alcorso88

hello everybody,
i am a 25 year old rugby player who has never done much road biking. i broke my leg in a tournament on saturday, and can't put any weight on it for at least 4 weeks. but, when i am able to get back on my feet, i am thinking that road biking will be a great way to get my cardio back and slowly work my legs back into shape. now that the sob story is over, i have a couple of questions:

1. being a larger guy( 6'2" @210lbs) is there a particular type of bike i should be looking at, or simply larger sizes?

2. for a guy with a light wallet, would people recommend the LBS or going used? say, an 03 cannondale for $550 or a base model allez from the LBS for $800?

thanks everyone
alex

JoelS

If you don't know what you're looking at, or for, or how to find the correct size, then go to a bunch of LBS's, ask around, test ride, etc.

takingcontrol

If you are going used, you should be able to find a better deal then that CD. There are many ways sites that tell of ways to measure for a BASIC bike fit. Two things to look for: First, measure your inseam by straddling a book with your feet about 8 inches apart, press the book up firmly into your crotch. Have a friend make a mark on the wall where the spine of the book hits it. This is your inseam measurement. Second, measure across your shoulders from socket to socket. convert this measurement to cm if not already. This is the width you want your handle bars.

A more advanced fit chart can be found here.
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO

flip18436572

Go to all of the LBS's in your area and then buy from the one you feel best about. The frames are pretty much all made overseas, so buying U.S. is not what you might think. You should be able to get a road bike for around $500.00 from many different LBS's.

Have a great time.

regnort

Alot of my friends have bought high end bikes off ebay...(mostly tri stuff Felt, Saduza, Caliente, Ora, Kuota) all, not some, all have had issues. I have another close friend who owns a LBS and he has fixed every single one of them. I bought my bike new from that same LBS(Orbea), was fitted properly, have had free adjustments, recabling and wheel trueing, and plenty of help and advise on accessories. I may have spent more up front but have had zero issues and any money spent has been on upgrades or accessories. With that said I have also seen alot of people on the local rides with stem jacked up legs stretched out, seat posts that look like a giraffes neck because they bought a bike on line and some poor guy in a shop had to try and fit them on it. Forks, stems, cranks, carbon seat posts(especially aero) are expensive not to mention groupo, and other components and wear parts. Unless you are very knowledgeable and a capable wrench turner with a set of tools, I would use the local LBS that is willing to give you a competitive price on a bike that is fitted properly and appears to have a good service department. In the long run you will be money ahead and stress free, leaving you to enjoy the great sport of cycling. Now I am sure if you can work out a local purchase of a used bike, from someone or even a LBS that would probably be much safer and economical.

Just my $.02 not the only opinion out there, I'm sure plenty of people have had good experiences with used purchases.

ScrubJ

Pretty much sums it up. Yes, you can get lucky and buy a good used bike that fits you well. You can save a lot of money this way too and may be a good choice if you're not sure if you are going to stay on the bike.

My LBS fixes a lot of fit issues caused by people buying a bargain bike from somewhere or from another LBS looking to move something off the floor. After spending the time to fit me, I rode off with a bike that I've never needed to touch and I've never paid for an adjustment. YMMV

Rhodabike

Now is a good time of year to shop for a new bike, because a lot of shops are trying to get rid of the 2009 models to make room for the 2010s. Some bike shops may still take trade-ins, if so, that's a better bet if you're buying second hand.
As to what type: road, hybrid/trekking, touring, and cyclocross (with a change of tires) bikes will all do what you want. You just have to decide what kind feels right for you. A "sport" bike such as the Trek 1.2 might feel more stable and comfortable than a full-tilt race bike.