Does it matter that it is a 2005?

[Surlygirl]

I haven't test rode the bike yet. The shop does
Surly- I super jealous of your bike!! I remember our LBS had one purple in a large frame and I would just drool. Purple is my favorite color and that bike is stunning, you lucky girl!

Thanks Aggie, it is one gorgeous bike and its one of the few bikes I have ever ridden that fit me. (I'm vertically challenged at only 5'). The guys at Gear Works put a triple on mine and upgraded it to a 10 speed. You might want to see it they would do that for you, otherwise you can always swap out later. I have yet to see another purple one.

[Triskeliongirl]

I just ordered (and took delivery of...) a 2005 bike (unused). It's the exact one I wanted because it was the only year they made it in titanium. The only 'drawback' that I could think of was that 1) It's already 'old' should I decide to sell it and 2) it's a 9-speed where the newer models are 10. Personally, I'm thrilled with it and I couldn't care less about 1 less cassette ring!

I do know people that need to have the newest stuff...so buying an previous year's model would eat at them. MOST people are not this way though, so if you aren't (and everything else is what you want), then I'd go for it!

Oh wow, I didn't realize you got the titanium one like mine. That is a terrific deal!!! I thought they were gone. Isis was only made in titanium for one year, and most of them sold out in about 6 months time. I thought you bought the 2006 scandium which I don't think is nearly as nice. My only advice to you is to be careful with the paint when washing, as I noticed mine (typical of ti) doesn't hold paint well. How is the fit? How do you like the ride? Maybe you can start a new thread on it.

p.s. An advantage of 9 spd is you can use moutain stuff in the rear if needed. Replacement parts are also cheaper than with 10. I don't miss the one ring at all on mine

[Aggie_Ama]

Regina- Unfortunately it would be the blue bike. I love the purple and the pink looked really good in person (last year when I saw one). The blue is pretty too. Heck, all Orbeas are pretty to me. Even the orange sherbert colored one and I don't like orange!

I am going to inquire about a compact double swap. My DH still thinks the Synapse might be a better bike. If the rain doesn't come this weekend I plan to go test ride!

I have the car mentality that one should sit on the lot that long. I needed to reason that a 2005 bike is still a good bike.

[Triskeliongirl]

I have the car mentality that one should sit on the lot that long. I needed to reason that a 2005 bike is still a good bike.

When it comes to bikes, new is not necesarially better than New Old Stock. In some cases, as in the terry isis example above, new was better but too expensive to continue producing. I have seen that in trek madonnes too, where older models actually had better fraemes and components, but in trying to increase profit margins cut back in the newer models. If you can find a new old stock bike that fits you and is what you are looking for, you can often save big bucks, and/or get a whole lot more bike for the money if you are on a strict budget. Let us know what you end up with.