Bicycle Enthusiasts: What Budget Road Bicycle to Get?

Question

I have a budget of about 600$ to buy a new or used bicycle. What are some budget road bicycles that are good quality? I would be using this bicycle to take me around the city and on weekends do some longer rides most likely. Thanks!

Answer 1

First piece of advice: Stay away from places like Walmart, Costco or Toys-R-Us. There are no bikes there worth buying. Look at local bike shops.

Alternatively, check craigslist.org for a used bike. I got bitten by the bicycling bug a few years ago and have bought and sold more than 35 bikes using Craigslist.org.

As for which bike to get, you can find an aluminum road bike equipped with Sora, Tiagra, or possibly even105 level components in your price range, either new or used.

There are a lot of brands from which to choose: Trek, Cannondale, Giant, Felt, etc.

You can usually guage the level of quality of a bike by the components it uses. Most bikes are equipped with Shimano, but some bikes may have Campagnolo or SRAM.

The top of the line in Shimano components is Dura-Ace (what Tour de France bikes have on them), followed by Ultegra, 105, Tiagra, and Sora. Shimano makes cheaper components, but I would stay away from them. In fact, I'd advise shopping at the Tiagra level or above.

For a very specific recommendation, Bicycle magazine was very high on an entry level Trek road bike last year - I belive it was the Trek 1200 model. You may be able to find a 2006 model at closeout prices.

IBEX makes some very inexpensive bikes, like this $499 one:
http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/06-CLS-4400-Details.html

Whatever you pick, have fun on two wheels!

Answer 2

I always built my own from parts. I like the 3 speed Ralleigh frames. They are tough and the parts are well made. Get 3 or 4 bikes, stay in a single size frame, like 26 1/1.5 wheels, then frame seat handlebars put them on, get the most comfortable fit for you, and ride on.
You can buy a $596 bike, it might last 3 years or more. But it isn't as fun or as rewarding as building a parts bike that is unique to your specs.
I built one years ago and rode on the beach for 60 miles. It was FUN! I still have that frame, the tires and rims I gave to my nephew when he wanted a new bike, he was very happy with what we built. He drives now and the parts are out back.
You can go to Salvation Army and get a very decent bike for 1/2 or less than what one costs new. It helps homeless peoples and you get a nice bicycle.

Answer 3

i work at a bike shop, and the cheapest road bike we sell is the Trek 1000. we have a 2005 model which retails for about $630 and it comes with an AL frame with a carbon fork and some pretty decent parts for that price. if you want something cheap, i recommend the Trek 1000. the 2007 model costs around $750, if i remember correctly. you can get one cheap on ebay, check out the link

Answer 4

Its only a matter of time. This government must have a whole department full of people dreaming up ideas of how to tax us more and next on the list will be air. Oh yes it will, after all they have plans to tax the view from our homes.