eBay (UK) second hand bike purchase for £900?

[TImeMachine]

Hi all

I'm looking to buy a second hand bike from eBay that will provide an upgrade summer bike from my Cube Peloton Race 2014 that I've been using in winter.

I am not too fussed right now about buying a brand new bike and therefore looking to the second hand market for a deal if I can find one, purpose of the new bike will be:

1. Ride in the Alps in Summer (obviously lots of climbs / descents)

2. Maybe the odd crit

3. Summer training bike

I'm not ruling out Alu but carbon would be nice, basically looking for the best bike I can get for my budget with the most upgrade potential for a reasonably light weight and aggressive build - options I have found (some of these are old bikes I realize that but that doesn't bother me so long as it fits the above requirements and provides an upgrade over what I already have):

1. Trek Madone 5.2 Ultegra - Carbon

2. Trek Madone 2.1 Ultegra - Alu

3. Trek Madone 5.9 - Carbon (the only bike to blow my budget, but I do like it)

4. Giant TCR Composite 2 - 2013 - Carbon

5. Specialized Tarmac Sport SL4 (2013-2014) - Carbon

6. Felt Z6 - Carbon

7. LOOK 585 Pro Team Carbon - This is I believe an oldish bike (2003-2005??) but it such a nice looking frame and the old reviews all gave it top marks

I have also been looking for a decent Allez frame but all I can find is the Allez Sport. Anyway, any suggestions? I'm not interested in a brand new frame right now I'm looking to see what the best bang for my budget I can get (even if it means an awesome frame but poor components to start off but with maximum upgrade potential for a low weight platform).

Any comments on the above list?

Thanks

[OrPe]

of these - i would get the Look.

super balanced ride. smooth, agile, fast, comfy, ... you name it.

you can read a bit here - http://forums.roadbikereview.com/look/l ... 91773.html.

[TImeMachine]

Thanks for the feedback and link, very interesting reading, sounds like a great bike from the owners on there. Still keen to keep my options open, I really want to enjoy the journey that so many have on here of building up a bike with lightweight parts, therefore maybe I could look for a frame with that budget as opposed to a complete bike?

[jekyll man]

http://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/scott- ... 13-p213658


Good enough place to start, plenty light enough and also pretty stiff.
Maybe there's 1 that fits you

[TImeMachine]

Good link I did not know of that site! but unfortunately there is not one frame that fits

So I've narrowed it down with a boost in budget to the following, what would your pick be?

1. 2011 Canyon Ultimate CF 9.0 PRO (Campag Chorus Groupset) - bought new end of 2013

2. LOOK 585 Pro Team Carbon as above, looks immaculate, shimano ultegra and Mavic Ksyrium ES

3. 2014 Giant TCR Advanced

4. Scott Addict R1 - SRAM Red 2008

5. Specialized Tarmac S-Works SL2 - Ultegra 2009

What do you guys think? I tried so hard to find a Scott Foil 15 / 20, but I could not find one in my size, gutted as I love that bike.

Anyway - tough decision, between the Canyon and Scott?? would appreciate any opinions, looking for an aggressive upgrade from my current bike which will give me the best performance / platform for my money - I know the above are 2nd hand not the newest frames out there but would still appreciate opinions.

Thanks guys

[phollingswo]

Just to throw an alternative out there...do you have a race license?

Can get a Canyon Ultimate CF SL frameset, brand new, for £799 through their sponsorship programme (all you need to do is send your BC details when you order)

I'm just building a new race bike and went through this route to keep the cost down!

[sawyer]

I would buy a new bike - it's all safety critical. You want to know what it's been through. S/H from a trusted source is fine. From a stranger - a lottery.