should i buy a cheap 46-47cm road bike or fix up an old 50cm one??

Question

im wondering what brand would be best if i was to buy one...cheap but not crappy...im looking for like under $300
i really want the 47cm trek 1000 i found on sale for $639 but thats still a bit above my price range

another option would be to fix up an old (from like the 80s) centurion road bike...its a 50cm...so its a ittle big but if i got new handlebars and a new saddle that would work pretty well...and only cost me about $100. i dont know how important it is to have a small enough frame...but i think i could manage having a 50cm

anyone have an idea of which option would be better??

Answer 1

The old bike from the 80's may have an easily adjustable stem, and there's a big bonus! Ride it for at least an hour and if you still like it. . .well, use it and be glad for it.

As far as a $300-400 price range road bike?
Schwinn Super Sport 2006 flat bar road bike is the fastest of its class (needs quicker tires like Serfas Seca RS or the speedy Michelin trainer) and is in your price range. I think that they're rather wonderful to ride because they're so lightweight, comfy and quick. However the flat bar looks could displease some of the more lemming-like traditionalists.

The full touring attachment front and back, greater ergonomic power that more than offsets areo concerns, advanced gearing, all year around tire possibilities, WTB saddle, and light weight do not differ in effectiveness from an $800 road bike.

Just like the $800 road bike, the Schwinn Super Sport at less than $400 shares the same drawbacks. That would be wheelset and crankset. Aluminum chainrings are more efficient and so are 24/20 wheelsets. Yet, as you can see, even if you "improved" it the price performance bang is still beating the pulp out of its competition.

Schwinn "caught on" to this for the 2007 models and don't give away so much without charging an more appropriate amount. ;)

Specialized, Trek, Diamondback, and Giant all have similar models that are not quite as successful as the Schwinn. But, they are certainly worth a test drive.

Should you require drop bars, there are a few models that are designed to install onto mountain bikes. In this case, the shifter brake combos would still go on cyclocross style--nearly touching the stem. However, the appearance would make other road cyclists more comfortable even though it would do absolutely nothing to actually enhance performance. Notice that the Tour de France riders rarely ever use the drops.

Which bike is better? That's easy. Whichever option makes you "want" to ride. Don't settle for less.
The bike that makes you want to ride can be had in your price range, with quite a bit of shopping.

Please avoid E-bay, and do test drive a lot.

Answer 2

I have a bike that is a bit too big (I do not know the size). I had the stem changed and the seat moved a bit forward and it is fairly comfy.

If you are having a bike shop modify your older bike, ask them about the fit. They should be able to tell you if the fit is close enough.

You can also check these out for fit:
http://internationalbike.com/page.cfm?PageID=87

If you can make your older bike fit and you are just getting back into cycling, I would choose that. If you decide that you do not want to do much cycling, you will not have an expensive bike collecting dust and clothes in your bedroom ;)

However if you find you really like it, you can save some more money and buy a really nice bike.

And don't forget the helmet.

Good Luck and Safe Riding!

Answer 3

If you cannot find a new road bike for cheap enough, i would fix up the old one. I was int he same position some years ago, and i fixed up the older bike that i owned. It will be cheaper. And it would also help you to save up for new road bike.
the older bike that i fixed up was also too big for me. but i roade it anyways. I don't think that 3 cm will effecct you too much.
But you will have to be catuous. too larg of a frame can casue you pain. butlike i said, 3 cm shouldn't make a big difference

happy cycling!

Answer 4

The saying you get what you pay for some times applies watch out you need to be properly fitted if not ouch!! are you planning on doing long rides? short ones? I know this day and age how pricey bikes can be just be careful what you buy and don't get riped off.

Answer 5

If you get a bike, make sure it fits. You'll be miserable otherwise. AND...you get what you pay for. You won't get much of a bike for under 300.

Answer 6

Get a better job!!!!!!!!!!