I'd like to buy a bike that I don't have to worry about too much for riding in criterium races.
My current bike is a 2012 S-Works Venge with DA9000 groupset and FLO30 Wheels. I just love it, but do not want to use it for racing in criteriums because I'd be upset if I smashed up this frame ($$$).
Option #1
A local shop is selling the 2018 CAAD12 (Shimano 105, rim brakes) for $1100. I test rode it and it didn't feel great, but it had flat pedals on it and the position was really upright - I imagine it would feel nicer if I made it more aggressive.
Option #2
A coworker is selling a frameset to a 2014 Specialized Venge Pro, including fork, seatpost and handlebars for $750. I'd need to buy some used wheels, groupset, bar tape, etc.
Which of these would be the better crit bike? If I smashed either of the above frames I would be disappointed but not heartbroken. I imagine the Venge is more aero, and I know I like the geometry since it matches my 2012 S-works Venge that I ride daily. I know a lot of people use the CAAD12 for crits though, probably because it's aluminum and wont shatter if I crash hard.
Which option should I go with?
My current bike is a 2012 S-Works Venge with DA9000 groupset and FLO30 Wheels. I just love it, but do not want to use it for racing in criteriums because I'd be upset if I smashed up this frame ($$$).
Option #1
A local shop is selling the 2018 CAAD12 (Shimano 105, rim brakes) for $1100. I test rode it and it didn't feel great, but it had flat pedals on it and the position was really upright - I imagine it would feel nicer if I made it more aggressive.
Option #2
A coworker is selling a frameset to a 2014 Specialized Venge Pro, including fork, seatpost and handlebars for $750. I'd need to buy some used wheels, groupset, bar tape, etc.
Which of these would be the better crit bike? If I smashed either of the above frames I would be disappointed but not heartbroken. I imagine the Venge is more aero, and I know I like the geometry since it matches my 2012 S-works Venge that I ride daily. I know a lot of people use the CAAD12 for crits though, probably because it's aluminum and wont shatter if I crash hard.
Which option should I go with?