General Cycling Discussion - Need used vs. new bike advice

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Oxymoron
01-28-04, 04:57 PM
I have been looking to buy bike recently. I'm looking for a lightweight tourer, but not necessarily for long-distance touring - just for riding around the area, but maybe do a few all day rides.

I like the ideas of drop bars, but maybe there are other bikes I am not considering when looking at my LBS. Racing bikes are too short for comfort and mt. bike/hybrids are too long for responsive handling on steep hills. I need options for my riding pleasure.

Another even bigger problem is I only have about $500 to spend. Decent new bikes seem to start at $800, ie: Specialized Sequoia. I thought maybe I could find something used, but the bike I want is not common. I have found a few in shops that sell used, but I'm not sure they are a good deal. One shop had a 1989 Bianchi tourer for $400, a 1989 Specialized Sirrus for $300 and a 1995 Specialized Allez for $400. Another shop had a Myata with drop shifters for $250 - what the hooha is a Myata?

All the bikes would probably need new tires and an overhaul to run good so that adds at least another hundred. Might as well get new it seems. Any advice? What is the most on should pay for bikes like these? I think $400 is a little steep.

Your humble servant, Clay

Oak Park Biker
01-28-04, 05:42 PM
Look at ebay. This time of the year you can find a good deal on a used bike.
bianchi_rider
01-28-04, 06:22 PM
check ebay, craigslist,bicycle classifieds etc..
Just type "used bianchi brava for sale" into a search engine, you will get a few listings :D

ollo_ollo
01-28-04, 06:41 PM
That's "MIYATA" & depending upon the model, it could be just what you are looking for without spending to much $, although $250 sounds a little high. They made some great lightweight, steel frame bikes back in the 80's. Ride it & see what you think. Shop around & don't be afraid to offer less. Some shops lube & tune then mount good tires on their used bikes. I have a Miyata SevenTen in my herd which I like. It cost $75. Don
Ebbtide
01-28-04, 07:22 PM
Hi Clay,

Yes, check e-bay and be patient. I recently saw two new sequoias go for 500.00 and 525.00

Also, if you are not to picky, Mercier, Fuji, Motobacane,(ala Bikesdirect):

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/road_bikes.htm )

have decent groupo on these non name brands. You can also find these brands cheaper on e-bay, at times.

I am just talking from my experience, but a lot of new road bikes with compact frames and adjustable stems are fairly adaptable to "comfort" riding. My Allez Elite is just as comfortable as my hybrid Trek 730.

Hope this helps,

ehenz

Oops, almost forgot this place:

http://www.nicolletbike.com/index.php3?page=viewdeal.php3&dealnum=27