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Getting back into cycling: Stick with old bike or buy a new one?
I have a 2014 Cube Agree with Ultegra Di2 that I've put 8k kms on over the year that I was riding it. Really enjoyed that bike when I was riding 300km a week back in 2014/2015. It was a good spec for the time (rim brakes, Di2 8070 kit, upgraded Dura-Ace 25mm wheels). However, the battery is probably dead by now and will need replacing. I will also definitely replace the brake pads, tyres and tubes too as they are 6 years old and probably hard as weetabix at this point.
Here's the rub: this bike is in storage at my parents' place in the Philippines (though it's ready to travel as I packed it in a bike bag the last time I was there).
I got quoted €800 ish to ship the Cube to Lisbon where I currently am and will probably spend another €300 to get the bike in a rideable condition. I will likely have to pay €500 in taxes and duties to import it as per the courier I'm talking to.
Now that I'm getting back into cycling, I'm wondering if it's worth it to have my trusty old Cube shipped over or if I should just get a "new" bike. A friend is selling me his year-old Giant TCR Advanced Pro 0 Disc with Ultegra Di2. It's in good nick, only done 3000 km and has the Giant power meter to boot but with wheels that aren't as nice as the original ones. I could get this bike off him for €2700 which is a bargain compared to the shop price of €4500 for a new one.
As I've been out of the game for a while, I'm wondering what benefits, if any, I'd get from riding a 2020 bike compared to a 2014 one. So far the factors I can think of are stronger brakes with discs vs rims, a bigger contact patch (23 mm vs 35mm tyres) and the Giant being maybe a kilo or so lighter than the Cube. Would there be any other difference in day-to-day riding feel and handling?
If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.
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6 comments
Only problem with getting the Giant is you'll have to change your username.
Welsh boy speaks the truth - get the Giant.
Would it really cost €1500 just to get a 7 year old bike shipped? That's a crazy amount of money! And why do you pay duty if you own the bike?
And it makes the TCR Advanced, which is a class leading frame from one of the world's most reputable manufacturers, seem an even better buy. If you know its history I'd say that is a true bargain so if you can afford it then snap it up (and believe me, I'd be the last one on here to tell you to spend money just because you can!).
Then just enjoy riding it, maybe fit some 28s but maybe leave upgrading the wheels for now.
Portugal has a 2% import duty and 23% VAT on the value of the item AND shipping cost *eyeroll*.
A couple of years ago I paid €900 in shipping and tax to have a 3-year-old Macbook shipped to Amsterdam after the girlfriend left it in the safety box at a hotel in Dubai. The tax assessment on it was something ridiculous like "Cost of a new Macbook minus 10% depreciation per year". I doubt the Portuguese tax folks will be less lenient than the Dutch, so I'm preparing for the worst in case I decide to ship the bike here.
I've always wanted to train with a power meter, and because the TCR comes with it the price difference between the two bikes gets even smaller.
There's no point being the richest man in the graveyard.
Convince yourself you need a new one 👍
The answer is buy a new bike, it sounds like you are just seeking approval to buy something new. Forget all the new benefits, your old bike will still be good but if you can afford it and no one is going to suffer (partner or children) get a new bike, nothing boosts the enthusiasm to ride like a new bike. Now for my favourite Pink Floyd quote "Life is a short warm moment and death is a long cold rest". New bike, end of discussion.