Trek 1200 vs Giant SCR 2 (battle of the 2nd hand rides)
Discussion
Looking at a used purchase to get into road riding.
Have done a little research & have found limited info thus far. The Trek is lighter? (possibly) It's dark blue (maybe 06?).
SCR 2 has tiagra/sora mix + upgrade wheels (shimano)
They've probably got a lot of miles on them but, which one would you go for?
Thanks
Have done a little research & have found limited info thus far. The Trek is lighter? (possibly) It's dark blue (maybe 06?).
SCR 2 has tiagra/sora mix + upgrade wheels (shimano)
They've probably got a lot of miles on them but, which one would you go for?
Thanks
For me, from the two you mention, it would be the Giant. I had the use of an SCR3 for a year, for free, through work. It was such a revelation in terms of being better in almost every way than my old steel framed Falcon, that it prompted me to buy a 'modern' roadie myself. I ended up with a Merida, but that was more to do with the service being better at the shop where I bought it than the service at the local Giant stockist.
The SCR I rode was on 'stock' wheels and had received no upgrades, and it was faultlessly reliable, and pretty robust. It was heavier than ideal, but I couldn't complain as I was riding it for free, and it was significantly lighter than my '90s Falcon. It was also a very comfortable ride, good for many hours in the saddle, and fitted me very well. I'd have kept hold of it if I'd been allowed, and if I got the opportunity to buy, I'd nab a used one tomorrow ready for 'winter duties'.
To temper that review, I have to say that my only experience of the Trek brand was with a 1 series in a shop, where it was 'sized' and adjusted by eye, and I got some turbo time on it and a few laps 'around the block'. There was nothing 'wrong' with the bike, but me and it just didn't 'click'. Something about the geometry or the sizing just didn't feel right, so I discounted Trek from my quest, and looked at other brands.
Before you go headlong into it, limiting your choice to just two brands/models might not be best in terms of Value For Money. Have you had a look for any of the less 'established' brands? Sometimes they are just as good, or even better than the 'big boys' for the same money. They just don't hold onto their used value as well, because they don't have the same brand awareness amongst the general population. Take a look at the likes of Merida, Orbea, Boardman, GT, Cube, Lapierre, Wilier, and Scott - all make road bikes of good quality, some have less of a market share in UK but are not 'lesser' bikes in any way. By widening your search you may find a gem that has been overlooked by the masses because they are unfamiliar with the brand. There are bargains to be had, but it seems few of them have Giant or Trek written on the tubes.
The SCR I rode was on 'stock' wheels and had received no upgrades, and it was faultlessly reliable, and pretty robust. It was heavier than ideal, but I couldn't complain as I was riding it for free, and it was significantly lighter than my '90s Falcon. It was also a very comfortable ride, good for many hours in the saddle, and fitted me very well. I'd have kept hold of it if I'd been allowed, and if I got the opportunity to buy, I'd nab a used one tomorrow ready for 'winter duties'.
To temper that review, I have to say that my only experience of the Trek brand was with a 1 series in a shop, where it was 'sized' and adjusted by eye, and I got some turbo time on it and a few laps 'around the block'. There was nothing 'wrong' with the bike, but me and it just didn't 'click'. Something about the geometry or the sizing just didn't feel right, so I discounted Trek from my quest, and looked at other brands.
Before you go headlong into it, limiting your choice to just two brands/models might not be best in terms of Value For Money. Have you had a look for any of the less 'established' brands? Sometimes they are just as good, or even better than the 'big boys' for the same money. They just don't hold onto their used value as well, because they don't have the same brand awareness amongst the general population. Take a look at the likes of Merida, Orbea, Boardman, GT, Cube, Lapierre, Wilier, and Scott - all make road bikes of good quality, some have less of a market share in UK but are not 'lesser' bikes in any way. By widening your search you may find a gem that has been overlooked by the masses because they are unfamiliar with the brand. There are bargains to be had, but it seems few of them have Giant or Trek written on the tubes.
Whilst I can't help with the comparison of the 2 bikes, I have experience of buying a used budget Giant.
My standard 2010 Rapid 4 came with the same heavy stock wheels, first thing I changed so it's good that's been done. Hopefully there are decent tyres on too? Check they rotate true as well.
Otherwise, depends how used and looked after it's been. Mine had barely been used (apparently) and I've put 1500 miles on it this year. Service items I've had replaced are brake blocks (and front brake) and gear cables (plus adjustment) and I've just changed chain and cassette in readiness for a trip to the Alpes next month. I've upgraded pedals, grips and saddle too, much better than OE.
With purchase price (£275), a set of used lightweight wheels and tyres (£80), plus the above work and parts it's cost me about the same as brand new (£550 ish). But because of the upgraded parts it's a much better bike than new, so I'm happy.
My standard 2010 Rapid 4 came with the same heavy stock wheels, first thing I changed so it's good that's been done. Hopefully there are decent tyres on too? Check they rotate true as well.
Otherwise, depends how used and looked after it's been. Mine had barely been used (apparently) and I've put 1500 miles on it this year. Service items I've had replaced are brake blocks (and front brake) and gear cables (plus adjustment) and I've just changed chain and cassette in readiness for a trip to the Alpes next month. I've upgraded pedals, grips and saddle too, much better than OE.
With purchase price (£275), a set of used lightweight wheels and tyres (£80), plus the above work and parts it's cost me about the same as brand new (£550 ish). But because of the upgraded parts it's a much better bike than new, so I'm happy.
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