It doesn't have to be amazing, but I'd rather avoid a 45 pounder.
My inseam for pants is usually about 33".
The bike shops in the city tend to specialize in ones that cost thousands. I need to find one under $500, preferably less.
I'd be perfectly happy buying used, I'm just not sure what to look for so I don't end up with something that doesn't work.
I'm a complete newb, so any advice would help. Thanks!
2006-09-20 03:57:00 · 6 answers · asked by jewels 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Go to a pawn shop. Usually guys who move to the next level in cycling pawn or sell off their bike to a second hand shop. You may have to shop around, but you will find a Schwinn, Trek, or Raleigh for a good price. It may be a few years old, but it will work, they usually have good accessories and gears. Make sure you oil the chain good, usually these have been sitting in a garage as a back up for a couple of years.
2006-09-20 04:07:02 · answer #1 · answered by TexasLSUTiger 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Agree with Scott above there...problem is it isn't always easy to get dialed into a club. But I agree, it isn't wise to purchase a used bike over the internet...plus I would feel real bad if I bought a bike that had been stolen, then sold over e-bay. Happens frequently.
Usually the shops will have bikes in your price range, just ask them! Sometimes they will need to order from the dealer. They don't always have everything in stock. The second serious bike I owned I looked through the catalog at the bike shop, they sized me, and ordered the bike...it was in my hands within a week.
The first serious bike I owned I ordered through Nashbar. Try them or PerformanceBike. You can talk to the tech help people and they will help you choose a correct frame size. Their prices are reasonable for a decent bike.
Good luck, have fun!
2006-09-20 19:13:22 · answer #2 · answered by powhound 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the guy above - this is one of many good reasons to join a club.
I could spend hours talking with you about what to buy, but unless I see the bike in person, it may have some problem that I forgot to cover. There's a lot of "decent" bikes out there that look good on paper or on the web, or even in person if you don't know what to look for... so find a club, ask around, make friends.
Case in point: last Friday night there were 5 of us at a buddy's house drinking beer and swapping bikes and parts to help a new kid get started. No money changed hands, we just know and like the kid and want to see him on a good bike. No way you could get that kind of help on ebay or craigslist or even here.
Good luck.
2006-09-20 14:52:02 · answer #3 · answered by scott.braden 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would try craigslist. I have seen good, pre-owned bikes for under $1000.00 that are over $3000 retail. I sold my tri-bike, a tricked out Giant, for $700.00. It was a $2000+ bike.
You might also check with some of the local bike shops and see if they know of anyone selling a bike. Sometimes they will have a board that people can list their old bikes on.
Good Luck!
2006-09-20 10:43:18 · answer #4 · answered by george_o_jones 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What bike are you going to use for the Tri? If you're gonna put your body through the pain and agony of training for it get a good bike. You won't be sorry.
2006-09-20 17:35:13 · answer #5 · answered by Dorkboy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check out local cycling clubs. some of those guys have 8 bikes in their garage, and wouldn't mind unloading one or two.
also, get measured at your local bike shop first. cuz then you'll know what size frame you want to get, making shopping on craigslist or ebay much easier.
2006-09-20 04:41:14 · answer #6 · answered by lurk02productions 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋