Road Cycling - Is this bike worth the asking price?

I am shopping for my first road bike. What do you guys think of this bike?

univega vivatech 1050 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=7298&item=1986240157&rd=1)

Since this would be your first road bike? In my opinion, I think its a decent bike for a decent price. Ride it alot, get your feel, get to be a good rider then go buy a bike that really fits your needs... or wants. Happy riding!

For under $200 I would say that it is a pretty good deal for the shape it is in and for the Shimano 105 components which seem to be in good shape also. Since this is your first road bike, have you familiarized yourself with the fit of a road bike and do you know weather a 50 cm bike is what you are looking for? Don't sacrafice comfort just so you can get a good deal on a bike. If you've done your homework and are sure about what size bike you would need by all means go for it. Oh, and welcome to the sport!:D

Decent Bike for the price... just make sure it fit's well... I'd junk the Biopace Chaingrings though... I just dumped mine off of my same era Centurion bike, and thru on some New Ultegra Rings... much nicer... round beats oval any day of the week :-)

Good Luck

Jeff

I'd junk the Wellgo pedals, as well.....
As for the frame size, a 50 cm would fit maybe somebody under 5'5", I think it is too small for anybody 5'7".

it's my understanding that aluminum bikes of that era rode rather harshly (compared with steel-framed bikes). in subsequent years aluminum bike builders have learned how to engineer a more forgiving ride into aluminum. cannondale does it by bending tubing and juggling wall thickness.

still, as a first bike i'm sure it'd be fine.

Originally posted by Bandit
it's my understanding that aluminum bikes of that era rode rather harshly (compared with steel-framed bikes). in subsequent years aluminum bike builders have learned how to engineer a more forgiving ride into aluminum. cannondale does it by bending tubing and juggling wall thickness.

still, as a first bike i'm sure it'd be fine. I'd say with the standard diameter looking tubes it's more likely to be a wimpy POS. The glued(bonded) rear tiangle does not enhance my opinion of it either. The components are ok,but the biopace chainrings bite. How long are you going to be happy with a 6 speeds on the downtube? Upgrades become more than the bike is worth. And, if it has a 6 speed casette,they are no longer available.How do you even know it fits,and don't buy the sellers BS about for under 5'7".

Thanks for the replies.

It looks like a bike in good shape. The ad is truthful and it looks like the bike has been well kept. For $200, it looks like a good deal.

I wouldn't look at it to upgrade. As a first road bike to "get out there and ride" it seems like a good bet.

I am with everyone else, it s a bike that will take u places. But once u get it, instead of upgrading start saving for a new bike. Soon as u get the feel for it, and what you like/dont like, you'll be looking for a new bike

-my 2cents
Arleigh

i am 5'7 and ride a 52. i agree with the other posters that this bike is too small for someone 5'7. :p

for what it's worth, i'm 5'8" and ride a 50 cm. the vertical size of a bike is dependent on your inseam length, not your overall height. everyone is proportioned differently.