When you're shopping for road gravel bikes, two very different listings can define the choice. The first is a used 48cm Van Nicholas titanium road bike with Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting and a carbon fork, listed at $1,750. The second is a 58cm Trek 2100 touring road bike from 2008, made with aluminium and carbon, listed at $199.99 and described as for parts or not working. These aren't similar models with a little price difference; they're two entirely different ways to start a bike project.
Quick verdict
If you want a complete road bike with electronic shifting and a titanium frame, the Van Nicholas is the one to consider. If you want a donor bike for parts or a creative art project, the Trek 2100 is the obvious pick. The price gap is significant - $1,750 versus $199.99 - but that gap reflects what you're actually getting: a full bike with electronic shifting versus a non-working bike sold for parts.
At a glance
| Product | Listed Price | Condition | Size | Key Features | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Van Nicholas Titanium Road Bike | $1,750.00 | Used | 48cm | Titanium frame, carbon fork, Ultegra Di2 electronic, Shimano RS wheels | |
| 08' Trek 2100 Touring Road Bike | $199.99 | For parts or not working | 58cm | AL/Carbon frame, Shimano 105 brifters, Bontrager wheels |
Where each product wins
Van Nicholas wins for riders who want a full bike with electronic shifting. The listing includes the frame, carbon fork, Ultegra Di2 shifters and derailleurs, and a Shimano RS wheelset. The 48cm frame makes it a clear pick for a smaller rider, and the titanium construction is a standout detail on paper.
Trek 2100 wins for anyone searching for a donor bike or wall-art project. The listing explicitly says "FOR PARTS NOT WORKING" and "Great for parts or arts." The 58cm frame, aluminium and carbon build, and Shimano 105 brifters give it salvage value, but it's not positioned as a rideable bike.
Van Nicholas Titanium Road Bike
The Van Nicholas gets attention for its titanium frame-described as Titanium 3AL/2.5V-and carbon fork, paired with a 2021 build of Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic components. From shifters to derailleurs, the drivetrain is listed as electronic 2x11-speed, which is a major reason to choose it. The Shimano RS wheelset and threaded bottom bracket round out a complete package. The clear limitation is the 48cm frame: it's a smaller size, so it won't suit every rider. This is a used bike, so the components are in used condition as offered. If you're after a full road bike rather than a parts build, this listing gives you a lot of the important pieces in one place.
08' Trek 2100 Touring Road Bike
If you need a source of parts or a bike-shaped canvas, the Trek 2100 is the listing to read. It's described as "FOR PARTS NOT WORKING," and the title repeats that with "4 Parts n Arts." The 58cm official large size makes it a notably bigger frame than the Van Nicholas. The aluminium and carbon construction, Shimano 105 brifters, and Bontrager aero bladed wheels are the components most likely to be reused. It also lists a kickstand, rear bike rack, frame bag, and two bottle cages, which are handy extras if you're scavenging for parts. The limitation is obvious: this is not a ride-ready bike. You're paying less for a project, not a finished ride.
Final choice by use case
The decision comes down to what you intend to do with the bike. If you want a complete road bike with electronic shifting and a titanium frame, the Van Nicholas is the right match. If you want a parts donor with a large frame and useful components, the Trek 2100 is the more fitting choice.
