Northern California - Where to get a used bike in Sacramento?

I'm new to biking. Actually havn't owned a bike since I was in middle school. Anyways, I want to get back into biking this summer and figure getting used is the way to go (due to price).

I want a road bike, will mostly be using it to commute to work/school over the summer (4 miles) as well as some trails along the American River.

Where in Sacramento (or surrounding area) can I get a good deal on a used bike? I've checked craigslist, but it's hard for me to determine what the value of a bike really should be. And the couple of shops I've been too carry new only, and seems like the bikes start at 700 and only go up from there.

I'm looking to spend ~200.

Try here:
http://sacbikekitchen.org/

Also try College Cyclery on Freeport. They have a lot of used bikes.

Craigslist is great as well. If you know what you want. A good way to judge value is to find similar bikes on ebay and how much they're going for at auction end.

Good luck.

If you buy used, make sure you get one that fits.
www.competitivecyclist.com has an online fit calculator that you can use find the right size.

Craigslist is still your best bet. If you come across something that interests you post the link here and we'll help.

Like Blast mentioned, size is important.

This one looks nice. http://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/687567307.html

You'll definately be looking at vintage bikes with your budget. That's not a bad thing though, I love an old steel road bike.

Craigslist is still your best bet. If you come across something that interests you post the link here and we'll help.

Like Blast mentioned, size is important.

This one looks nice. http://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/687567307.html

You'll definately be looking at vintage bikes with your budget. That's not a bad thing though, I love an old steel road bike.

I was actually looking at that same bike and was going to post it here. It looks good from the pictures.

Does it look like a good deal to you?

The Bicycle Business (on Freeport across from McClatchy H.S.) also has a handful of used bikes. Should be worth a look.

These guys in Davis have a lot of used bikes, but I haven't bought from them.

http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&q=bike+shop&near=Davis,+CA&fb=1&view=text&cd=7&hl=en&latlng=38545851,-121741752,4077274563409182107&ei=kwEzSOG1J43GigP8mc2pCg

Also, UC Davis has a bike auction at least once a year. Lots of deals.

These guys in Davis have a lot of used bikes, but I haven't bought from them.

http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&q=bike+shop&near=Davis,+CA&fb=1&view=text&cd=7&hl=en&latlng=38545851,-121741752,4077274563409182107&ei=kwEzSOG1J43GigP8mc2pCg

Also, UC Davis has a bike auction at least once a year. Lots of deals.

Unfortunately, the bike auction happened three weekends ago. There was a real nice flatbar roadbike/hybrid that went for around $300. Most of the other road bikes were in terrible shape and went for way too much money. Next auction won't be till fall.

I think there might be one or two used bikes at Bike Chef (J and 25th), but I'm not sure if they're still there.

These guys in Davis have a lot of used bikes, but I haven't bought from them.

http://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF8&q=bike+shop&near=Davis,+CA&fb=1&view=text&cd=7&hl=en&latlng=38545851,-121741752,4077274563409182107&ei=kwEzSOG1J43GigP8mc2pCg


Aaron at Apex is a cool dude. I go there for the more serious repairs that I don't have the tools for. The shop is small but it wouldn't hurt to call.

There is also the Davis Bike Exchange. They have tons of old used bikes. It's located on L street by 7-11.

As for the CL bike I posted, it looks like it's in great shape. The price doesn't seem too high but I don't know what the going rate is for that make and model. I'd say if it rides well (and fits), and is in good working conidtion, it's hard to go wrong for $120.

The CL guy sold the bike quick.

What size do you ride? Did you do the fit calculator? We can keep our eyes peeled.
Can you consider a bike in the Bay Area? There's lots of CL volume here.

I did not use that calculator thing yet, but im 5'9" w/ a 30" inseam.

I may be willing to go to the bay for a really good deal, but I would like to stay around Sacramento/Stockton area.