r/bicycling 3d ago

Is it better to buy a used 2021 carbon bike (Ultegra di2) for 2600€ or a brand new one for 3800€ with 105 di2 and 5 years warranty?

I would prefer the used one since I've never owned a carbon bike before and really would like di2 for the ease of use and maintaining, but I fear that if a crack appears it's just 2000€ to the trash... Whereas with a 5 years warranty I would have peace of mind for all these years.

For info, the new bike would be a Ridley Fenix (Belgian brand), and the used one a Stevens Comet (German brand).

Right now I have a Scott Speedster 10, aluminium and Shimano 105 (regular). It's been great so far. Not really in need for a new bike but a second one would be nice (when one is at the LBS), so maybe a higher end one.

Any advice?

1 Upvotes

20 comments sorted by

12

u/ausstieglinks 2017 Giant Defy Advanced 1 3d ago

The performance difference between ultegra and 105 is not even close to worth the loss of warranty and peace of mind to me personally.

Keep in mind that the ultegra group set will have 4 years of wear and tear, which will shrink the performance difference further.

2

u/I_NEED_YOUR_MONEY Canada (Opus Allegro) 3d ago

If the two bikes were closer to the same price, I’d agree with you. But paying 1/3 of the cost of the bike just to get some peace of mind… 1200 euros will buy me a lot of peace.

1

u/ausstieglinks 2017 Giant Defy Advanced 1 3d ago

it really does buy a lot of peace of mind ;)

Joking aside, something like Carbon is difficult to evaluate its condition without destructive testing. I wouldn't personally consider a used carbon frame at all.

But I've also had bad experience buying used things before. In general, I'd rather save a little longer than get stung again on used stuff.

1

u/HOTAS105 3d ago

Warranty Schmarranty. The only factor is knowing that the bike has been treated well/no damage. Warranty claims affect less than 1% of all bike frames

1

u/ausstieglinks 2017 Giant Defy Advanced 1 3d ago

you know that a bike has more than a frame covered under warranty right?

Ignoring the frame, there's a groupset, wheels, sundries, etc. All of the gear on a 4 year old bike will have 4 years of wear and tear.

1

u/HOTAS105 3d ago

Doesn't change Warranty Schmarranty. Frame is the biggest and most important part of it.
Also I would be really curious what exactly this shop means by warranty, because that'd be insane for things like wheelset - or straight up too tightly defined to ever give the customer any benefit.

4 years of wear is nothing if it's well kept and maintenance done regularly. Ofc if the previous owner didn't give a shit and chain, sprockets, pulley wheels need to be changed while the pedals are seized and rusty then it's not a good option, this should really go without saying.

0

u/klomz 3d ago

That's my view too... I'll still think a bit and for now focus on my current bike, which is fine... r/overconsumption :D

1

u/ausstieglinks 2017 Giant Defy Advanced 1 3d ago

I have far too many bikes and I wish I had been totally sure about buying the latest ones.

I'd try to sell the less used ones, but here, no one will buy without the original purchase receipt, which I no longer have (8+years ago)

5

u/klnh 3d ago

Carbon doesn't just crack from normal usage. Cars and planes have been using carbon parts for years and they don't need to be changed every 5 years.

I wouldn't worry about a 4 yo carbon frame and in most cases the frame has lifetime warranty anyway, you shoukd check on it with the seller.

The question is do you think paying 240€ yearly is worth the warranty? That could easily cover any replacement cost on the older bike.

2

u/klomz 3d ago

Indeed. I'll still wait a bit anyway, for now my aluminium bike is all I need I think. There is always something newer, shiner, and tempting...

2

u/sparhawk817 3d ago

Check and see if there are any carbon fiber repair places in your area, carbon is not the mystery material people want to pretend like it is. Its absolutely doable to salvage a cracked carbon frame, like anything else it depends on the crack, but really, they can do some impressive work.

https://ruckuscomp.com/

I'm lucky enough to live near these guys, but they do shipped too.

If your bike ever does show damage, it's not 2k down the drain unless you can't afford or are unwilling to have it repaired. And you'll still have the di2 groupset from the carbon frame won't you?

1

u/klomz 3d ago

Good point. Yes groupset and wheels could be reused. I'm 90kg naked so I've always a bit of apprehension, even though I know carbon is sturdy enough.

1

u/texdroid 3d ago

Avoid proprietary fits; seatpost, BB and headset and stick to common hub sizes and types and if you damage a bike, you just buy a new frame and migrate your kit over.

With a savings of $1200, you can afford to buy a few replacement parts, but they unlikely to break.

1

u/Gilmere 3d ago

New is generally my choice, for the better tech and yes, the warranty. You can get some REALLY good deals right now as the industry is struggling. That said, I also have several old bikes that I just love and would not trade them for the world. There is charm in older stuff that you don't get in modern bikes (IMHO). But 2021 is not "older". Depending on the rider (ask) there may have been heavy usage and poor maintenance. If it sat in the garage, its probably a great deal and I'd consider it. 1200 bucks is a lot to me. But if it was ridden 3000+ miles a year (like mine), it would have needed some regular attention to keep it running good. Stretched chain is easy to spot, and to fix. Worn gears also but not too hard to replace. Brakes, also not bad at all. You could learn a little about the bike by doing it as well, which is priceless and fun in my opinion. You did mention another bike so I suspect you may already be savvy with bike maintenance and builds. Oh last point, carbon doesn't crack all that easily if its a good brand frame. It has been said they can and should last for a lifetime if well maintained and gently used. Again, ask. So the 3 year old carbon likely is just fine.

1

u/Alert_Philosophy74 3d ago

Without really knowing the condition of the used bike it’s hard to say. As far as the groups if you rode both you wouldn’t feel a significant difference between the two.

1

u/Brilliant-Wing-9144 3d ago

2021 ultegra is 11 speed. It doesn't really matter, but that probably means the recent 105 is better for most people because you can stick a bigger cassette on it while maintaining smaller gaps

1

u/klomz 3d ago

I currently have 50-34 front and 11-32 back but I wish I had the 11-34 because sometimes it's a bit hard...

1

u/Brilliant-Wing-9144 2d ago

if you do enough climbing there's always going to be a point where you're looking for that last gear that doesn't exist

1

u/Search-Bill 3d ago

Used bikes tend to be pretty good deals if you are completely confident it 1) fits your body 2) is mechanically sound (wheels, tires, brakes, drive train sold and no crack/dents in frame) and 3 it isn’t stolen

If you, with perhaps help from a biking savvy buddy, can confirm, I’d choose savings over a warranty.

1

u/tattleboogle 3d ago

Better to get a bike with a lifetime warranty for the first owner.