NYCycling

I want to buy an inexpensive aluminum road bike. I don't mind if the parts are super entry level as long as I can easily upgrade them in the future. My budget is about 300 pretty low I know hut hey I'm a college student. I really don't know where to start my search.

SlimRider

Welcome to Bike Forums, NYCycling!

If you're looking to have a bicycle for long time future upgrades, then you might want to research your frame materials, just a tad bit longer. OTOH, if you'd like to purchase a nice brand new entry-level aluminum road bike for $300, your only option would most likely be bikesdirect.com.

Something like this perhaps:

Gravity Avenue A ~ $300
www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/avenue_a.htm

Otherwise, there are no LBS that have any new entry level road bikes at that price point. At that price point, you're mostly looking at used bicycles. I would kindly suggest, that if you are buying used, to stick with chromoly steel framed bicycles. That's where the smartest dollar is being placed on the used market. You don't find too many requests, specifically asking for a nice used aluminum framed bicycle. That can be quite an unpredictable animal.

Look for a used chromoly framed 80's styled 10 speed road bicycle on your local Craigslist. Otherwise, there's also this one from bikesdirect.com:

The Motobecane Mirage ~ $330
www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/mirage_xi_steel.htm

* Now the Mirage is a bike that you could keep for life and upgrade whenever the need provides an opportunity...

BTW

If you're a college student in NYC, then just get an inexpensive single speed like this one:

The Nashbar Argyle ~ $200
www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_537009_-1__202614

Also, Google the Mongoose Sinsure...

mwchandler21

There are a few used bike shops. That would be your best bet at that price. From your name I'm assuming that your in NYC, I bet you can find one.

a1penguin

I don't mean to be rude, but for $300 the frame is going to be crap and the components are going to be crap. To upgrade, you purchase a new bike. For $300, you can probably find an older used road bike on craigslist (assuming you have that available in your area). The next best thing is bikesdirect.com and Slim has pointed out a couple of bikes that fit your budget. A single speed has fewer mechanical parts and for $300, you can probably find an acceptable SS. If you are going to leave the bike locked up on campus, I recommend a bike that doesn't look shiny as it will be less likely to attract attention.

Mobile 155

I would suggest Craigs List. Your best bet would be to get something from about 1990 to Mid 2000s because you will get dropouts at least 130 rather that the old steel 126 five and six speeds. They are a bear to upgrade. If you are looking for aluminum Cannondale and Klein made some fine bikes that were reasonably light and had Brifters. But on CL you could even get somethingnewer like a Jamis Ventura with at least Sora and Maybe 105s. An old Aluminum Giant OCR would be a good ride as well. Stay away from Schwinn and Diamond Back unless you can tell the difference between a Walmart and LBS bike.

NYCycling

thanx for the help guys. i've been doing some reading and i am now considering getting a chromoly bike but i am not too sure yet. picking out a bike seems more difficult than picking out a car lol. that motobecane that slim pointed seems like something i'll go for. but i'll keep searching craigslist. i bought a decent raleigh grand prix from CL for 30 bucks a couple weeks ago the only issue i am having is getting the handlebar stem unstuck.

Savagewolf

My first "real" bike was a Trek 1000. I think I spent $650 or so on it brand new. I've had it for over 5 years, have two other bikes currently in carbon-loaded Madone and a steel '85 Raleigh, but the aluminum 1000 still gets most of my miles and does it well. It's loaded with the basic Sora/Tiagra gear and a triple that does great on everything.

no1mad 

If you really are in NYC, I'll bet there are a couple of co-ops to be found. Go to them and ask them to assist you with your stem. Failing that, take it to the LBS and have them do it. Repairing that will be cheaper than buying new and if it gets stolen, you're not out a bunch of dough.

NYCycling

Yea i'll try that. And yes folks I am in NYC (Brooklyn to be exact) I have to setup my profile to show my location. I figured it would be cheaper. But after i started paying attention to bikes I noticed one of my neighbors has a Trek bike i think it might b an FX and that thing looks SWEET! But you have a point about having my new pricey ride getting stolen esp since i'll be using it to take me to the gym located in the downtown area. I hate spending gas money to take me there because its hard finding a parking spot n i burn alot of gas circling the blocks looking for one n i also get enough train riding to n from work. jogging would be perfect but i would love riding my bike after a good workout.