Road Cycling - Advice needed!

New to the forum, but it looks great.

I need some help. I used to ride a lot when I was younger, with my grandfather, aand on biks he supplied. He has long since passed, and I am looking at this bike on e bay. I know that e bay is probably not the best way to buy a bike, but my budget is limited, and this seems like a good buy. Does anyone have anything, good bad, or indifferent on this bike. Thanx in advnace for all of your help!

http://i24.ebayimg.com/01/i/00/7f/e8/ce_1.JPG

Forgot to add some info: Here are the specs given:
The MIARGE PRO is one of the best looking road bikes I have ever seen - the blue on this bike is fanastic. It has a Kinesis 7005 Aluminum frame and a DuraFort chrome-moly fork PLUS Shimano 24-speed Sora Der and Sora Shifters with ability to shift from the brake levers - Alex Aluminum rims, Shimano Sora brakes, Aluminum alloy triple crank and sealed bearing hubs. If you have been watching Bicycling Magazine or Cycle & Fitness magazine; you have seen how they love the Motobecane road bikes. THIS IS A BRAND NEW 2005 - PICTURE IS OF A 2004 -- 2005 VERSION DOES NOT HAVE RED TIRES

I am 5 ft 6 in so I am not that worried about the fit, I am concerned about the ability to upgrade later if I want to.

Thanx again!

What's the price?

55/Rad

From what I have heard you want to stay away from shimano sora components.

BTW e-bay is a great place to buy a bike, if you are patient you can find some killer deals!

From what I have heard you want to stay away from shimano sora components.

BTW e-bay is a great place to buy a bike, if you are patient you can find some killer deals!

I agree. Here is Shimano's road lineup, according to their marketing hierarchy:

DURA-ACE®
The ultimate in road racing performance and dependability, born from leading-edge technology.
DURA-ACE TRACK®
Reflects the latest advances in Shimano materials and component engineering.
ULTEGRA®
Engineered to the same specifications as Dura-Ace for the best road and classic touring bikes.
105®
Our sport-racing group offering cost-performance value.
TIAGRA®
Real racing performance and enhanced feeling of control response for recreational road-sport bikes.
SORA®
An easy-riding road component group to make recreational cycling more fun.

My bike ranges between 105 and Ultegra (no Tiagra or Sora) and I have had no complaints in several hundred miles. Some folks say the bike frame is the foundation, and therefore most important consideration. However, I think as long as a frame is decent, your drivetrain type stuff (particularly shifters and derailleurs, and MOST particularly the rear derailleur) is going to have the largest influence on your bike's performance and your satisfaction/enjoyment.

If you are looking for a decent bike on a budget, I'd possibly look at one of the more generic name brands, like what you would see at Sun n Ski. Or look at respectable higher-production bikes like Trek. You may get same general level of frame technology, and save a few hundred bucks as compared with similarly spec'd other bikes. For example, a Trek with a 105/ultegra group might be a few hundred less than another 105/ultegra-equipped bike.

Ebay is great. I even sold my car on eBay. But I'd be wary of buying a brand that you cannot find or test-ride at a local shop.

Forgot to add some info: Here are the specs given:
I am 5 ft 6 in so I am not that worried about the fit, I am concerned about the ability to upgrade later if I want to.

Thanx again!

give us a direct link to the auction. you do not mention what size the bike is. a 56/58 is probably too big for you. 52/54 probably is around your size. make sure you get a bike in your size, at least in the right ballpark. the bike itself looks fine.

sd

Truthfully you can upgrade that bike but its probably not worth it... VERY low end stuff all around on there, including the frame. I have worked on a few Moto's and while they give you good components for the price point the frame is just a generic Taiwan factory frame... not particularly light or anything.

well then, i guess it is a good thing I checked, the bike is a 56cm bike, but I am getting it for around $350. I would sure like to get a better bike, but I am somewhat limited as far as price.

I ride about two times a week, and once a year in a charity bike ride for ms. Not an everyday rider. Would this bike be worth it for a couple of years until I can save up to get the $1500 I need to get a decent bike.

Thanks for all the advice, keep it coming!

Well, Luckily for me, I was out bid on the item, and now realize how important it is to wait for the right bike. I have about a $500.00 limit (Spousally imposed) for my new bike, but I would like to get a decent bike, that I can over time upgrade, based on my roding habits. Any more advice would be very gratefully heeded!

Thank you guys, and gals for all of your help! Any Ideas?

The most important thing is buying a bike that is the right size. If you're not a very serious cyclist, then components arent as important, but no matter what level a rider you are, fit is always important. Upgrades can be made to any bike, and cool parts can be transferred to your next bike if you want. Id say to stick with Ebay (bang for buck) and keep your eyes peeled for a 52cm framed bike..

my $000.02,

~Steve