Requesting Guidance-New to Cycling World
acceptance.great
Posts: 3
Super green to the cycling world and I am shopping a road bike. Any advice you can provide based the following would be much appreciated:
Area: Northeast-Boston-NH,VT,ME.
Use: Light city riding, commuting, and long distance.
Budget: $5K
Frames being considered: Colnago, Bianchi, Look.
Recent Experience in shopping:
I worked with ATA Cycle-Concord, MA for my first fit. They are known for their innovative practice in bike fitting and the experience was quite nice. I worked with the Owner Husam and he was very kind and knowledgeable. He asked the questions, took measurements, fitted shoes, and had me cycle for about 12 minutes on the fit bike to yield results. We explored frames based on my initial stated budget of $4K and he told me it would be difficult, but that he would make it work, if I were to continue sending new customers his way. We explored a Storck Frame, but I was not too keen on the look. I spotted the Colnagos and told him that I was attracted to the style. He showed me an 07-08' Colnago Extreme power frame and said frame alone is $5K, fork is $2K, ect., but that he could build a complete bike with Ultegra group and Fizik everything else from this frame for $5K.
He then proceeded to write up the estimate and was ready to accept payment. I told him I needed time to think about it, so he entered the build specs to show that without his friendly discount, the normal cost is $7,500K, but that with his discount it would be $5,200 with tax.
Whenever I am offered a discount coming in as a new buyer with little knowledge, I feel apprehensive and operate with caution.
From what I can see the average cost of the Colnago Extreme Power frame he presented is $2,600
ATA Cycle: http://atacycle.com/fit-lab-bike-fitting/
Fit Results: https://showcase.dropbox.com/doc/Bike-fit--AMbAVyAfZgnLLCeVxc_xCSq9AQ-Ewp1n3dAw1gnn5jEXw8v9
Colnago Frame presented a bike fit: https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-NOS-COLNAGO-EXTREME-POWER-C50-FULL-CARBON-ROAD-BIKE-FRAME-SET-52S-56CM/273171911035?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Da9fee5aefd1944b3b1d031bb2a88cb40%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D173522396977%26itm%3D273171911035&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3Aacbaf809-b4fd-11e8-a883-74dbd180c7c2%7Cparentrq%3Ac3ad160a1650aad9055a9262fffc0770%7Ciid%3A1
Other Bikes being considered:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2017-Bianchi-Specialissima-SRAM-eTap-Zipp-303-wheelset-55cm/173522396977?epid=14023509960&hash=item2866bda731:g:7k0AAOSwmaVbk06u
Bianchi Infinito CV
Look 765 Optimum RD
All the best
,
Joshua
Area: Northeast-Boston-NH,VT,ME.
Use: Light city riding, commuting, and long distance.
Budget: $5K
Frames being considered: Colnago, Bianchi, Look.
Recent Experience in shopping:
I worked with ATA Cycle-Concord, MA for my first fit. They are known for their innovative practice in bike fitting and the experience was quite nice. I worked with the Owner Husam and he was very kind and knowledgeable. He asked the questions, took measurements, fitted shoes, and had me cycle for about 12 minutes on the fit bike to yield results. We explored frames based on my initial stated budget of $4K and he told me it would be difficult, but that he would make it work, if I were to continue sending new customers his way. We explored a Storck Frame, but I was not too keen on the look. I spotted the Colnagos and told him that I was attracted to the style. He showed me an 07-08' Colnago Extreme power frame and said frame alone is $5K, fork is $2K, ect., but that he could build a complete bike with Ultegra group and Fizik everything else from this frame for $5K.
He then proceeded to write up the estimate and was ready to accept payment. I told him I needed time to think about it, so he entered the build specs to show that without his friendly discount, the normal cost is $7,500K, but that with his discount it would be $5,200 with tax.
Whenever I am offered a discount coming in as a new buyer with little knowledge, I feel apprehensive and operate with caution.
From what I can see the average cost of the Colnago Extreme Power frame he presented is $2,600
ATA Cycle: http://atacycle.com/fit-lab-bike-fitting/
Fit Results: https://showcase.dropbox.com/doc/Bike-fit--AMbAVyAfZgnLLCeVxc_xCSq9AQ-Ewp1n3dAw1gnn5jEXw8v9
Colnago Frame presented a bike fit: https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-NOS-COLNAGO-EXTREME-POWER-C50-FULL-CARBON-ROAD-BIKE-FRAME-SET-52S-56CM/273171911035?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Da9fee5aefd1944b3b1d031bb2a88cb40%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D173522396977%26itm%3D273171911035&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3Aacbaf809-b4fd-11e8-a883-74dbd180c7c2%7Cparentrq%3Ac3ad160a1650aad9055a9262fffc0770%7Ciid%3A1
Other Bikes being considered:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2017-Bianchi-Specialissima-SRAM-eTap-Zipp-303-wheelset-55cm/173522396977?epid=14023509960&hash=item2866bda731:g:7k0AAOSwmaVbk06u
Bianchi Infinito CV
Look 765 Optimum RD
All the best
,Joshua
0
Comments
-
That’s a lot of money for a secondhand bike.0
-
Whut? That's a "classic" (in other words, old) frame. You can buy a fully built-up Extreme Power for $3250 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Colnago-Extr ... SwaGBbkSXn) with the correct period components. But why would you? You said you were looking for a road bike. So buy a new road bike. If you can afford $5k, you've got very wide choice.
First, though, I'd be telling Husam exactly which short pier he should go to for his very long walk. You can buy a brand new Colnago C64 (their current top-end race bike) frame and fork for less than the $7k he told you the EP F&F was "worth", FFS. He's either on drugs or saw you coming a mile off.0 -
You mention doing city riding and commuting. I suspect you won’t be doing much of that between November and March round Boston and you certainly wouldn’t want to risk it on a five grand bike.0
-
acceptance.great wrote:Super green to the cycling world and I am shopping a road bike. Any advice you can provide based the following would be much appreciated:
Area: Northeast-Boston-NH,VT,ME.
Use: Light city riding, commuting, and long distance.
Budget: $5K
Frames being considered: Colnago, Bianchi, Look.
Recent Experience in shopping:
I worked with ATA Cycle-Concord, MA for my first fit. They are known for their innovative practice in bike fitting and the experience was quite nice. I worked with the Owner Husam and he was very kind and knowledgeable. He asked the questions, took measurements, fitted shoes, and had me cycle for about 12 minutes on the fit bike to yield results. We explored frames based on my initial stated budget of $4K and he told me it would be difficult, but that he would make it work, if I were to continue sending new customers his way. We explored a Storck Frame, but I was not too keen on the look. I spotted the Colnagos and told him that I was attracted to the style. He showed me an 07-08' Colnago Extreme power frame and said frame alone is $5K, fork is $2K, ect., but that he could build a complete bike with Ultegra group and Fizik everything else from this frame for $5K.
He then proceeded to write up the estimate and was ready to accept payment. I told him I needed time to think about it, so he entered the build specs to show that without his friendly discount, the normal cost is $7,500K, but that with his discount it would be $5,200 with tax.
Whenever I am offered a discount coming in as a new buyer with little knowledge, I feel apprehensive and operate with caution.
From what I can see the average cost of the Colnago Extreme Power frame he presented is $2,600
ATA Cycle: http://atacycle.com/fit-lab-bike-fitting/
Fit Results: https://showcase.dropbox.com/doc/Bike-fit--AMbAVyAfZgnLLCeVxc_xCSq9AQ-Ewp1n3dAw1gnn5jEXw8v9
Colnago Frame presented a bike fit: https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-NOS-COLNAGO-EXTREME-POWER-C50-FULL-CARBON-ROAD-BIKE-FRAME-SET-52S-56CM/273171911035?_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20160908105057%26meid%3Da9fee5aefd1944b3b1d031bb2a88cb40%26pid%3D100675%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D15%26sd%3D173522396977%26itm%3D273171911035&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci%3Aacbaf809-b4fd-11e8-a883-74dbd180c7c2%7Cparentrq%3Ac3ad160a1650aad9055a9262fffc0770%7Ciid%3A1
Other Bikes being considered:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2017-Bianchi-Specialissima-SRAM-eTap-Zipp-303-wheelset-55cm/173522396977?epid=14023509960&hash=item2866bda731:g:7k0AAOSwmaVbk06u
Bianchi Infinito CV
Look 765 Optimum RD
All the best ,
Joshua
Sounds like a very dodgy character. No way a Colnago frame from 10 years ago would be worth that, even if it were NOS. Walk away (young? man) and go to a reputable shop and buy a new bike instead. He let you ride for a whole 12 minutes before deciding which bike you need which he just happened to have round the back. Lol, this guy knows how to exploit a newbie bike rider that's for sure. Also, you don't need to spend 5k for it to be a good bike, especially if it's your first one. How do you know you'll like riding? There's no way you'll get your money back if you don't.Frame 5k and fork 2k! He's taking the p**s as we say in the UK. He just wants to get rid of an old frame and sees you as the ideal person to get rid of it. Here's one for a lot less tan he quoted you. Frameset, not just the frame https://www.racycles.com/preseason-clea ... 0gQAvD_BwE0 -
Soooooooo. What did you do then? Can't keep us hanging like this!0
-
I kept you all hanging for a while. Work has been quite busy and I have not had the time to invest in shopping for a road bike.
I appreciate all the feedback and advice.
After speaking with Husam and reflecting on the experience, It seems that he is not trying to swindle me.
He explained that the Extreme power NOS that he has is brand new. The overall cost of the build is broken down below:
Husam
EXTREME POWER FRAME $ 2,500.00
R8000 ULTEGRA STI LEVER $ 251.00
R8000 ULTEGRA REAR DER $ 79.99
R8000 ULTEGRA FRONT DER $ 39.99
R8000 ULTEGRA CRANKSET $ 209.99
R8000 ULTEGRA BRAKE SET $ 110.00
CN-HG701 11S CHAIN $ 34.99
CYRANO HB BULL 00 $ 360.00
CYRANO STEM $ 108.00
DURA SOFT BAR TAPE $ 42.00
FIZIK ANTARES MANGANESE SEAT $ 113.00
AKSIUM ELITE WHEELSET $ 249.99
CONTINENTAL 4000 RS TIRESX2 $ 160.00
700X23 TUBES X2 $ 20.00
SHIMANO BB ITALIAN $ 44.44
CARBON SEAT POST $ 174.99
CHRIS KING HEADSET $ 150.99
PRO BUILD MECHANICAL $ 350.00
$ 4,999.37
Based on the little I have learned, this seems to be a potentially reasonable cost.
Please share your thoughts.
Cheers:)
JV0 -
I’ve not met your man Husam but my instincts tell me he’s a potential shyster. Go speak with some other shops in the area and see what they say. For the sort of money that you are looking to spend, you could even think about getting two bikes - one for commuting and a nicer one for your leisure time. It might be just my imagination but I have always thought that winter could be rougher on higher end components with an associated servicing and maintenance cost. Of course, that could just be that I don’t always give my bikes as much attention as I should post ride. Also, don’t forget that you will also need to budget for all the other kit that goes with cycling like clothes, lights and an endless list of other stuff.Cannondale Synapse Carbon Ultegra
Kinesis Racelight 4S
Specialized Allez Elite (Frame/Forks for sale)
Specialized Crosstrail Comp Disk (For sale)0 -
acceptance.great wrote:I kept you all hanging for a while. Work has been quite busy and I have not had the time to invest in shopping for a road bike.
I appreciate all the feedback and advice.
After speaking with Husam and reflecting on the experience, It seems that he is not trying to swindle me.
He explained that the Extreme power NOS that he has is brand new. The overall cost of the build is broken down below:
Husam
EXTREME POWER FRAME $ 2,500.00
R8000 ULTEGRA STI LEVER $ 251.00
R8000 ULTEGRA REAR DER $ 79.99
R8000 ULTEGRA FRONT DER $ 39.99
R8000 ULTEGRA CRANKSET $ 209.99
R8000 ULTEGRA BRAKE SET $ 110.00
CN-HG701 11S CHAIN $ 34.99
CYRANO HB BULL 00 $ 360.00
CYRANO STEM $ 108.00
DURA SOFT BAR TAPE $ 42.00
FIZIK ANTARES MANGANESE SEAT $ 113.00
AKSIUM ELITE WHEELSET $ 249.99
CONTINENTAL 4000 RS TIRESX2 $ 160.00
700X23 TUBES X2 $ 20.00
SHIMANO BB ITALIAN $ 44.44
CARBON SEAT POST $ 174.99
CHRIS KING HEADSET $ 150.99
PRO BUILD MECHANICAL $ 350.00
$ 4,999.37
Based on the little I have learned, this seems to be a potentially reasonable cost.
Please share your thoughts.
Cheers:)
JV
He's pricing it like a new bike which it isn't. The frame is 8-10 years old NOS or not. Colnago have done quite a few versions since this one. He's asking 5k for a build he's put together himself as he had a frame kicking around and wants to be rid of. If you want to drop 5k on a 10 year old frame then go ahead.0 -
By the way, the components are overpriced too. If you really want it you'd be better off buying the frame and building it yourself. $80 each for tyres?! $20 for inner tubes?!0
-
Who puts Aksium's on a Colnago!?0
-
A $5,000 new bike would come with far better wheels than Aksium's, let alone a second hand one!
You are being ripped off, no 10 year old frame is worth $2,500.
My advice, buy a $1,000 bike first to see if you like road cycling. Something robust that will work well in the forthcoming winter. In my opinion it's mad to be spending so much on a first road bike, you may not enjoy road cycling and you'll struggle to sell that bike for half of what you paid for it.
Keep the $4,000 somewhere safe and if by next spring you decide that you enjoy road cycling use it to buy a great bike, but not from this crook.0 -
Look at a Cannondale CAAD12. It’s all you’ll ever need and you’d get one for under half the budget with ultegra.0
-
Craigus89 wrote:Who puts Aksium's on a Colnago!?
Precisely. A 5k bike with bog-standard wheels. I know the OP wants to trust the bike shop owner but he's pulling your Pants down as we say in the UK 0 -
I won't comment on the dealer you are working with, since everyone else has already done so!
I agree that you should get a new bike, but if you are really new to cycling do you want to jump in with a $5K bike? It's a bit like a new car in that it loses retail value the minute you roll out of the shop. I started a few years back with a Madone (aluminum frame, carbon forks) for about $1600, Shimano 105s, and some heavy wheels. I recommend you do the same but pony up some extra cash for good wheels (taking you up to about half of your budget). I ended up selling the bike eight months later and trading up for a full carbon Emonda SL6 - but I didn't regret starting with the cheaper Madone.
Second, (and please someone correct me if I am wrong) no one commutes on a $5K bike, esp in the NE with its road salt, ice, etc. That's a different bike. Spend another $1K on a good commuter/gravel/urban bike. And you still have $1500 left over.
BTW - I came across this thread b/c I sold the Emonda and looking at buying a Specialissima! And I won't be commuting with it.0
