Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Is this a good buy?

So im trying to get my first bike for excercise and shizz

just wanna know if this bike will be okay for me size wise and price and for my use.

Im 240 lbs bout 5"5 - 5"6

the bike is a bridgestone 500 for $200 and heres a link

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/1001857432.html

Well, I don't know what the market is in Chicago, but here in Dallas I wouldn't pay that for it, but I wouldn't pay that much for it, but I would list it on Craigs List for some where in that price range. Hopefully that makes sense, lol.

My best recommendation is to look at what other people are listing older bikes for and see if the price range is the same. Most bikes like this are listed anywhere from $150 - $200 here. It's not a "collectable" by any means, but a good solid rider.

The most important thing is of it fits. The thing about these older bikes is that you won't find anything near them in quality for the asking price new, as in a Box store bike.

Bridgestones tend to be over-priced compared to other older steel bikes partly because Sheldon (RIP) gave them some good publicity on his web site. I think you can do better than that for $200.

Edit to add: I just browsed through Chicago CL, and there isn't much selection at this point in time. If you're patient you'll find something worthwhile. Not many people cleaning out garages right now or thinking about biking. If you're looking at older bikes, I recommend you post your question on the Classic and Vintage board. People there will give you instant feedback. If you find a good deal on CL, you have to act immediately or somebody else will snag it first.

The photos aren't that great - what is it with that handlebar? and it may be a little small for you.

bars kinda look like bullhorns with sti shifters and brakes on ends.

im not looking at any sort of specific bike. I just want a decent entry level one that can last me awhile until i decide to upgrade (that is if i am still riding by then).

Personally I would give that one a pass if I were you, but I am not you. For 200 I think you can do a lot better. Have you called your local bike shops to see if they had any trade ins? You might be able to score a nice used bike right around that price. Are you set on a road bike or would you be open to other bike designs (road, hybrid, mountain comfort etc.)? Road bikes tend to be quite a bit more expensive than the others, if you broaden your search you will likely find a much better deal.

Im not at all set on a road bike. Im open to anything that will give me a good excercise.

bout 4-5 years ago i used to ride this mountain bike (before i got a car :P) to get to the basketball court and stuff an it gave me a great excercise cus the tires were kinda big the bike was heavy. I liked it becus it gave me a work out getting up onthe hills lol but the gears always jumped.

But yea im open to anything like hybrid or mountain bike if anyone knos of a good deal in chicago area lemme know.

havent yet been to a local shop.

edit: just to add 99 percent of my riding will be on pavement. which is why i originally was lookin for a road bike.

Hey i have a chance to buy this good conditioned specialized hardrock comp. Not sure what year but its yellow.

Hes selling it for 150 obo but i could probably bring him down to 125 or something. Should i get it?

http://images.craigslist.org/3m73p93l812a1gb14491m1d039fabefad1c6a.jpg

At 5-5 and 240, I would avoid any MTB with a shock front. The shock forks are designed for 150 pound riders.

That Bridgestone, other than the goofy (at least to me) handlebars looks decent. Chicago market tends to be a little higher. Around here you could do better, but you are not around here, so that really doesn't matter.

If you just want a generic bike, get a rigid frame mountain bike: Trek, Specialized, Giant, or another of the good brands (no Walmart crap). I can find good ones around here for $100 or so. Add slicks if you are only going to ride on the road.

Over time, if you keep riding, you are going to have several bikes. So whatever you choose now really isn't that important. My first bike back into riding (a year ago) I kept for about two months, and then figured it was a mistake, so I bought another bike. I ended up selling the mistake for more than I paid for it.

All that was the start of my flipping hobby (30+ bikes later).

sorry to bring this back up but theres this 2005 specialized allez elite.

Are those fine for heavy guys? it has a carbon seat post which i kno isnt great for big guys so i plan to change it but other then that are there any reasons why i shouldnt get it?

Actually, it likely has a carbon wrapped aluminum seatpost. An Allez is a good bike, though, and how much is the asking price?

heres a link

http://cgi.ebay.com/Specialized-Allez-Elite-Triple-Shimano_W0QQitemZ140297389049QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRoad_Bikes?hash=item140297389049&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A570|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

so will it will be fine for my weight? (bout 240 lbs)

I think that would have been a great bike, as long as it fits you. 52cm could possibly be a tad small for your height, but everything looked like it would work for you. I'm 280 (real soon to be in 270's) and I ride a similar bike. Although I consider my bike much cooler lol.

:/ sorry i know this is getting old and it will stop as soon as i get a bike lol.

But how much would u guys pay for a 2005 trek pilot 1.0