mrdoright0405
05-29-04, 01:35 AM
Im looking to buy a Inexpensive but Good road bike. I would really like to keep it under $300. :o
General Cycling Discussion - Inexpensive But Good Road Bike.
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khuon
05-29-04, 03:47 AM
Im looking to buy a Inexpensive but Good road bike. I would really like to keep it under $300. :o
For roadbikes, you'll have to jump to the $500 range to hit the new decent entry-level models. You might be able to find something closer to the $300 range on clearance/closeout or used. Expect 8-speed components (typically Shimano Sora mixed with Tektro brakes and maybe house-brand low-end cranks), relatively heavy but usable aluminum frames, relatively heavy wheels. In short, there's not going to be much fanfare associated with bikes in this pricerange but they will get you out on the road. Whatever you do, make sure it fits before buying it. Try scouring some of your local bikeshops.
For roadbikes, you'll have to jump to the $500 range to hit the new decent entry-level models. You might be able to find something closer to the $300 range on clearance/closeout or used. Expect 8-speed components (typically Shimano Sora mixed with Tektro brakes and maybe house-brand low-end cranks), relatively heavy but usable aluminum frames, relatively heavy wheels. In short, there's not going to be much fanfare associated with bikes in this pricerange but they will get you out on the road. Whatever you do, make sure it fits before buying it. Try scouring some of your local bikeshops.
geebee
05-29-04, 04:49 AM
I have a cheap generic (Holstar) entry level road bike, Its steel, reasonably light has shimano sis derailliers and sunrace indexed down tube shifters. Compared to a mtb it absolutely flies (I even catch the occasional roady and the engine will only improve) the drop bars allow more aero position in a head wind, I've done over a 1000k's scince I purchased it. It shifts beautifully (only 12 speed) with no measurable wear anywhere except the tyres :) .The only draw back for me is its a double chain ring, where I live a triple would be mutch better.
So if you have to buy a generic brand they are still a huge jump up from a MTB or Hybrid and steel is not a great deal heavier than low end aluminium.
So if you have to buy a generic brand they are still a huge jump up from a MTB or Hybrid and steel is not a great deal heavier than low end aluminium.
samp02
05-29-04, 04:56 AM
shop used. Ebay maybe...good luck.
DnvrFox
05-29-04, 06:01 AM
I got my Windsor Leeds brand new on EBay for $290 plus $35 shipping. It is a really neat bike. I use it for casual riding and keep it in the back of my hatchback. I kept the platforms with toe clips so I don't have to take an extra pair of shoes with me. I really like it. It is Sora.
http://www.windsorbicycles.com/leeds.html
http://www.windsorbicycles.com/leeds.html
MichaelW
05-29-04, 07:44 AM
Fuji League
pblogic
05-30-04, 06:23 PM
Fuji League
I don't knwo much about the bike market (yet), but I am accustomed to researching new markets. One of the things that is common in every market is that you will be told you must spend alot to get what you want. Don't worry about what you want, worry about what you need.
When you were a kid you probably rode the same cheap huffy for 6 years straight with the occasional new tire.
High end equipment is nice, but not everybody wants to spend a ton of money on every part of their lives.
If you can pick up a cheap bike at target for 50$, there is no way you can't find a decent quality used bike for 300$
I don't knwo much about the bike market (yet), but I am accustomed to researching new markets. One of the things that is common in every market is that you will be told you must spend alot to get what you want. Don't worry about what you want, worry about what you need.
When you were a kid you probably rode the same cheap huffy for 6 years straight with the occasional new tire.
High end equipment is nice, but not everybody wants to spend a ton of money on every part of their lives.
If you can pick up a cheap bike at target for 50$, there is no way you can't find a decent quality used bike for 300$
Pat
05-31-04, 03:09 AM
I don't knwo much about the bike market (yet), but I am accustomed to researching new markets. One of the things that is common in every market is that you will be told you must spend alot to get what you want. Don't worry about what you want, worry about what you need.
When you were a kid you probably rode the same cheap huffy for 6 years straight with the occasional new tire.
High end equipment is nice, but not everybody wants to spend a ton of money on every part of their lives.
If you can pick up a cheap bike at target for 50$, there is no way you can't find a decent quality used bike for 300$
Well, sure you can probably find a used bike pretty inexpensively. But that is tough for a new rider. The most important thing about a bike is fit. A good local bike shop will fit a new rider decently well. With a used bike, the buyer has to know enough to handle this. Another thing, in buying a used bike, the buyer has to be knowledgeable enough to know a quality bike when they see it and also know whether a bike is in decent mechanical shape. I know friends who have gotten great deals with used bikes but then again they knew exactly what they wanted.
When you were a kid you probably rode the same cheap huffy for 6 years straight with the occasional new tire.
High end equipment is nice, but not everybody wants to spend a ton of money on every part of their lives.
If you can pick up a cheap bike at target for 50$, there is no way you can't find a decent quality used bike for 300$
Well, sure you can probably find a used bike pretty inexpensively. But that is tough for a new rider. The most important thing about a bike is fit. A good local bike shop will fit a new rider decently well. With a used bike, the buyer has to know enough to handle this. Another thing, in buying a used bike, the buyer has to be knowledgeable enough to know a quality bike when they see it and also know whether a bike is in decent mechanical shape. I know friends who have gotten great deals with used bikes but then again they knew exactly what they wanted.
EastTexasRider
11-08-11, 02:34 PM
I know this thread is a bit old....but it came up when I searched for "Affordable Road Bike Reviews".
And I thought it appropriate to let others know that I've just started a blog / site for just that purpose, where we're attempting to review entry level road bikes, that cost under $ 600, and are sold thru BBS - Big Box Stores or Online Retailers.
There is too little objective coverage of these bikes, in our view, yet there is a large demand for bikes that are significantly more affordable than the "bottom threshold LBS (local bike shop) of $ 700".
It's a sure bet that many who go to the LBS to buy a $ 1000 + road bike, will have had a lesser expensive road bike first, thus the pressing need to expand this segment of the market.
Making fun of those who buy their bikes in non LBS venues is thus shortsighted at best; very counterproductive at worst.
Anyhow, I'm hoping to gain some attention and am willing to publish other owners / riders reviews of their bikes that meet the criterion laid out above.
Also, please note we're happy to review or republish your reviews of Vintage road bikes that meet these standards: $ 600 or less original price; and made before 1990.
I'm also willing to have those who make or distribute such bikes contact us about reviewing their bikes.
Yes, many sites feature 'owner reviews', these are very helpful of course, but they vary widely in terms of their quality & cohesiveness and can be sometimes questionable in terms of objectivity.
So, please visit our humble blog and comment on any thing you like.
I'm hoping the reviews will be of help to others. Right now, we've just reviewed one bike, but good thing, it's probably the most widely sold entry level road bike in America right now:
www.AffordableRoadBikeReview.wordpress.com
See you there ! EastTexasRider
And I thought it appropriate to let others know that I've just started a blog / site for just that purpose, where we're attempting to review entry level road bikes, that cost under $ 600, and are sold thru BBS - Big Box Stores or Online Retailers.
There is too little objective coverage of these bikes, in our view, yet there is a large demand for bikes that are significantly more affordable than the "bottom threshold LBS (local bike shop) of $ 700".
It's a sure bet that many who go to the LBS to buy a $ 1000 + road bike, will have had a lesser expensive road bike first, thus the pressing need to expand this segment of the market.
Making fun of those who buy their bikes in non LBS venues is thus shortsighted at best; very counterproductive at worst.
Anyhow, I'm hoping to gain some attention and am willing to publish other owners / riders reviews of their bikes that meet the criterion laid out above.
Also, please note we're happy to review or republish your reviews of Vintage road bikes that meet these standards: $ 600 or less original price; and made before 1990.
I'm also willing to have those who make or distribute such bikes contact us about reviewing their bikes.
Yes, many sites feature 'owner reviews', these are very helpful of course, but they vary widely in terms of their quality & cohesiveness and can be sometimes questionable in terms of objectivity.
So, please visit our humble blog and comment on any thing you like.
I'm hoping the reviews will be of help to others. Right now, we've just reviewed one bike, but good thing, it's probably the most widely sold entry level road bike in America right now:
www.AffordableRoadBikeReview.wordpress.com
See you there ! EastTexasRider
RaleighSport
11-08-11, 06:42 PM
Hello Shill, we have a nice tight knit community here and tends to take care of our own be they brand new or obnoxious like me.. IE chiming in on a bikes value how it matches up with the persons needs etc.. I don't see why anyone here would need your site.. but hey plug away.
EastTexasRider
11-09-11, 04:26 PM
Hello Shill, we have a nice tight knit community here and tends to take care of our own be they brand new or obnoxious like me.. IE chiming in on a bikes value how it matches up with the persons needs etc.. I don't see why anyone here would need your site.. but hey plug away.
Excuse me, but what does your comment have to do with:
1) The stated intent of this thread (pls note: Inexpensive but good road bike...)
2) My humble contribution to the stated intent & discussion of 'Inexpensive but good road bike (s)'
I'm no shill. I don't either own a shop, sell bikes or work for a Big Box Store in any capacity.
I'm just a road bike owner / cyclist. I own a vintage Benotto Italian road bike, and the one you see reviewed on my blog. It works very well for the minimal outlay.
I used to make 3 times what I do now, due to the down economy & other factors, and I meet many folks in my same boat. I figure many could benefit from having a decent running road bike, at the most minimal cost. Sorry if that bugs you or anyone else.
When I go to the local bike shop, they don't make any apologies for starting at $ 700, but I've heard several folks say they simply walked away from the chance to get started road biking due to the high cost.
Not a good plan to get more into the sport, wouldn't you agree ??
As the Apostle Paul said: "I've learned to be in all things content, how to be rich & to be poor" (my weak paraphrase, sorry)
So, my goal is to be of use to others. I'll write about the bikes that are under the quite high LBS threshold, and never 'shill' for junk bikes or ones that are simply unsuited to hard road use.
I just got done going 20 hard miles on the GMC Denali, and yes my 16 year old son finished first, he rode the Benotto ! I was only .25 mile behind and 3 times his age !
Hope this helps you grasp my position.
Cheers, David
Excuse me, but what does your comment have to do with:
1) The stated intent of this thread (pls note: Inexpensive but good road bike...)
2) My humble contribution to the stated intent & discussion of 'Inexpensive but good road bike (s)'
I'm no shill. I don't either own a shop, sell bikes or work for a Big Box Store in any capacity.
I'm just a road bike owner / cyclist. I own a vintage Benotto Italian road bike, and the one you see reviewed on my blog. It works very well for the minimal outlay.
I used to make 3 times what I do now, due to the down economy & other factors, and I meet many folks in my same boat. I figure many could benefit from having a decent running road bike, at the most minimal cost. Sorry if that bugs you or anyone else.
When I go to the local bike shop, they don't make any apologies for starting at $ 700, but I've heard several folks say they simply walked away from the chance to get started road biking due to the high cost.
Not a good plan to get more into the sport, wouldn't you agree ??
As the Apostle Paul said: "I've learned to be in all things content, how to be rich & to be poor" (my weak paraphrase, sorry)
So, my goal is to be of use to others. I'll write about the bikes that are under the quite high LBS threshold, and never 'shill' for junk bikes or ones that are simply unsuited to hard road use.
I just got done going 20 hard miles on the GMC Denali, and yes my 16 year old son finished first, he rode the Benotto ! I was only .25 mile behind and 3 times his age !
Hope this helps you grasp my position.
Cheers, David
Mobile 155
11-09-11, 06:47 PM
Excuse me, but what does your comment have to do with:
1) The stated intent of this thread (pls note: Inexpensive but good road bike...)
2) My humble contribution to the stated intent & discussion of 'Inexpensive but good road bike (s)'
I'm no shill. I don't either own a shop, sell bikes or work for a Big Box Store in any capacity.
I'm just a road bike owner / cyclist. I own a vintage Benotto Italian road bike, and the one you see reviewed on my blog. It works very well for the minimal outlay.
I used to make 3 times what I do now, due to the down economy & other factors, and I meet many folks in my same boat. I figure many could benefit from having a decent running road bike, at the most minimal cost. Sorry if that bugs you or anyone else.
When I go to the local bike shop, they don't make any apologies for starting at $ 700, but I've heard several folks say they simply walked away from the chance to get started road biking due to the high cost.
Not a good plan to get more into the sport, wouldn't you agree ??
As the Apostle Paul said: "I've learned to be in all things content, how to be rich & to be poor" (my weak paraphrase, sorry)
So, my goal is to be of use to others. I'll write about the bikes that are under the quite high LBS threshold, and never 'shill' for junk bikes or ones that are simply unsuited to hard road use.
I just got done going 20 hard miles on the GMC Denali, and yes my 16 year old son finished first, he rode the Benotto ! I was only .25 mile behind and 3 times his age !
Hope this helps you grasp my position.
Cheers, David
It is the part in bold that causes the question.:D
I think the point that was being made is there are a lot of choices we can have for a "review" of how to get into road bikes and your’s didn't seem unbiased. :eek: Some would suggest Craig’s List and contend that used would be a better choice. Some would point to Performance bicycle or even Bikes direct. And there would be a lot of dissenters to bikes direct. Many of us that have been into cycling for several years cannot agree that a 29 pound gas pipe road bike is the best choice for a new person to road bikes. Believe me comparing the GMC to a Varsity did in no favors. :lol:
Just as an example Performance sells two flat bar road bikes and two fitness bikes with 8 speed Shimano shifters that are replaceable for under $600.00. They also have your money back if you are not satisfied policy. In my opinion any of these options would be better than a GMC. (I do not own either) One rule reviewers normally try to live by, is never review a product you have already bought. You can give a "report" on how you like that product but a review would seem less than unbiased if the reader knows you own what you review.
Just pointing out the reason some are skeptical not trying to attack you.
1) The stated intent of this thread (pls note: Inexpensive but good road bike...)
2) My humble contribution to the stated intent & discussion of 'Inexpensive but good road bike (s)'
I'm no shill. I don't either own a shop, sell bikes or work for a Big Box Store in any capacity.
I'm just a road bike owner / cyclist. I own a vintage Benotto Italian road bike, and the one you see reviewed on my blog. It works very well for the minimal outlay.
I used to make 3 times what I do now, due to the down economy & other factors, and I meet many folks in my same boat. I figure many could benefit from having a decent running road bike, at the most minimal cost. Sorry if that bugs you or anyone else.
When I go to the local bike shop, they don't make any apologies for starting at $ 700, but I've heard several folks say they simply walked away from the chance to get started road biking due to the high cost.
Not a good plan to get more into the sport, wouldn't you agree ??
As the Apostle Paul said: "I've learned to be in all things content, how to be rich & to be poor" (my weak paraphrase, sorry)
So, my goal is to be of use to others. I'll write about the bikes that are under the quite high LBS threshold, and never 'shill' for junk bikes or ones that are simply unsuited to hard road use.
I just got done going 20 hard miles on the GMC Denali, and yes my 16 year old son finished first, he rode the Benotto ! I was only .25 mile behind and 3 times his age !
Hope this helps you grasp my position.
Cheers, David
It is the part in bold that causes the question.:D
I think the point that was being made is there are a lot of choices we can have for a "review" of how to get into road bikes and your’s didn't seem unbiased. :eek: Some would suggest Craig’s List and contend that used would be a better choice. Some would point to Performance bicycle or even Bikes direct. And there would be a lot of dissenters to bikes direct. Many of us that have been into cycling for several years cannot agree that a 29 pound gas pipe road bike is the best choice for a new person to road bikes. Believe me comparing the GMC to a Varsity did in no favors. :lol:
Just as an example Performance sells two flat bar road bikes and two fitness bikes with 8 speed Shimano shifters that are replaceable for under $600.00. They also have your money back if you are not satisfied policy. In my opinion any of these options would be better than a GMC. (I do not own either) One rule reviewers normally try to live by, is never review a product you have already bought. You can give a "report" on how you like that product but a review would seem less than unbiased if the reader knows you own what you review.
Just pointing out the reason some are skeptical not trying to attack you.
pg13
11-09-11, 07:53 PM
read the blog and while the review was ok using a 24 year old entry level roadbike compared to a modern even walmart level roadbike isnt really a good comparison. yes ill give the gmc might..MIGHT be a decent roadbike for a bit but i doubt it for the long run. now for to just use it a bit to see if you like road bikes? maybe but if he plans on riding regularly and more than lightly odds are hes going to have to change some stuff(more than just seat and pedals) and by that time the price will be maybe should have just bought a new bike. what id suggest is look on craigslist for a cheap used roadie. youll probably find a decent bike for half or around what the gmc denali costs.
(http://montgomery.craigslist.org/bik/2688151934.html)
(http://montgomery.craigslist.org/bik/2688151934.html)
RaleighSport
11-09-11, 08:04 PM
All I want to know is how reviving a 7 year old thread to plug your website on a site where people already get advice on the same subject is in any way shape or form constructive?
pg13
11-09-11, 09:08 PM
d'oh! didnt even look at the op date myself :D
Nightshade
11-10-11, 02:11 PM
Im looking to buy a Inexpensive but Good road bike. I would really like to keep it under $300. :o
This goal is easy to meet if you learn what vintage bikes were at the top of the heap in their time...........then buy used.
This goal is easy to meet if you learn what vintage bikes were at the top of the heap in their time...........then buy used.
RaleighSport
11-10-11, 02:15 PM
This goal is easy to meet if you learn what vintage bikes were at the top of the heap in their time...........then buy used.
I'm fairly sure he took care of it back in 2004... :D
I'm fairly sure he took care of it back in 2004... :D
Nightshade
11-10-11, 02:17 PM
I'm fairly sure he took care of it back in 2004... :D
Doh ! :lol::lol::lol:
Doh ! :lol::lol::lol:
Doohickie
11-10-11, 02:25 PM
I'm no shill.
You're shilling for your own website. Duh.
You're shilling for your own website. Duh.
christ0ph
11-13-11, 12:53 PM
I looked at your site, I like the concept and am looking forward to seeing more reviews of affordable basic bikes. The readership of any site is not monolithic. The poster quoted below does not speak for me, IMO, any kind of bicycling on any kind of bike is great.
Hello Shill, we have a nice tight knit community here and tends to take care of our own be they brand new or obnoxious like me.. IE chiming in on a bikes value how it matches up with the persons needs etc.. I don't see why anyone here would need your site.. but hey plug away.
Hello Shill, we have a nice tight knit community here and tends to take care of our own be they brand new or obnoxious like me.. IE chiming in on a bikes value how it matches up with the persons needs etc.. I don't see why anyone here would need your site.. but hey plug away.
christ0ph
11-13-11, 01:01 PM
Hey there...
My wife has an issue with buying used anything, and although I personally think its not always logical, she (like you'all) has the right to have her opinions, be they what they may.
So, new reviews of basic inexpensive bikes are useful for me, because I know that she would never either buy or enjoy as I would a used bike, (so it would be a waste for me to buy her one, even a classic bike - she wouldn't appreciate it, she would think I was being cheap.) nor would she ever spend >$200 - if that- on something new either.. as she would be riding maybe once or twice a month, with me on trails, to relax a bit, nothing more. If you look at the post - He was looking for bikes under $600. Also, he's not doing this for money, clearly.
People who have blogs on blogspot dont make money from it, at all.
How can you jump on somebody like that? He's a fellow bicyclist.. thats all, don't lose touch with that fact.
My wife has an issue with buying used anything, and although I personally think its not always logical, she (like you'all) has the right to have her opinions, be they what they may.
So, new reviews of basic inexpensive bikes are useful for me, because I know that she would never either buy or enjoy as I would a used bike, (so it would be a waste for me to buy her one, even a classic bike - she wouldn't appreciate it, she would think I was being cheap.) nor would she ever spend >$200 - if that- on something new either.. as she would be riding maybe once or twice a month, with me on trails, to relax a bit, nothing more. If you look at the post - He was looking for bikes under $600. Also, he's not doing this for money, clearly.
People who have blogs on blogspot dont make money from it, at all.
How can you jump on somebody like that? He's a fellow bicyclist.. thats all, don't lose touch with that fact.
Mobile 155
11-13-11, 05:17 PM
Hey there...
My wife has an issue with buying used anything, and although I personally think its not always logical, she (like you'all) has the right to have her opinions, be they what they may.
So, new reviews of basic inexpensive bikes are useful for me, because I know that she would never either buy or enjoy as I would a used bike, (so it would be a waste for me to buy her one, even a classic bike - she wouldn't appreciate it, she would think I was being cheap.) nor would she ever spend >$200 - if that- on something new either.. as she would be riding maybe once or twice a month, with me on trails, to relax a bit, nothing more. If you look at the post - He was looking for bikes under $600. Also, he's not doing this for money, clearly.
People who have blogs on blogspot dont make money from it, at all.
How can you jump on somebody like that? He's a fellow bicyclist.. thats all, don't lose touch with that fact.
Remember the OP asked for 1. An inexpensive. But 2. A good bike. Not simply a bike.
Used car salesmen are drivers as well. Doesn’t mean we can’t see a difference between a good car and just any car. The blog was like going to a new Yugo site. The Yugo site wouldn’t tell you much about the longevity of the car only that it was inexpensive and you could drive it. And that is the point. Yes it is from another cyclist but a positive review base on price point and bare minimum quality is helpful to very few people that would frequent forums like this.
IMHO
My wife has an issue with buying used anything, and although I personally think its not always logical, she (like you'all) has the right to have her opinions, be they what they may.
So, new reviews of basic inexpensive bikes are useful for me, because I know that she would never either buy or enjoy as I would a used bike, (so it would be a waste for me to buy her one, even a classic bike - she wouldn't appreciate it, she would think I was being cheap.) nor would she ever spend >$200 - if that- on something new either.. as she would be riding maybe once or twice a month, with me on trails, to relax a bit, nothing more. If you look at the post - He was looking for bikes under $600. Also, he's not doing this for money, clearly.
People who have blogs on blogspot dont make money from it, at all.
How can you jump on somebody like that? He's a fellow bicyclist.. thats all, don't lose touch with that fact.
Remember the OP asked for 1. An inexpensive. But 2. A good bike. Not simply a bike.
Used car salesmen are drivers as well. Doesn’t mean we can’t see a difference between a good car and just any car. The blog was like going to a new Yugo site. The Yugo site wouldn’t tell you much about the longevity of the car only that it was inexpensive and you could drive it. And that is the point. Yes it is from another cyclist but a positive review base on price point and bare minimum quality is helpful to very few people that would frequent forums like this.
IMHO
RaleighSport
11-13-11, 05:27 PM
I'm tired of stating the obvious and this post is edited cause whatever :D