ark40

By now you guys know that I'm trying to buy a bike on a $300 budget. Most of the bikes I see in my price range are 80s and 90s steel frame bikes having shifters on the stem. Is that a big deal in terms of getting used to, I guess it must have been the norm in those days. But relatively speaking how much inconvenient is it compared to the shifter behind the brake levers on the newer bikes.

UmneyDurak

Well for rapid shifting STI shifters are definetly more convenient. Although for casual rides I don't think down tube shifters are a big hinderence. If the bike fits, go for it.

Shortrider06

Try craigslist or ebay or this https://www.amazon.com/GMC-Yukon-Road...sporting-goods

samsation7

I believe that right before STI technology, shifters are on the downtube. Before that, the shifters are on the stem. You're looking at pretty old technology if the shifters are located on the stem.

Psimet2001 

Stem shifters were commonly available on very inexpensive bikes during the 80's. Odds are the overall quality of the bikes you are finding with stem shifters are pretty low.

Search harder. Better bikes can be found for the same price.

ark40

I meant to stay downtube on my orginal post, but it's good to know about how old the stem shifters are because I ran into some of those as well.

GamecockTaco

gotta agree with others, you can likely do better

try this one: https://cgi.ebay.com/CANNONDALE-3-0-R...QQcmdZViewItem

don't know anything about the seller or anything, but, ebay can be your friend if you're on a limited budget.

I got my wife a Scott S4 with Tiagra level components, 2005, for $450 including the shipping. I realize that's a little higher than you want to spend, but, good bikes can be found in your range. Take your time and look a little more.

Right now, some are slightly higher due to Christmas, but, I'd expect in 2 weeks that prices will fall again for a month or two before spring raises them up again. JMHO, YMMV.

GamecockTaco

ark40, or, if you're not concerned with buying via internet, and you know your size and all that disclaimer junk, there's always this one:

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ellington1.htm

lots of people on here swear by Bikesdirect, lots of people on here swear AT bikesdirect.

I don't have any experience with them other than seeing their prices.

munkyv22

If you happen to ride a 60, I have a 2006 Trek 1000 I will sell you for $300.

jimbud

The Cannondale just sold. I hope the OP was the one who bought it. It was a great older bike.

botto 

i never had a pproblem with them, and i'll be going back to them for a few weeks over xmas.

rpc180

I think DT shifters are classy and they're easy to fix. After 3-4 rides you're used to shifting. Also, if you get friction shifters, you can jump several cogs at once and be able to fine-tune your chainline so its silent on rides.

dtrain

This is about the level the OP should be able to get for $275-325. I paid $275 for a 2-y.o. Trek 1000 a few years back, and it was a great way to get into the sport. If possible, buying local would be better so he can check the condition and fit (and cut out the shipping costs). I know several will disagree, but my opinion is that even Sora (providing it's tuned and in good condition) is better for a beginner than reaching down to shift.

munkyv22

Agreed, DT shifting is old and busted. Also, $300 for a 20 year old bike is silliness. Unless it is some kind of special vintage.

ark40

That would have been great, but I am in the 53-54 range.

ark40

I tried the local market, but I believe I saw maybe three posts for the last 2 months on the craigslist for Little Rock Arkansas.

ark40

nope, missed that one alltogether, . I scan eBay once everyday and put anything interesting on my watch list. Never saw this cannondale.

p3ntuprage

+1

friction shifting ftw.

easier to set up too.

fsnl
sparky

dtrain

Just sent you a PM with a few options I saw.

ark40

I know my size and fit and have no problems buying on-line, never heard of Windsor though.

GamecockTaco

for all I know, it is one of BD's in-house brands now. As I said, some on here love them, some hate them. The BD bikes are usually specced VERY well for the price points, but, you're right, the names on the frames are not household ones around the US.

But, would be an easy way to get a new bike at your pricepoint with pretty current equipment rather than taking a chance on a used bike with an older group on it.

ark40

You are right about that, the only reservation is the quality of a bike. With the older steel bike that has survived 10-20 yrs, chances are it's good stock. BD has good prices and a generous 30 day return policy, but what if the frame cracks after 1 yr. or some other problem related to manufacture or material.

chipcom 

ok, if you say so. I guess if you have a hard time reaching down to shift, maybe it's the rider that's 'old and busted'.

munkyv22

I never said that it was "hard" to reach down and shift. Never even implied it.

The technology is just outdated.

*JFC, people around here need to lighten up, sometimes it's like insulting someone's mother.

chipcom 

You savvy smilies, kimosabe?