Pacific Northwest - Buying a used bike from craigslist.

Hi All,

I am planning to buy my first road bike and I was wondering is it a good idea to buy it from craigslist. What measurements you should be looking at?

I know that from my inseam measurement I need a 56cm bike. Do you need to keep any other things in mind ?

Thanks in advance.

Your inseam doesn't determine the frame size you need; test rides do. It's a good rule of thumb, but different companies have subtly different ways of measuring and rounding the top-tube length. And different bike geometry can have a big effect ... or it can not.

Buying on Craigslist is a good idea, in general, as long as you shop around. Lots of CL people are going to list it for what they paid, or more. But if you have patience, you'll wind up getting a better deal than you can at the shop. I'd probably avoid used carbon, though. What's your budget?

Your inseam doesn't determine the frame size you need; test rides do. It's a good rule of thumb, but different companies have subtly different ways of measuring and rounding the top-tube length. And different bike geometry can have a big effect ... or it can not.

Buying on Craigslist is a good idea, in general, as long as you shop around. Lots of CL people are going to list it for what they paid, or more. But if you have patience, you'll wind up getting a better deal than you can at the shop. I'd probably avoid used carbon, though. What's your budget?

Well my budget is around $500 but I will look for deals as low as possible so that I have something left for gear ...

What kind of gear do you need? If you mean stuff like pedals, you'll pay a hell of a lot less on CL (or in REI's used section) than if you buy them new at the store. If you mean clothes, give some thought to wool and hiking clothing, 'cause it rains a lot here.

This might be worth test riding if you think you could talk the guy down on price: http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/bik/2614823385.html

You should start a thread in the road forum. I flipped through the bike listing briefly, but there are people in there who make a hobby out of shopping for things they won't buy. People will be all over CL and find you the 10 or 20 best deals in the Seattle area.

What kind of gear do you need? If you mean stuff like pedals, you'll pay a hell of a lot less on CL (or in REI's used section) than if you buy them new at the store. If you mean clothes, give some thought to wool and hiking clothing, 'cause it rains a lot here.

This might be worth test riding if you think you could talk the guy down on price: http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/bik/2614823385.html

You should start a thread in the road forum. I flipped through the bike listing briefly, but there are people in there who make a hobby out of shopping for things they won't buy. People will be all over CL and find you the 10 or 20 best deals in the Seattle area.

Thanks for the link, I will check it out.

Also will start a thread in the road forum, lets see how it goes.

I would probably avoid this one - it's very old carbon, before people really knew how to make CF bikes well. But you might be able to talk the price down a lot, given the down tube shifters and all: http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/2656820775.html

I'd bet my hat this guy won't be talked down, but it's a wonderful bike if you can: http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/bik/2652208781.html

This doesn't look like a bad deal: http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/bik/2639865361.html

I would probably avoid this one - it's very old carbon, before people really knew how to make CF bikes well. But you might be able to talk the price down a lot, given the down tube shifters and all: http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/2656820775.html

I'd bet my hat this guy won't be talked down, but it's a wonderful bike if you can: http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/bik/2652208781.html

This doesn't look like a bad deal: http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/bik/2639865361.html

The 950 one is expensive for me :(
how about this one :

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/2652782520.html
and
http://seattle.craigslist.org/oly/bik/2597646910.html

This doesn't look like a bad deal: http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/bik/2639865361.html

This is a touring bike. If you want to load it up and go on tour, this would be a great purchase. The Randonee is a solid tourer, and that's a great price. If you want a commuter or an errand-running bike, this would be good. If you want something light and fast, this would fall a just a little short - you could find something nicer. Still, this is a good bike for a great price.

Hi All,

I am planning to buy my first road bike and I was wondering is it a good idea to buy it from craigslist. What measurements you should be looking at?

I know that from my inseam measurement I need a 56cm bike. Do you need to keep any other things in mind ?

Thanks in advance.

Ask yourself first what kind of riding you plan to do - fitness, racing, enjoyment, etc. Once you do that investigate different styles of bikes and their geometry and how they ride. If you're looking at a used one go to Road Bike Review to see what people say about it. Check Bikepedia for the original msrp. Talk to other people.

There are four main materials in bikes - steel, aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber (and combinations). I lean to steel because I love the ride and I love the classic look of the older ones. I don't race but I'm also no slouch on a bike and can hold my own on the old steel. If you're a little mechanically inclined you can find some really good deals on a used steel or aluminum.

Aluminum can be a rough ride so I'd look for one with a carbon fork. A lot of people instantly jump to carbon and for good reason they are stiff and pretty comfortable but just as with others there are things to look out for. Just research thoroughly. Titanium can be out of the price range you're looking at but is a heck of a ride.

Ask yourself first what kind of riding you plan to do - fitness, racing, enjoyment, etc. Once you do that investigate different styles of bikes and their geometry and how they ride. If you're looking at a used one go to Road Bike Review to see what people say about it. Check Bikepedia for the original msrp. Talk to other people.

There are four main materials in bikes - steel, aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber (and combinations). I lean to steel because I love the ride and I love the classic look of the older ones. I don't race but I'm also no slouch on a bike and can hold my own on the old steel. If you're a little mechanically inclined you can find some really good deals on a used steel or aluminum.

Aluminum can be a rough ride so I'd look for one with a carbon fork. A lot of people instantly jump to carbon and for good reason they are stiff and pretty comfortable but just as with others there are things to look out for. Just research thoroughly. Titanium can be out of the price range you're looking at but is a heck of a ride.

Great info, thanks scozium.

I am looking at aluminum frames with carbon forks. I like yhe looks of specialized allez series and I am planning to test ride it today and see.

Great info, thanks scozium.

I am looking at aluminum frames with carbon forks. I like yhe looks of specialized allez series and I am planning to test ride it today and see.

So, did ya get one?

So, did ya get one?

Not yet. I am test riding different make models. My list is :

Specialized Secteur Sport
Specialized Allez T
Giant Defy
Felt.
Fuji

I was measured up and now I know that the 54cm frame on specialized fits me the best.

This was probably crashed or stolen, but, if it's legit, it's a hell of a deal. It's almost exactly double the OP's budget, but it's also about 1/5 what the bike would cost new in a shop. ( Although there have been a hell of a lot of changes to the frame in the past few years. )

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/2671359610.html

This one's even cheaper, but not suited to much other than time trials.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/2671230922.html

Odd to see two very underpriced Cervelos, both with Dura Ace.

CL is great I snag all the time off it... goto recycled cycles over by the stadium and check out the used bikes there all serial numbers are checked by the police so no issue of theft They had a serrota for under $800 with DA on it...


Hi All,

I am planning to buy my first road bike and I was wondering is it a good idea to buy it from craigslist. What measurements you should be looking at?

I know that from my inseam measurement I need a 56cm bike. Do you need to keep any other things in mind ?

Thanks in advance.

I already bought a bike from craigslist and I am very happy about it :) now its time to buy some gear..

What do you guys suggest?

It didnt happen unless you show pictures...
I suggest a smart phone GPS and a Ham radio red and white flashing lights white and yellow reflectors and a flag for the back white fiberglass shaft with an orange flag... Oh and a big bell preferably brass... that has a nice ring to it doesn't it...


I already bought a bike from craigslist and I am very happy about it :) now its time to buy some gear..

What do you guys suggest?

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k145/bhargavmist/specialized_elite.jpg

So this is my specialized:)

Very Nice Specialized you still need a bell and lights