LBS:

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  2. trainercb
    Archived post
    #2

    bump...thoughts?

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  3. bw987
    Archived post
    #3

    Sell the specialized

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  4. trainercb
    Archived post
    #4

    any specific reason why?

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  5. Dave Pace
    Archived post
    #5

    Personally I would keep them both. The reason I say this is due to 1 can be your practice bike and the other can be your race bike. I would take the heaviest of the 2 and make that your trainer/practice bike. Just my 2 cents.

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  6. oldbobcat
    Archived post
    #6

    Even if the Motobecane is in excellent condition you won't get a lot more for it than what you paid for it. Both bikes are quite dated, but the Motobecane is going to lose more value over the years, while the value of the Sirrus has bottomed out. Dual control levers are nice, and if you really need the 3x9 drivetrain I'd keep the Motobecane. On the other hand, if you prefer to ride the Sirrus, I'd keep that one. Few sport riders die or lose high-stakes sprints because they were still using down-tube shifters. In a few years, when you might want to buy another new bike, the Motobecane will be really dated, while the Sirrus will simply be vintage.

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  7. trainercb
    Archived post
    #7

    so are you saying keep the Sirrus or Motobecane? And are you saying the downtube shifters are not good for racing? Because ultimately, I want to start getting into races.

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  8. alienator
    Archived post
    #8
    trainercb said:

    so are you saying keep the Sirrus or Motobecane? And are you saying the downtube shifters are not good for racing? Because ultimately, I want to start getting into races.

    He said neither, but he did offer reasons for why you might want to hang on to the Motobecane over the Sirrus. I'll agree with oldcougar (isn't that saying the same thing twice?). Dual control shifters--brifters--will be more convenient while racing than the down tube shifters, but you can certainly race with down tube shifters. It's not as if they're going to cost you a victory. Frankly I would keep the one that rides best, fits best, and does best what you need to have the bike do.

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  9. frisbie17
    Archived post
    #9

    You purchased one pretty cool vantage bike and one very entry level bike. Fit is the most important thing. Ride the one you like. Put some miles on them. If you keep with it and decide you want to race. Sell them both and invest in a newer more modern bike. Don't let this discourage you. A decent race bike these days can run anywhere between $4000 - $12000. So just be happy you have two nice bikes and get out and ride them.

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