Giant TCR2 2000 - Should I buy it?

[flashforge]

Hi all,
I am looking at getting a second hand road bike for doing laps of the local cycle track for some general fitness.
Budget is around the $300 mark (poor student)
I have been reading through the forums, reviews and constantly checking gumtree for bikes, but I am still somewhat clueless.

I found a 'Giant TCR2' (2000 model) for $310 with new tyres, new lights and new pedals, and a recent service. It looks pretty tidy in the pics for its age. I am wondering if it is smart to buy a bike this old with higher end gear, or should I aim for something newer, with lower end components?

Any help would be much appreciated
Cheers

[AUbicycles]

I am guessing it is an aluminium frame. Do you know the groupset? Buying second hand, you don't have the warranty and guarantees from buying instore, but can get a better value bike. Share some more details (specs) and photos and you should get some helpful feedback.

[rodneycc]

You never know it may we be this one... tweety.

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As a vintage bike I say go for it but as a practical bike I dunno...before my knowledgeable riding time, there are probably better around.

[m@]

You never know it may we be this one... tweety.

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As a vintage bike I say go for it but as a practical bike I dunno...before my knowledgeable riding time, there are probably better around.

Now that's a blast from the past. But 2000 constitutes vintage now? Gosh, I'm getting old!

something newer, with lower end components?

This would be my advice, for a couple of reasons - over the past 15 years or so bikes have become cheaper and components better, in fact that the "trickle down" effect means that in essence lower-spec components are generally only superficially different to more expensive versions from 2-3 years prior.

A newer bike will also likely have less wear and tear, particularly comparing to a race bike... this is compounded as top-level groupsets are generally designed with weight minimisation and performance in mind, rather than longevity.

[rodneycc]

Actually yeah scrap that, needs another 4 years to be classified "vintage" with the 20 year ruling (I had 15 years in my head for some reason?). So don't worry M@ you are not double vintage yet mate

[mikkel]

If it's a 10 speed rear cassette, it will be worth getting, but I suspect it may be 9 speed or less at that age. 10 speed components are still easy to find, 8/9 speed is getting rarer if you want a choice of level.

I'd look for something more recent, or even go for a flat bar road bike

Mike