New bike - paralysis by analysis

[pgerstenfeld]

I am probably thinking about this too much, but I am trying to buy my first road bike. My goal is to ride in some local rallies (complete, not win) and next year ride in HH100. My two options are a 2010 Novara Strada (REI branded bike with a complete shimano 105 grupo) for $900 or a used 2004 Specialized Sequoia (standard, not elite so it has shimano sora/tiagra components) for $600. I am torn because the Strada has the better components, but the Specialized has the name and lower cost. The Specialized belongs to a friend so he is letting me try it out meaning there is not a huge hurry to decide, but I am leaning toward the Strada because in my test ride at the store it was very nice. What does everyone think?

 

[Dave67]

This would boil down to fit and ride. If you like the Novara Strada and it's in your price range, go for it. There is nothing better than a brand new bike. But the Specialized could be upgraded to 105 for the price difference. If you are getting it from REI the Scott S30 is a great bike along with the CAAD8 6 if you want a triple.

 

[pgerstenfeld]

Thank you for the feedback. I have not ridden the specialized yet. Its been raining since I picked it up I guess once it clears up, I'll try it out and see how I like it compared to the Novara