Question(s) about shopping for incomplete and complete bikes, where and how.?

Question

Hello everyone,

I am unsure of whether or not to purchase over ebay, credit card issues aside; I can't determine whether or not it is worth it to buy bike parts as a resident of Canada -- I live close to the border (within a few hundred km) of the United States, so purchasing from border states I guess would be less of a problem.

What do you suggest a new biker (who wants to pay minimal on the FIRST bike) do? Is ebay the option for him/her? I've looked on my two local sites --one with craigslist and the other called usedottawa-- but I've yet to find anything beyond a specialized stumpjumper comp m3 -- used. All other bikes are far out of price range right now.

I really want to get into this before the beginning of the riding season. What am I to do? I don't want to be left out!!! There's so much enjoyment that can be had right here, right now.

I'm open to any suggestions. This is all about HOW to go about purchasing a bike.

Many thanks,

Av

PS. Thanks Alex (last q)

Answer 1

It looks like you have got the message about department store bikes. The problem being that the quality is so poor that if you do any real riding that they give up on you. Which means that you will be buying a better quality bike, or worse, giving up cycling.

The next biggest hurdle to get over is getting a bike that fits you. If you don't get the right sized bike you will wind up with all sorts of aches, pains and numb body parts. Then you will either buy the right sized bike, or worse, give up cycling.

The next hurdle is to buy the right style of bike, if it is to be a road or mountain bike or one of the many things in between. (Ok or a stunt bike). This is not as important because if you pick the wrong type you can still enjoy that form of the sport/recreation and get the other one latter. Many of us wind up with both. Even if we enjoy one more.

If you want to pay minimal then you start looking at the used market. Buying a used bike on-line is a risk, because you could wind up with something that is worn out. You really need to be able to look at what you are buying. Check it for wear and tear. There are many good buys. Lots of bikes don't get used that much.

Have a close look at a few new bikes and get used to how the derailleurs feel and the shape and width of teeth on the chainwheel and cassette.

Start scrounging, garage sales, the dump, police auctions. It is surprising what you can turn up. If your short a few parts you can get most of them online quite cheaply. If your building from parts you will need some special tools. (again on-line quite cheaply.) Once you have them you can do your own work.

When you find something give it a service all the info you will need is at this link.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

Answer 2

For your first bike, I would urge you not to buy a bike without sitting on it and taking it at least around the block. The most important factor in getting a new bike is the fit. Go to a bike-specific shop and explain your situation to them. Tell them how much money you have to spend and what kind of riding you want to do. They will be more than glad to help you out. If you do not get a good vibe from the shop, leave and try a different one. Used bikes are okay, but again, you need to make sure the bike fits you.

Answer 3

hey.
my brother is a big cyclist. when he first became really interested in it a few years ago, he bought a bike on ebay. he recently bought another bike on it and they have both turned out to be great. (in other words, you CAN trust most of the bikes on ebay)

there are so many great bikes on ebay. you dont need to by the aerodynamic, racing bikes for $3200. however, there are many many other (cheaper) bikes that are good.

before you look/buy on ebay go to your local bike stores and get some opinions. often, the people there are really helpful and they know what they are talking about. you could ask them what type of bike is best for you, tell them where you like to ride and how often etc... if they show you a bike in their store that would be good for you, try to find a bike like that on ebay (maybe it will be a year or two older than the one in the store).

also, you could try to find a cheaper bike on ebay that has mostly good parts. you then could bring it to your local bike store and have them replace the old parts and "spruce it up" a bit. its not that expensive and its definitaly worth it.

hope this helps and happying cycling!

Answer 4

yea ditto on getting the vibes from the bike shop. and yes definately need to sit on it before you buy. go get yerself fitted at a bike shop for standover height, reach, etc... i bought my first on layaway which most shops will do, should be easy on a 3-400$ bike. just get one that doesnt break the bank and go have fun. youll learn more as u go.

Answer 5

danscomp u need one of the following:
credit card
money order
check
or maybe paypal