Old carbon vs new aluminium?

mcjolley
mcjolley Posts: 2
edited December 2014 in Road beginners
I want to start road cycling, I have a lot of experience with mtb but very little with road bikes. If i was going to spend around £300 on a road bike would i be better off spending it on something like and second hand Orbea Onix full carbon with shimano 105 groupset that is 8 years old or on a second hand 2010 onwards aluminium framed bike with carbon forks(like a Btwin triban)? Just looking for any advice/reccomdations thanks

Comments

  • keezx
    keezx Posts: 1,323
    Depends on the technical condition of the older bike.
    You may have to spend a substantial amount to bring it in good condition and still have an older bike.
    Besides that, the frame material isn't really important at start.
    Good fit and building up experience is.
  • simon_masterson
    simon_masterson Posts: 2,740
    Carbon fibre is not magic. It's just a material.

    But in principle I would agree with buying good old over not-so-good new - I do this myself (I just go for 20 year old kit). The potential pitfall is what you can end up with if you don't know what you're buying.
    Retro(ish) TT 2017-
    Fixed TT 2015-2016
  • iron-clover
    iron-clover Posts: 737
    Out of those two options, I would go for the Orbea as if you can get a carbon Orbea frame with 105 for £300 and it's still in reasonable condition (frame not cracked) then it would be a total bargain. That's if it fits of course, otherwise it's just a worthless chunk of plastic and metal.
    Although Btwin do make decent value bikes, as far as I understand they aren't exactly outstanding frames.

    If your choice was between the Orbea and say a 105 equipped Caad 10 or Ultimate Al then it would be a harder question.
  • nochekmate
    nochekmate Posts: 3,460
    iron-clover wrote:
    If your choice was between the Orbea and say a 105 equipped Caad 10 or Ultimate Al then it would be a harder question.

    ... but then the CAAD10 or Ultimate AL would not be available at £300.

    If the Orbea Onix frameset is in good condition and the 105 components not completely worn out then £300 is not much to pay for such a bike. VGC secondhand always takes my money over new - significantly more bike for your money.
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    Which one fits you better ? What are their conditions ? A 2010 bike could be more worn out than a 2006 bike depending on who has had it and how they rode/maintained it.
  • Jeezus
    Jeezus Posts: 9
    I suppose if you liken it to buying a car, would you buy something nice which is a couple of years old or a spanking shiney new Dacia Sandero.
    Admitedly, some people will go and buy a new Dacia, but it makes no sense.
  • cadseen
    cadseen Posts: 170
    Do you plan just social rides, commuting or possibly even racing.

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