jlee910

Hi all. I am new to this forum.
I was wondering if I could get some advice.
I am trying to buy an affordable road bike (under$150 or $200).
I am 6'3" tall and figured out that I need one that is 63cm+ (24" or larger?)
Fortunately, many choices are available, but can't decide what to pick.
Raleigh Grand Prix, Ross, Schwinn, Fuji and so on. Too many choices and brands.

What will be the best choice in this situation? What will be the best choice I can make in this tight-budget situation?

Thank you

Luke

RobbieTunes

Wow, tough call. $150 to $200 is a tough buy, and you need to shop around.
Best thing: not much competition for a bike that tall. You're going to need one of those rare "steals."

You're going to have to shop local to get the most bang for the buck, craigslist or find out where the bikes are.
Lots of choices. Get fit first, then shop. Then, condition means the most at that price range, unless you are handy and want to spend some time getting one into shape.

Don't rule out Nishiki, Shogun, Centurion, Panasonic, Soma, etc.

Based on my market, you'll get a 12-speed with 27" rims, a steel frame that may or may not be lugged, and a saddle that may or may not look like much. If you get more speeds, 700c rims, and a nice saddle, you'll do well.

Save $10 or so for bar tape and maybe $15 for cables. Many bikes in that range need both.

If you find one, hit this forum quick, and the experts (not me) will definitely help you.
I've got a frame you can have for shipping, 62cm, but you'd still need everything else.

USAZorro

To some extent, it depends on where you are. If you're in/near a major city, it will be tough to find a quality bike in ridable shape for that. If you're in a rural area, there might not be much in the way of any bicycles available nearby.

RobbieTunes does offer great suggestions. Check thrift stores and yard sales also. I've found two bicycles in about your size in the past couple years just left out for the taking (one with a sign after a community yard sale, and the other out at the curb obviously left for the trash hauler (I got permission to take it anyway). Keep your eyes open.

RickAccused

As a 6'3" man you're looking at a 63cm frame or greater. As Robbietunes says, craigslist and staying local are your best bets. Ebay will most often take an innocent bike and rack up the price to an ungodly level... thats not to say that you won't find the occasional deal, but for the most part the small bike shops and the craigslist postings are the best way to go. Especially if you are a bit away from a big city. If not try the suburbs surrounding the city itself (including neighboring counties there), you may find something you're looking for.

jlee910

Thank you so much for kind suggestions. I am in New York. After reading all the listings on craigslist, I found two so far. One is Ross from small local shop. It is professionally tuned up and the asking price is $165.
Second choice is Raleigh Grand Prix. https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/bik/769169632.html is the link.
I also found Fuji Val Lite for $90. However the frame is 61cm.
what will be the best choice?
Thank you again
Luke

CardiacKid

I would go for the Raleigh. For that price, that is about as good as it is going to get. You shouldn't be misled by all the posts from people who have picked up similar bikes for $20. Those deals are few and far between. It would appear to be a 1976. see https://sheldonbrown.com/retroraleigh...rand-prix.html

roccobike

A vintage Raleigh GP at that price won't last long in NYC. You'll always be able to get your money back.

tim24k

Bridgestone T700 and the RB-T are really great bikes. The last one I got was like new for only $85 bucks.

Ciao,
Timothy