Buying Bike Online-First Road Bike

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2013-04-29 12:27 AM

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Member
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1001002525
Iowa City, Iowa
Subject: Buying Bike Online-First Road Bike

Greetings everyone:

I am in the market for a $300 road bike (nice one year anniversary gift from my wife haha) to serve as my first road bike for triathlon training. I realize my budget probably wouldn't do much at my LBS, so I am resorting to Craigslist and Ebay to find one. I am 6'0 tall 32" inseam, so I think 56-60ish cm frame would be a rough size for me based on what I've read (I do understand all bikes are different). Anyways, I was curious if anyone would care to share some advice about purchasing a bike online; other than "get the best bike you can for the cheapest price."

1. What IS a good starter bike in my price range? Should I look for an older bike or a more recent one (i.e. vintage Trek or newer Giant Defy 3)?

2. Never had a road bike but I think STI would be what I would prefer; any thoughts on racing with stem or tube shifters? I guess that's what they did in the olden days

3. Any DOs/DONTs for online bike buying?

I appreciate any advise as I am brand new to the sport of triathlons. Thanks!

ChemNerd23

2013-04-29 6:17 AM
in reply to: #4718376


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10010025
Subject: RE: Buying Bike Online-First Road Bike
You may want to consider being honest with your local bike shop with your budget and see if they have some used bikes.  My LBS is quite large and always has bikes that they've taken in as trades.  They only credit $50 or $100 so they can be resold quite cheaply.  They can at least help you with a correct size, even if its not a full blown fit process.  And in most cases, they're already ride ready.  Otherwise, www.bikesdirect.com might be a good resource.
2013-04-29 7:10 AM
in reply to: #4718376

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Buying Bike Online-First Road Bike

I'd suggest do research first.

Have some idea of fit use some of the on line fit tools.

Here is one you could use.

Your idea that a 56-60 will fit is not true. Most folks buying first bike used likely buy the wrong size bike.

Buy from CL over Ebay as you can see the bike and test ride it which is safer option and more likely able to find a great deal.

Newer bike over a vintage bike would be my choice. Better parts and frame would be my suggestion. Look at part group is it a 8, 9 or 10 speed bike. What parts is it? Shimano 105 or better (ultegra, Dura Ace) are the top groups.

Also if you up your budget to 500-700 you are more likely be able to find a nice tri or road bike that is 4-5 years old that is a solid bike in good shape....maybe a 2K+ bike originally.

If you have a CL link post here and folks will give you some solid advice about the bike and price.

2013-04-29 8:14 AM
in reply to: #4718376

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Member
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1001002525
Iowa City, Iowa
Subject: RE: Buying Bike Online-First Road Bike

Here are a few of the bikes I have been looking at on Craigslist:

http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/bik/3740856948.html

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/bik/3772371515.html

http://peoria.craigslist.org/bik/3771038651.html

 

Any opinions on these?

2013-04-29 9:19 AM
in reply to: #4718376

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2013-04-29 12:30 PM
in reply to: #4718376

Member
256
1001002525
Iowa City, Iowa
Subject: RE: Buying Bike Online-First Road Bike
Thanks for the advice. That sounds like a good way to go about my bike purchasing on Craigslist. I agree that the Trek is probably the safest choice. I'll email the guy and see if it is still not sold.

2013-04-29 3:22 PM
in reply to: #4718731

Pro
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Twin Cities
Subject: RE: Buying Bike Online-First Road Bike
Motobecane has some decent value bikes. It's not quite the craphole you paint it out to be. I know a number of folks here and over on ST have Motobecanes and are quite happy with them. ;-)
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