Road Cycling - First road bike with budget?

I need some schooling on road bicycles. My buddy has a decent (to me) bike around $1300 and wants me to ride with him. I know he goes on 50mile rides quite often and I figured it would be fun and a nice way to drop a few pounds.

Now My budget isnt that great ($500ish, more if I save) and am wondering what is decent. I have been looking on Craigslist and this 2007 GT GTR Series Three is standing out to me if it fits. http://fresno.craigslist.org/bik/974818104.html

What about building my own bike? I could figure it out pretty easily as Im pretty mechanically inclined and had a mountain bike that I was constantly messing with but it got stolen on campus. This bike wont be rode to campus or other errands and will only be used for actual bike rides.

If it fits, that is a good starter bike.

Thank you. I will email him asking him about the size.

Also, do you know if it would be better for me to buy a used bike or build one?

Agree. that looks like a good deal and a great starter bike. You might want to ask how many miles on the drivetrain. Other than that, fit is everything. You will have some money left over for accessories, too.

As to building your own, thats great as a second bike, imo. You'll need something to ride while you spec your build. And also to make sure you are truly enjoying the white-line riding befiore you spend money on parts. Buying complete bikes is always cheaper than buying all the parts separately. But you knew that ;P

He already emailed me back saying it is a 54cm, which I am assuming is going to be small for me being 6'4.

Also, what does this mean?
Larger riders (6'0" and up) may find that this formula puts them on a too small, and uncomfortable, road frame. A taller cyclist who wants a more comfortable frame may be better off selecting a frame 27–28cm less than inseam length, C-T.

I found this from http://www.cbss.ca/Custom.htm

Also, what does this mean?

I found this from http://www.cbss.ca/Custom.htm

It means that you should measure your inseam and then subtract 27 to 28 cm to find the approximately correct size, measured C-T (center to top, as explained on the site you linked to).

Make sure you are measuring your inseam in the way that it refers to on this page you linked to; it's not the same as your clothing inseam. Also, to make things more complicated, be aware that bikes with sloping top tubes are going to have different measurements than bikes with horizontal top tubes. If you look at specs on new bikes you will see that they talk about "actual" measurements and virtual measurements - the virtual is a measurement as if the bike were built with a horizontal top tube (the actual measurement on a bike with a sloping top tube will be shorter). So when you see sizes quoted in CL ads you have to sort of guess what the measurements mean.

When you are shopping for used bikes the owners may not know all the measurements - safe way of knowing whether it is even worth your time to drive across town is to interview the seller about who the owner/rider was, and what size they are . At least that keeps you from wasting too much time.

If you are 6' 4" and normally proportioned the 54cm is likely too small. I am 6' 2" and my smallest road bike is a 61cm, though I am by no means a fit expert. Used bikes in your size are not going to be as common as the smaller sizes, but they are out there.

(Side note: the 3 times I sold a bike on Craigslist I listed *my* height in the ad before the bike size; I sold each of the 3 bikes in a day...)

If you are mechanically inclined u might try ebay. At 6'4". u might need 60cm frame size. Usually, the large frame sizes go a little cheaper on ebay. Although there are more considerations for a good fit, you can ask the seller for a "standover height" and compare it to your inseam. Thats a starting point at least if u wanna buy one without a "test ride"

Ok, so I just measured myself bringing me at approximately 87cm (34.25" x2.54 to convert to cm). Using the 87x.67 method, I would need a frame around 58cm. Using the "larger rider" method, 87-27=60cm. Using these formulas, the frame would be around 57-60cm.

It seems to be kind of hard to find used bicycles locally for me.

It seems to be kind of hard to find used bicycles locally for me.

Two thoughts:

1. You can post what you're looking for in Craigslist.

2. Start watching bikes your size in eBay, will give you a feel for what values are in your size.

Whether you should buy from eBay is another question -- depends on whether you're able to try enough bikes locally to feel comfortable with fit on a bike you've never ridden; comfort with assessing condition from afar; whether you have money in reserve to take care of problems that aren't apparent until the bike arrives, etc. I think used is the way to go if you are serious about a good road bike under $500, but I have a high degree of patience of sorting things out on a used bike.

Thank you. I will email him asking him about the size.

Also, do you know if it would be better for me to buy a used bike or build one?

Used will most likely be cheaper and definitely faster.

How is a LeMond Reno? I see this one is a 59cm for $550.
http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/bik/976147955.html

Buy that one. ^^^^ Ride the hell out of it.

*edit* Eh, it MIGHT be too small, but not by much. I think I remember other BF'ers saying that LeMond frames were a little longer than usual for their size, so that would help (if I remembered correctly, anyway).

You might not like this suggestion, but I'll throw it out.
Go to a bike shop.
New bike, Jamis has some less than $600 for example.
Test ride.
You pick your size and your done.

No worries about fit, shippng, $$ transaction, or previous problem's.

Buy that one. ^^^^ Ride the hell out of it.

*edit* Eh, it MIGHT be too small, but not by much. I think I remember other BF'ers saying that LeMond frames were a little longer than usual for their size, so that would help (if I remembered correctly, anyway).

You are correct about it being longer somewhat. I have been researching this bike a lot after finding the ad and it seems like a decent bike. People do say though that it is meant for people with longer torsos than inseams. What I am thinking is t hat this would work well for me. Although I am 6'4'' I have a wingspan of 6'11''. This means that this bike may be better suited for me correct?


You might not like this suggestion, but I'll throw it out.
Go to a bike shop.
New bike, Jamis has some less than $600 for example.
Test ride.
You pick your size and your done.

No worries about fit, shippng, $$ transaction, or previous problem's.

No I like this idea very much so. I still plan on hitting up my LBS's and sitting on a a few bikes to see what fits me best sizewise. I also plan on checking out the cheaper bikes and seeing if I deem them well enough for my first. I do have patience to to find a used also, and I feel too antsy I can always search LA craigslist as LA is only 1.5-2 hours from me. I am sure I could easily find one there to suit me.

OP.

See if you can go to a performancebike if you have one near you. If you don't but know what size you are, then check out performance bike or bikenashbar for the bikes they have right now.

You should be able to get something with tiagra or 105 (if lucky) in your price range, and it will come with a warranty. Performance/nashbar are doing a 15% off sale right now. If you get it from performance and get their points card, then you'll be able to get credit towards some accessories (shorts/pedals/shoes/whatever).

Good luck!

The one I'm referring to is the
Jamis Ventura Sport. Look's pretty
decent for the $$$.

You are correct about it being longer somewhat. I have been researching this bike a lot after finding the ad and it seems like a decent bike. People do say though that it is meant for people with longer torsos than inseams. What I am thinking is t hat this would work well for me. Although I am 6'4'' I have a wingspan of 6'11''. This means that this bike may be better suited for me correct?

Well, maybe it would be better suited in a 61 or so than a 59. Two centimeters doesn't sound like much, and maybe I'm not a good reference because I'm no spring chicken myself and therefore not greatly flexible, but it can make a difference in whether your bars end up in the right place for you.

You'll be able to fit it better to you by adding a longer stem if necessary. I don't think it'll be so far off that you couldn't. Eventually, you'll likely find that your bikes end up with the same cockpit length.

Buy that one. ^^^^ Ride the hell out of it.

*edit* Eh, it MIGHT be too small, but not by much. I think I remember other BF'ers saying that LeMond frames were a little longer than usual for their size, so that would help (if I remembered correctly, anyway).



I am 6' 4" with a 34 inch inseam...I have a 59 cm Lemond and I was fitted at a Trek store. I think that would be a good fit.

I'm 6'1'' with 33'' inseam and ride a 59cm Lemond. I think that a lot of riders ride bikes that are a bit on the small side.

So I just came upon the BikeDirect link for bikes and those seem very cheap for that components they come with. I have done a search and they do seem to be bashed as they are not "true" Mercier bikes. Others who have purchased them seem to like them and have no problems. I am not contemplating just saving up an extra $200 and spending about $800 on an new bike from here.

Are there still lots of oppositions to BD?

So I just came upon the BikeDirect link for bikes and those seem very cheap for that components they come with. I have done a search and they do seem to be bashed as they are not "true" Mercier bikes. Others who have purchased them seem to like them and have no problems. I am not contemplating just saving up an extra $200 and spending about $800 on an new bike from here.

Are there still lots of oppositions to BD?

Posted on the 31st:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=498412

If, after attempting to remove a bottom bracket, I were told, "The bike you bought was in 100% functional condition when it was shipped to you. I sell my bikes to be ridden, not to be taken apart. The stripped threads are a result of you taking it apart," I'd flip my lid, just like the OP of that thread.

I'm really not sure if BD is such a good idea anymore (and I was only on the fence about them before, too). Maybe if I wanted something I could beat on and not care about, sure, but I tend to like my bikes.

Posted on the 31st:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=498412

If, after attempting to remove a bottom bracket, I were told, "The bike you bought was in 100% functional condition when it was shipped to you. I sell my bikes to be ridden, not to be taken apart. The stripped threads are a result of you taking it apart," I'd flip my lid, just like the OP of that thread.

I'm really not sure if BD is such a good idea anymore (and I was only on the fence about them before, too). Maybe if I wanted something I could beat on and not care about, sure, but I tend to like my bikes.

Good to know. I am officially no longer considering them.

I went to the bike shop and they did not really fit me per se but just say Id use an XL frame on their Giants as that is pretty much what he sells besides a few Felts. I asked him what that would be in CM and he said that their sizes are a little different but just assumed I was a 60 or 61cm by looking at me.

He was aiming at selling me the Giant Defy 3 for $810 I believe which I do not think is worth it for all Sora Components.

BTW, I have $800 saved now by taking in a few more computer jobs. I think if I really want I could set aside $900 by the end of the month, maybe $1000.

Take your time, do it right the first time.
You'll save $$$ in the long run.:thumb:

Ok so I went to two more LBSs and found the one I would buy from if I bought one new from this city. The guy was very helpful and had me stand over the bike and said I would want something like a 58 with the 2" gap because it would be better for performance I guess. I did not ride though as the ground was went from the rain earlier this morning.

What he was showing me were two Treks, one at $1000 and one at $800. He said he thought I should just start with the $800 one though as both were Sora components and the 1.2 ($800 bike) had stronger wheels as I am a bigger guy (6'4'' 250lb).

He also stated that there were not much of a difference of components except for longetivity and crispness? He also said that it would be fine with me to just start on the Sora instead of saving some extra for upgraded components like Tiagra or 105s? Is this true? What I am wondering is if just spend the $800 on a new bike with Soras, or spend less money on a used bike with higher components. I could even spend a little more on a used bike for components like Ultegras.


Basically what I am considering is:
1) This used one from CL http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/bik/976147955.html
2) Used with better components and still need to find
3) New with not as good components

Is new that much better than used? Should I wait longer to save up for a newer one with upgraded components versus used with same ones?

This ebay one also stands out but the problem is I cannot test fit it in advance. I also prefer not to buy sight unseen. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370136587534&_trksid=p3907.m32&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching

The best part of buying new is getting warranty work, whether for parts that fail or build issues that need to be rectified. The more you know about bikes, though, the less important a warranty becomes.

I'm 6'4". I ride a 63cm touring bike and a 61cm road bike. (Yes, my touring bike is also a road bike, but a very specific type.) If you're normally proportioned you'll probably want an XL or XXL frame (if they use letters.)

I've built several bikes from frames, using combinations of used and new parts. In my opinion it's pretty much always cheaper to buy a complete bike than buy a frame and build it up. The best deals I've gotten have been on complete bikes with a part or two that needed replacing. The price of the bikes was low, and the cost of fixing was also low.

I'd look for a complete used bike. If it has one or two damaged components that you can fix, the price of the bike should be low. However, get one with a good frame (no major dings, and NO cracks), and GET A FRAME THAT FITS! You can tweak parts, but there's not a lot you can do to tweak the size of the frame.

Ok so I am going to the city where I attend college for some errands tomorrow and see they have a lot more bike shops than here in Bakersfield. I have though found a new bike that has caught my eye that I believe is worth saving for, even if it takes a month or so. This bike is the 2009 Cannondale Synapse 5. They have the compact double version at REI for $1200 ($2100 at my LBS!). Of course this also depends on how the bike fits me, but so far I am leaning towards this bike as I have gathered it is better for longer rides (which I plan to do).

$2100 for a Synapse 5? The one with 105 components and an alloy frame?

Damn... honestly, that's a rip. The REI price is right on where it should be for that bike.

Nice bike, BTW.

2) Used with better components
3) New with not as good components



This is one of the essential trade-offs I found. Shopping for a beginner, I got a 1990 Trek 1400 on cl this summer, with some Durace for $275 (with very low miles). The frame turned out a bit taller than I expected, so instead, I got a 2005 Giant OCR3 this fall for $300. My son was very happy to get the Trek unexpectedly. The Giant has the better frame, and the Trek, the better components. Both make great starter bikes. If you find you love cycling, you can upgrade later.

Ok so I am going to the city where I attend college for some errands tomorrow and see they have a lot more bike shops than here in Bakersfield. I have though found a new bike that has caught my eye that I believe is worth saving for, even if it takes a month or so. This bike is the 2009 Cannondale Synapse 5. They have the compact double version at REI for $1200 ($2100 at my LBS!). Of course this also depends on how the bike fits me, but so far I am leaning towards this bike as I have gathered it is better for longer rides (which I plan to do).

Are you sure the $2100 one isn't the Carbon frame version? Like this one (http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2009&Brand=Cannondale&Model=Synapse+Carbon+5&Type=bike)?

Regardless, the aluminum one is a great bike. Enjoy!

I asked them specifically about the Synapse 5, but I was also thinking perhaps they quoted me for the wrong bike too. Il give another call because I liked them the best with customer service by far.'

Ok I called them again and they said 13XX and I asked them about matching. He said the lowest he could do is $1250, which is good enough for me as I like their customer service a lot especially with free tune ups for life.

IMHO, two inches is an awfully big gap. Also, paying $800 for Sora is a mistake. Check out roadbikescheap.com. Lots of good listings from ebay. I was watching that for months but couldn't pull the trigger. Finally bought new, but if I were in that price range and I thought I would stick with it, I would rather have a better used bike than a new cheapo. You can get a 2 or 3 year old with 105 for that kind of money.

Ok, I know you guys were glad this thread was finally dead but I am going to revive once again.
I am now selling my guns which ups my budget a lot but I have already mentioned the Synapse 5 alloy and it was said to be a good bike. Now I just want to make sure that you guys think it would be one of the better bikes for my purpose (new rider wanting to fall in love with sport and go on longer rides) that is around that price range. I am going to test ride too to make sure but pretty much have this bike set in my head stats wise.
I am also thinking I may spend 400-500 on accessories (shoes, pedals, helmet, shorts, computer, etc).

Thanks again and hopefully my next post will be about my new purchase.

^^^^ If I started over, I'd get a Synapse instead of a CAAD8. The 8 is a hoot, but after a couple hours, I start wanting more smoothness.

I did just that a few months ago. After trying out several bikes, decided on the Al Synapse 6 & am very pleased with the bike. It is fast, responsive and also is comfortable. To the OP, I purchased my Synapse 6 at $850 so you should be able to do better than $1250 on the Synapse 5.

They actually advertise 1350 or 1375 (MSRP) for the bike but I told them about someone else selling it for $1199 and they said the lowest they can go is $1250. This is fine for me because the bike comes with free lifetime maintenance which to me is worth the extra $50, especially with how much I liked their customer service.

Also I am thinking it comes with a fit when reading this http://www.teamactionsports.com/bike.php, but I am not sure.

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/09/cusa/model-9RA95D_9RA95C.html

http://www.neuvationcycling.com/product52.html

This combination will more than suffice until you reach Cat1. New 105 is great, and the CAAD9 frame is equal in performance to any frame at any price. In your price rang anything else would be a ridiculous choice.

this question has come up many many times on various forums over the past year. if you want the absolute best bang for the buck get a c'dale caad9. you can get one for about $1200 or less. make no mistake this is a race bike that is tour d'france ready. one of the great bargains (there are a few) in cycling.

Go to your LBS and ask them how many 08 (or even in some cases 07's) they have left in stock. Haggle. Ride off on your new bike you otherwise wouldn't have been able to afford.

I just picked up a slightly used 06 Tarmac Pro, which normally goes for around $2400 these days for $1300. It helps to get to know the employees of your LBS too, they'll start hookin you up.

this question has come up many many times on various forums over the past year. if you want the absolute best bang for the buck get a c'dale caad9. you can get one for about $1200 or less. make no mistake this is a race bike that is tour d'france ready. one of the great bargains (there are a few) in cycling.

I ride with a lowly Cat2 who races on a bone stock 9-5. Ok, he puts an inexpensive pair of carbon tublars on it for races, but that's it.

I'm sure when he improves he'll be worthy of components above the 105 level. :lol:

I have been thinking about the CAAD9 5 compared to the Synapse 5, and it seems the difference is the more relaxed riding position with the higher angled stem, along with the curved seat and chain stays to help make the ride more comfortable. If I wanted to make my ride more aggressive, I could just flip the stem (Which is the exact same part as the CAAD9, the Cannondale C4 stem).

Also being a bigger guy (6'4 and 255) I am doing this to lose weight while have fun. My target weight loss goal is to 225 as I have a larger frame than most (most people think I am already around 230 because I do not look that "fat"). Racing would sound like fun eventually but I do not think it would suit me even if I did fall down to 220 or so when others are 170ish.

Another new bigger question. My buddy went to his LBS (who sells primarily Giant and Felt) and asked them about the Synapse, and they went off saying how Cannondale is no longer trustworthy and their quality has gone down especially after being bought out early of last year. Now this scared me for a little but after researching these forums and google, it seems as Cannondale is still fine after being bought out and the LBS just wanted me to purchase the Giant Defy 1 from them.

So in short, Cannondale is still a quality product, correct?

^^^ Very true. for your needs the Synapse might be the better option. I'm sure you'll be very happy on whatever you choose.

So in short, Cannondale is still a quality product, correct?

Yuppers. :thumb:

The Synapse (the carbon one) was used in bumpier pro races, too -- Paris-Roubaix, etc. It's not a CAAD or a SuperSix, but it still doesn't suck.

So I went to buy the Synapse today and Cannondale is backordered for 1-1.5 months :/
The guy is going to call lots of other dealers around California tomorrow if he can trade a bike for theirs if he can buy it so I can buy it from him. I love their customer service.
I have already ordered my pedals, computer, shorts, and most other accessories too. Darnit.

Another new bigger question. My buddy went to his LBS (who sells primarily Giant and Felt) and asked them about the Synapse, and they went off saying how Cannondale is no longer trustworthy and their quality has gone down especially after being bought out early of last year. Now this scared me for a little but after researching these forums and google, it seems as Cannondale is still fine after being bought out and the LBS just wanted me to purchase the Giant Defy 1 from them.

So in short, Cannondale is still a quality product, correct?

Giant and Felt make good bikes.

So does Cannondale.

I wouldn't trust a shop that openly disses other brands.

I would get the used bike with better components for less, It is cheaper and higher quality, plus you won't lose as much if you ever decide to sell it. I'm 6'3" and I have a 61 cm. If I were you I'd look on eBay for a Klein quantum race.

Ended up with this in the 61". Its a 2009 Specialized Roubaix. I am sooooo stoked! Im literally shaking in anticipation after weeks of researching.
http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2009/bikes/9093-55_RBX_carbred_d.jpg

Im hoping to pick it up on Friday, or Saturday and put miles on it. If not it wont be until Monday. Arghhh. It was beautiful and 63 today too. I cannot wait.

I hope $1750 was not bad.