General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Find a Bike .... problem Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2014-04-21 9:16 PM

User image


10

Subject: Find a Bike .... problem
I am training for my first Tri experience but I am starting to worry about my bike situation. Where can a newbie get a inexpensive... no cheap bike to use? I have had zero luck finding a 2nd hand bike. What is the secret? where do I go?


2014-04-21 9:41 PM
in reply to: #4984853

Member
53
2525
Subject: RE: Find a Bike .... problem
Craigslist. Especially if you live in a city. I found mine there from a guy about my height.
2014-04-21 10:02 PM
in reply to: Cseabrook

User image

Veteran
2441
200010010010010025
Western Australia
Subject: RE: Find a Bike .... problem
Originally posted by Cseabrook

I am training for my first Tri experience but I am starting to worry about my bike situation. Where can a newbie get a inexpensive... no cheap bike to use? I have had zero luck finding a 2nd hand bike. What is the secret? where do I go?
seeing how you haven't had any luck with a second hand one why don't you try a department store? Because it's your first tri and you want cheap why not just buy something basic that will do you why you decide if you really like triathlons or not? It doesn't need to be fancy it just needs to work, especially if you are doing sprints or shorter distances.

I did my first year of tris on a bike I borrowed from a family member. It was maybe slightly too big but it gave me a year to save and get something reasonable once I decided I was going to keep doing tris and it also allowed me to do my research and get an end of year deal.
2014-04-22 6:12 AM
in reply to: Cseabrook

User image

Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: Find a Bike .... problem

Craigslist
Put ad in looking for a bike on Craigslist
Local newspaper
Some bike shops have used bikes or used bike sales-ask them where to find one
Contact local tri and bike race teams and ask
Ask friends
Garage sale
Where I live I know 2 places that sell used bikes usually unique places one is out of the guys house
Salvation army, goodwill ect
College towns have lots of used bikes
last place I'd look is ebay

Where have you been looking? Do you live in rural area or in/near a city?

 

 

2014-04-22 6:12 AM
in reply to: Cseabrook

User image

Champion
16151
50005000500010001002525
Checkin' out the podium girls
Subject: RE: Find a Bike .... problem
Rent? Can you train at a gym on a stationary bike and rent a nice road bike for race day? Be sure it fits you when you pick it up and be sure you understand the shifting system. But this might be a viable option if you're just not sure.

Whatever you do: Don't throw good money after bad and buy something very poorly suitable because you have a date on the calendar.
2014-04-22 7:09 AM
in reply to: pitt83

Regular
272
1001002525
Apple Valley, Minnesota
Subject: RE: Find a Bike .... problem
I got mine off craigslist, found the right one, steal of a deal, but I had to drive over an hour out of the city to get it. But I probably could have parted the bike out for a profit if I was inclined.


2014-04-22 8:05 AM
in reply to: gatorcali21


631
50010025
Subject: RE: Find a Bike .... problem
Define cheap.

Is the goal to get a road bike? For a modern road bike you are probably looking at $250-$400 used for what is an entry level bike. If you are willing to go older i.e. 80's or 90's down tube shifters era you can be looking at $100 - $400 but you sort of need to know what you are doing and be able to ID the good ones from the bad ones, the good ones that are cheap do not stay for sale very long before a collector get them. An inexpensive vintage bike is often going to require work to get road worthy.

If you are looking for less than $150. I would look for a rigid (something w/o and suspension) mountain bike from the late 90's. There are a lot of these that were purchased and never ridden. The key is getting a bike store brand. You are going to get decent enough components and indexed shifting. Because there is no suspension the weight is not going to be bad. Replace the knobby tires with slicks. You will be able to sell the for the same price you have paid for it. I saw a Trek 800 (I would say '97 or '98) for $75 in craigslist it looks like it has never been ridden.

Spending 5 minutes on my craigslist. I found this. I assume it could be purchased for $100 or less. The tires appear to be pretty narrow and would probably work on the road. This is going to be a better bike than a $100 or even $200 X-mart bike.
https://columbus.craigslist.org/bid/4422608009.html
2014-04-22 1:53 PM
in reply to: Sidney Porter

User image

Regular
253
1001002525
Subject: RE: Find a Bike .... problem
This time of the year, many colleges have auctions to get rid of all the unclaimed bikes that show up in various places. I remember going to one when I was in college and there must have been 200 bikes there. I bought a nice one for $75. I later sold it for $250.

Many police departments do the same thing.

I found mine on Ebay after searching for a long time. My first 2 tris were on borrowed bikes. :-)
2014-04-22 6:30 PM
in reply to: Cseabrook

User image

New user
273
1001002525
Manassas, Virginia
Subject: RE: Find a Bike .... problem
Echoing the Craiglist suggestion. I've gotten two bikes for WAY less than they would have costed new. Just make sure you ride the bike around and check everything thoroughly before you hand over the cash.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Find a Bike .... problem Rss Feed  
RELATED POSTS

I think I found my shifting problem

Started by odpaul7
Views: 994 Posts: 8

2013-04-30 2:23 PM odpaul7

Saddle Problems = Prostate Problems

Started by Qua17
Views: 2423 Posts: 11

2013-01-24 7:09 AM audiojan

Dorky idea for finding bike for T1?

Started by hpadkisson
Views: 843 Posts: 8

2005-08-21 1:46 PM Mottyl

I think I've found my bike!!

Started by Crash_Man
Views: 1369 Posts: 7

2004-04-14 12:07 PM tony1331

First bike ride...First bike problem...

Started by seanaq64
Views: 1089 Posts: 4

2004-02-29 8:49 PM wrybosome
RELATED ARTICLES
date : September 6, 2011
author : alicefoeller
comments : 0
The pros and cons of training with a group or training partner
 
date : February 16, 2011
author : Nancy Clark
comments : 2
Some athletes call it runners' trots; others call it diarrhea. Whatever the name, few athletes openly discuss the topic yet many secretly suffer. Here’s some information about this stinky topic that m
date : June 30, 2009
author : FitWerx
comments : 0
Are your brakes not slowing you down enough? Are your wheels rubbing on them? This video will cover the basics on adjusting your own bicycle brakes.
 
date : January 16, 2008
author : AMSSM
comments : 1
My symptoms have been present off and on for almost two years. Is this a surgical problem, or should I just keep managing it for as long as I can?
date : December 19, 2007
author : Tri Swim Coach
comments : 2
My problem is I can only swim about 30-40 meters without having to rest. What is the best way to improve this? I need to get from 40 to 750 meters in 6 months.
 
date : October 11, 2007
author : Tri Swim Coach
comments : 0
I have 10 lessons with a coach and he keeps telling my I'm holding my breath. I cannot figure out where since I'm breathing out and in every 3rd stroke. Any drill recommendations?
date : February 19, 2007
author : Terese Luikens
comments : 0
Find a mentor. Make a list of at least three people that you could approach for help, list your specific needs and then be courageous enough to begin asking.
 
date : July 17, 2005
author : AMSSM
comments : 0
Proper Bicycle Fit and Treatment of Common Cycling-related Medical Problems