Originally Posted by
Muddyrunfarm
I watch Craigs List (I live in south
jersey) and am looking for used unless there is
an awesome noname bike out there that is affordable.
Shop for a bike shop first. When you find the one with the people who ask the "right" questions, you'll know it.
Do you know what size bike you need? Size affects your comfort, efficiency and performance every single minute that you're on the bike. In terms of importance, nothing else even comes close. Do you think you'd be able to "tell" if a bike's the right size from a short test ride? Would you buy shoes that were the wrong size?
When you buy a new bike from a bike shop you can pick out the style and price range you are comfortable with and the shop should be able to fit you with the appropriate size. When you buy off Craigs List, there's usually only one. If the fit is wrong, regardless of the components or price, it's not a good deal.