hip-hop flub

Cheetah Calle

700C Alloy 16 Speed Road Bike.
FRAME: 7005 TIG Welded Alloy with Replaceable Ends.
FORKS: Oversized Steel Forks with A Head Stem.
HANDLEBARS: Steel 420mm, with Alloy A Head Stem.
BRAKES: Tektro Dual Pivot Alloy Brakes.
CRANKS: Alloy 172.5mm Crank, 39/53t Steel Chainwheel. Cartridge Bottom Bracket.
WHEELS: Weinmann Alloy 36h Rims, Alloy Quick Release Hubs, Rear Cassette, Stainless Steel Spokes.
TYRES: Kenda 700 × 25c Tyres.
SADDLE: Velo Micro Adjust Sports Saddle with QR Clamp.
GEARS: Shimano STI Shifters, Shimano 2200 Derailleurs.

Info from manufacturer's site, best I could find.

I'm just looking for something to get around town, and as far as I can tell it's pretty comparable with other $600 entry-level bicycles like the raleigh sport, OCR 3, etc. I know this isn't a great bike but I'm considering it because:

- It will be locked outside
- I can get one new for about $300
- I've never ridden a drop bar road bike before

I'm not looking for $700 alternatives, or suggestions to buy 2nd hand (I know I could find a better deal but I'd prefer the peace of mind and convenience of buying new), just some opinions on this particular bike.

Jaeger

Looks to be a decent entry level bike. If you can get it for $300 that's probably a better buy than anything you can get new. Even decent used road bikes are pretty scarce at that price unless you're willing to use downtube shifters. I'd say go for it.

TechRydr

I hear you, I'm not patient or trusting enough to go the ebay/craiglist route either, which is often suggested here.

I commuted on a $100 Xmart bike for two years before really knowing what I wanted and could reasonably afford w/ my budget. This bike has some lowend parts, but don't overthink it, they can be upgraded later if necessary. It will get you to point B just fine. Buy it and ride the sucker.

ps - you will need to get commuting goodies to make it an everyday ride...

envane

How are the hills there? Your low gear might be too high if you're not a strong rider. Otherwise its fine.

hip-hop flub

Thanks for the tips guys.

Envane:

Nonexistent. I was actually considering a singlespeed/fixed gear, but that will probably have to wait until I've gotten some decent miles under my belt.