New Trek 1500 or Second Hand 5000

HostBidder said:

I've been doing some cycling on a mountain bike for about a year now, and will buy my first road bike in the next month.

My local dealer has a one-year old Trek 5000 that he can sell me for about the same price as a new Trek 1500. The Trek 5000 is in reasonable condition but has a lot miles put on it by its previous owner.

I'd appreciate some opinions as to which bike is the better buy.

The 5000 probably has a 105 9 speed group and the 1500 a Tiagra group. Plus, the 5000 is an OVLV Carbon frame. Fer sure go for the 5000. Anything worn out or near worn out (rings, cassette, etc) is cheap to replace. So long as it has been checked out by the dealer and oases muster, I'd do that deal. Get him to toss on a new chain.

capwater said:

The 5000 probably has a 105 9 speed group and the 1500 a Tiagra group. Plus, the 5000 is an OVLV Carbon frame. Fer sure go for the 5000. Anything worn out or near worn out (rings, cassette, etc) is cheap to replace. So long as it has been checked out by the dealer and oases muster, I'd do that deal. Get him to toss on a new chain.

1500's are 105. I couldnt make the recommendation for you, as i havent ridden a 5000. Ride it and if ya like it, it is the better deal. new 5000's are ~$2k i believe.

The new 1500 has an Ultegra on the back and 105 on the front. It's not a bad bike, the big difference in the two is obviously the carbon frame. I would go with the 5000, and when you have put enough time into riding the road bike, and save up some cash, put better components on. You won't have to replace that frame, it's a great frame. So as you progress, you'll just have to upgrade small things here and there.

The heart and soul of any bike is the frame. The 1500 is an aluminum frame whereas the 5000 is carbon. Totally difference ride characteristics. Also, you need to define how many miles are on the one year old bike.

Depends on whether you want a CF frame or an alu. The former is usually more comfortable while the latter is more rigid... the rest of the stuff you can change when it wears out or if you do not like it!

Also, ensure that the used frame, if that is one that you like, is actually in good condition! And try to find out whether it was raced, for how long, how many kms it has.... the usual! 🙂