Road Bike Advice

[EightiesBaby]

Hey I know theres alot of bike enthusiasts on the board so Im coming to you guys for some advice. Ive recently gotten into biking and realized Ive out grown my previous mountain bike. Im looking to get a road bike but have no idea what to look for. I know I dont want to spend more than 300 and weight is a important factor. I was researching online and found this one, but ive never heard of the brand before. Any ideas on where I could search and brands to look out for? Thanks much



Frame7005 Aluminum by Kinesis - Handmade MultiShape, Engineered Aluminum Tubing, Precision TIG welded with Double water bottle bosses and replaceable rear derailleur hangerForkFull Chromoly DuraForte steel, integrated sloping crownDerailleursRear- Shimano 14 Speed, Front Shimano Double RoadShiftersShimano Index Easy Stem Shift 14 SpeedBrakesAluminum side-pull black finishHubsAluminum with 7 speed cassetteRims700c Road Aluminum black finish 36HCrankShimano DoubleRing Road SaddleVelo Plush-racing with ComfortFitSeatpostAluminum micro-adjust with black finishPedalsAlloy quill with toeclips and strapsTiresMaxxis 700c High pressure

[a_thomasmr23]

I have been looking for a decent road bike under 300 used and haven't found a thing at all

[machined]

Might check the bike thread - that's where all the gurus are. Not sure I'm into the old school shifters on that model...

[DerRoteBaron]

you can find good used bikes on craigslist. A brand new $300 bike is going to suck.

[DarkWing6]

For $300. Used, no question. Check your local Craigslist.

[mrsleeve]

UMMMMM


Unless things have changed A LOT in the last few years Light and 300 bucks or less is not gonna happen unless you come across a scramming deal on a usedy

[Apex381]

that bikes direct bike is a nice place to start. At least you aren't poking around walmart, but I would look for a used bike for 300. I just sold a really nice road bike with a carbon fork for that much. Bikes direct is a nice site but all its bikes are mass produced in china. Some people love them but remember that they come in pieces which means unless you know your stuff it would be best to pay a bike shop to set it up for you. If you want to buy a new roadbike at least get one with brifters so you can shift without reaching down. The one you posted has the old style shifters.

[Apex381]

don't know exactly where you are but I found these in about 5 minutes

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bik/1210075249.html

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bik/1206870058.html

you might have to look a bit but there are deals to be had in this economy

[a_thomasmr23]

i don't know how tall you are but for me i'm short as shit 5'4" that about doubles the price of bikes that fit me

also both of those bikes top his budget and there is no size info

The bike direct bike have the exact same components as most of the entry level used bikes i saw that cost 500-1000 but there's is about 300

i was looking at the dawes 1000 and 1200 both have STI shifting

[ManBearPig]

venture outside the internet!

look around your local bike shops
employees build bikes cheap with good used parts
some places sell used bikes on consignment for others

even if you dont find anything you are looking for,
give them your name and number
most likely they will give you a call if they find something you may be interested in.

[scabzzzz]

300 is not enough, considering the needs you have.
I recommend just saving up a little bit more, and get a nicer bike. Even if you bought that Windsor, and upgraded every part on it, you're still riding a Windsor frame. Its a fine frame, but cheap build quality will get the best of you eventually. You're gonna get a lot of cheap parts on that bike that you will end up hating.

[EightiesBaby]

ok so heres an update on my search:

I figured since I know absolutley nothing about road bikes I could venture down to my local bike shop for some advice and maybe check out a bike or two. I was quickly faced with bikes ranging from 800 all the way up to 12,000. I didnt leave before getting fitted to see what size I should be looking for, I also hopped on one of the "premium" bikes just for shits and giggles. I searched ebay but didnt find much, also looked on CL for DC, Philly, and B-more but most of the bikes in my range were from so long ago I might as well just use the keep I have in the basement. With the help of some members here Ive been able to find 3 that I might be interested in, one of which is being sold here on the board. I also found that every couple of weeks they have a bike sale down at the farmers market so I plan to check that out as well. Stay tuned for the poor mans quest for a bike....

[scabzzzz]

On second thought, just buy that bike. Its probably fine for you.

I keep forgetting most people dont treat bikes like I do. :)

[EightiesBaby]

On second thought, just buy that bike. Its probably fine for you.

I keep forgetting most people dont treat bikes like I do. :)

yeah baby steps, baby steps. If Im still riding a year from now then Ill save up and get a premium bike. No sense in buying the top of the line just yet as I still have no clue what that even means, but trust me Im doing my research :nice:

[Spiff325iS]

I have a Scattante Americano, got it for 150$. Single Speed, great bike. Loads of torque and speed even from the single speed sprocket.

Mine is Dark Blue. Let me also be clear that it is NOT a fixed gear, but a SINGLE speed. I used this ALL over town and just rode 26 miles on it without needing any other gears, it forces you to man up and use your legs.