General Cycling Discussion - New Guy Looking To Buy First Bike

I recently went on a couple of rides with a buddy and decided that I would like to do it more often so I am going to purchase a road bike. Went to a few shops and got prices and information on bikes (Trek, Giant, Cannondale) but feel I would get the most bang for my buck buying used. I've been searching craigslist and ebay but am not really sure what I am looking at. For sizing purposes I was told by one shop to get a 58cm and a different to get a 57cm and then the Giant shop said Large (I am about 6'1"). I came across this bike and was wondering what some of you guys thought about it/if it will be worth the money http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=190320695922

I live in So. CA so if anyone has anything for sale or knows anyone that is selling let me know.

Also, I do not plan on racing or anything like that, just cruising around town and on bike paths. Thanks for the help...

It looks like a good bike for the price. If you live in a hilly area the gearing might be a little high if you're just getting started. Make sure that it is the right size for you. If it's not you will be uncomfortable riding it, and more likely to give up. Good luck with whatever you get, and have fun.

Thanks for your help/input, I appreciate it. Here is another link to a bike I am considering. Haven't seen this brand at any shops but I have a Felt Beach Cruiser and its super high quality, anyway let me know what you guys think. Thanks.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/bik/1263481837.html

I have not much knowledge on road bike but sure have enough on shipping a bike, you are standing a good chance for a damage bike by shipping it.CL will better bcz you can try it out first.my 5 cents ( inflation ).

If you're 6'-1" a Giant TCR2 size M/L will fit. What year is it? A 2002 sold for $1300 MSRP so a $1000 starting bid seems high.
The Felt is a 2008 and was $1900 MSRP. Seems like a much better deal at $1200, if it fits.

Thanks for the responses guys...The guy with the Felt sold it before I could talk to him. I probably won't get the Giant either going off of what you are saying, seems like not that good of a deal. Can some people let me know what they think about these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250460412633&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=270422613112

You should try out a bike before buying. eBay is good for many items, bicycle is not one of them. Test-drive the bike for some time to ensure right fit. Or you will regret it.

As long as its for the appropriate height shouldn't it be fine? What I mean is, things can be adjusted, so if I am looking for a 58cm bike, shouldn't just about any one work? And this is why I came to this forum, I am just starting to get into this and want to make sure I buy a bike that I will not soon outgrow (performance-wise) and that is a good bike for me.

Ok here goes a new question: I can get a brand new 2009 Felt z35 for $1400 or a brand new 2009 Felt z45 for $1200, is the z35 worth the extra $200? The main difference that I could find is that the 35 comes with all 105 components and the 45 is a mix of Tiagra and 105's and then 18 speed vs 20. What do you guys think?