I'm just getting in to bicycling and I need a good bike for a little amount of money. My dad is buying it for me, and he said it should be around $200-300. I'm willing to pay some extra if there is something extra I really think I need. Right now I just use a bike to get to school and back a few miles a day. I occasionally go on a 30 or so mile ride by myself. What I really want the bike for is next spring, I'm going on a 185 mile ride. I think I need to upgrade from my wal-mart style bike before that. I want a bike that I can be happy with for years. I plan to start riding more, and maybe finding out about races and other sorts of things once I get more in shape, and I want one that will still be acceptable for that. I am going to go to a bike shop, but I just want to make sure I don't screw up. What types of things should I look for? What types of things will I not care about right now, but in a few years wish I would have had a little differently?
2007-12-06 16:29:22 · 6 answers · asked by McNugget 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
A road bike will cost you at least $500 for an entry-level, decent quality model- and that's on sale. My suggestion is to get fitted at a bike shop and look for a used model in the size that fits you. You won't find a road bike that is worth buying for $200-$300 at a bike shop. My shifters alone are more than that. Search craigslist or your local newspaper's classified section. If you're spending that kind of money, you will have an aluminum framed bike. You will also want a carbon fiber fork or a steel fork to absorb a lot road shock if you're going to do long rides. Aluminum forks are too stiff for that. I've seen used Trek 1000's around 2001/2002 vintage selling for $250-$300 at times on craigslist but those years have aluminum forks unlessthe owner has has them upgraded to carbon. Also, consider value brands like Fuji or Jamis. If you decide not to get the STI shifters ( shifters in brake handles) go for a straight bar road bike. You will have a road bike with mountain bike type handlebars and some pretty good components for a really good price. I hope this helps.
2007-12-06 17:27:51 · answer #1 · answered by Terrence B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like the others said, you can't get much in your price range. Try a few test rides on a low end bike and then try a few in the $400-$600 range (still not a fab bike, but very decent for your purposes) and see the difference. Cheap bikes are heavy, have bad brakes, poor shifting, etc., and you would be miserable trying to ride more than a few miles. If you are gonna ride 185 miles, you need a really good bike, so I suggest you save up and get something nice, or go used. Again, always always test ride, and not just around a parking lot; go a mile or so at least.
2007-12-07 09:52:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anomaly 17 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi
First of all, which type of races do you want to enter? road and mountain races are completely different, so you should consider that.
Also, are you still growing up? Fit is I think the first consideration, so if you're still growing up a bike that fits you awesome today might feel small next year. This is so you consider that into thinking how long a bike can fit you. Probably you could find a bike where the frame is a bit on the larger side and buy a shorter stem, and then replace it as you grow up. But don't overdo that.
I don't know which bikes would be on your budget. For the distance you're including it's probably a road bike. Search several bike shops to get a good bike that fits you right.
2007-12-07 00:53:30 · answer #3 · answered by Roberto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't give a rat's behind about video games, so of course I would buy the bike. For you, the answer would be determined by the amount and type of riding you do. If the bike more or less meets your needs, fix it. If not, then get one that does. Tires and brake pads are things that get replaced regularly and often. Not a good enough reason to dump a perfectly good bike.
2016-04-07 23:08:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's a tight budget. I would definately recommend ebay or craigs list. Also, check out the Jamis Coda. You get one brand new for around $450. It a road bike with a flat bar. It has a mix of tiagra and sora components.
2007-12-07 03:30:40 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can get a good bike on ebay for $300. get a specialzied road or giant ocr 3. that is the best bike for the buck
carlos
http://www.bikingthings.com
2007-12-07 01:46:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋