General Cycling Discussion - My Novice Question about Bikes.

SPORTYMAMA BIKE SHOP is it a reliable and nice place to buy bikes off of?


I am thinking of buying a

dawes usa lightning 1,000 or 1,200 from her. Is that a fair Price for it? What are the pros vs cons? $SALE $399.33 SALE $439.33


or She recommend the MIRAGE SPORT

I am exactly 6'4 so i should get a 60 CM?

Those are square prices, as you would pay the same on Bikesdirect. They are decent values for new entry level bikes. You might get more bang for your buck with a used bike, if you have someone to help you pick one out. It's not easy, but you can get a good score on Craigslist if you are patient and know bikes.

If you were buying a bike with a straight top tube, you would likely get a 63cm. So, since these have sloping top tubes, 60 would probably work out. Bikesdirect say 58cm fits 6'1" to 6'3", so that also seems to show 60 would work. The bike shop should be willing and able to check the fit of the bike for you before letting you go off with it.

I purchased the "lowest" entry level Dawes Lighting Sport from one of the ebay sellers a couple of years ago and am quite satisfied with it. Mine has a chromoly frame (I think they now sell the Lighting Sport with an aluminum frame) and stem shifters (indexed for the back derailer, friction for the front) which I find I prefer (after trying "brifters").

Another Dawes that sells on ebay that I had considered at one time is the Dawes DLX, I think it is similar to the 1200 but it has (I think) Microshift shifters instead of Shamano.

Those are square prices, as you would pay the same on Bikesdirect. They are decent values for new entry level bikes. You might get more bang for your buck with a used bike, if you have someone to help you pick one out. It's not easy, butyou can get a good score on Craigslist if you are patient and know bikes.

If you were buying a bike with a straight top tube, you would likely get a 63cm. So, since these have sloping top tubes, 60 would probably work out. Bikesdirect say 58cm fits 6'1" to 6'3", so that also seems to show 60 would work. The bike shop should be willing and able to check the fit of the bike for you before letting you go off with it.

Chewybrian is correct but the bolded text above is the key. If you don't know bikes...and given your question, I'd say you don't...you can get burned on Craigslist or on-line, for that matter. You are also looking for a bike that is outside the norm (56 and 58cm bikes are probably the most common) so you need to be extra careful.


SPORTYMAMA BIKE SHOP is it a reliable and nice place to buy bikes off of?


I am thinking of buying a

dawes usa lightning 1,000 or 1,200 from her. Is that a fair Price for it? What are the pros vs cons? $SALE $399.33 SALE $439.33


or She recommend the MIRAGE SPORT

I am exactly 6'4 so i should get a 60 CM?

The bike above is a good price but you have risks to consider. How much do you know about bikes? Can you adjust one yourself? If you have to take the bike to a shop to have them finish assembly and adjustment, your savings can quickly evaporate. If you don't get the right fit, you'll have to pay to have the bike disassembled (more lost money) and shipped back (even more lost money), then pay for shipping, assembly, etc. for the new bike. How much money do you think you've saved by now?

Go to a shop. Pay a little more. You need at least a 60 cm and probably more like a 63cm. The shop should know what you need and help you in getting the correct bike. That's worth the premium.

The rule is:

If you know a market, buy used. If you don't know a market, find a good retailer and buy new. The extra you pay is worth it for the help in being sure you get the things you want, well-supported.

My recommendation, get yourself as prepared as you can before buying a bike. I was in the same predicament as you were almost exactly 1 year ago. 1 year and a bikes direct motobecane messenger later, I'm glad I didn't get the lightning sport, that I was oh-so aching to get. I bought a nice centurion from a local guy who sells fixed up vintage bikes. I'll tell you what, head over to the vintage/classic forums, lurk there, learn, read as much sheldon brown as you can, find out good pricings for older bikes, and THEN make your choice. It'll make you a lot more happy, if you did.

However, if you are in need of a bike quickly, then go for the bikes direct bike, I have a moto. messenger that I use when I'm just going around. It's solid, fun and mine.
Good luck!

Hi there... While I agree with much of what has been stated above, I just thought I would throw in my two cents specifically of Sporty Mama Bike. Both my husband and me have purchased bicycles from her. She is incredibly speedy with shipment, very helpful if you have questions regarding sizing or specifics about the bicycles, and generally seems like an upstanding seller. I would definitely ask them what size works best for you. They tend to be right on with that portion of things. That said, while there is nothing wrong with the bicycles, you do get what you pay for. The ride is "fine" as my husband describes it. So, I guess it depends on whether you want a "fine" ride or a "superb" ride. He rode his bike for about a year and then sold it on CL for nearly what he paid for it. Disclaimer: Hubby is one to find the best deal he possibly can (Read - cheap). He commuted on the bicycle (18 miles round trip) a couple of times a week and had no issues. If you're merely questioning the reputation of the seller, I can highly recommend. :) Hope that helps.