wallbanger

Hi there,
I'm a relative newbie to the world of cycling. I had a friend talk me into doing triathlon and now think I have found my next hobby/passion. I've been riding around on a walmart clunker roadbike (think made in China and retailing for under $100) for the past few months and have been wanting badly to upgrade, but money is an issue. I found the under $700 road bike posting and found it very helpfull as well as informative. I've been thinking that the cheapest I'm going to get by for a new bike at entry level would be $500+. I know about getting what you pay for and the benefits of investing in a better bike ahead of time, but I;m truly just getting into this sport. So I've been scouring craigslist and found the following posting in my area:

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/903557720.html

It is a Quintana Roo Kilo 26" tri bike with Shimano Tiagra brakes/front deraileur and Shimano 105 shifters/rear deraileur. It is 52cm and has 18 speeds. He says that his wife bought it new 2 years ago and that it has only been ridden sparingly. He is asking $300. I know that these things retail for 4-5 times that brand new. Part of the problem I have had finding bikes that are my size (I'm 5'3") and this one seems about right. Is this a good deal or no? I get the whole issue about tri-bike vs. road bike (or think I do), but this seems like a great opportunity for me to get a good bike to compete on for a damned good price. Your thoughts? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Rob

P.S. I wasn't sure which forum to post this in so please don't flame me if I posted to the wrong place.

bdcheung

What's your budget? Depending on how much money you're willing to spend, you could get a new bike instead of an old, used one with questionable history and possible need of serious repair.

wallbanger

Well I was looking at the under $700 thread and was thinking I could get something entry level for $500-600. But things are tight and this bike does seem tri-specific. I am going to inspect it before I buy it to make sure there is nothing structurally wrong with it or anything.

Mr. Beanz

Wonder what he means by a woman's bike? Woman's gemetry? Womens specific design with narrow bars?

Not a bad dela but with a tri bike, you are somewhat limited to riding. Looks like the fornt wheel is smaller than the rear form the pic. Must carry tow size spare tubes if so. Strictly tri bike may be uncomfy puttin' around town.

wallbanger

well he said that his wife used it. I asked him and he said that it is unisex (and it appears that the Kilo is a unisex bike) but that he assumed it would be a female purchasing it only because it is so small. Is 2 different tire sizes a bad thing?

haimtoeg

Is it the right size for you?

wallbanger

I beleive so. I am 5'3" tall.

mgmoore7

You might want to go to beginnertriathlete.com and post the question over there.

At $300, if it fits, it is likely a good deal. Any new entry level tri bike is going to be over $800. Remember that you will need to get pedals, shoes, and have a fitting session

wallbanger

yeah, I will post it there too. I'm aware about the pedals and shoes and fitting. Thanks

DScott

If it's in good shape, I'd think it would be a great way to start. it's a little unclear what year it is, but that is a decent mix of components. Perfectly fine for going really hard in a straight line.

From what I can tell, the Kilo only came in either 650c wheels or in 700c wheel versions- not both on the same bike.

wallbanger

Hmm, so should I be worried of there are two different sized wheels then? It sounds intuitively like a bad thing.

DScott

No, I'm saying that there are not two different sized wheels on those models, at least according to the QR website. The pic is probably just funny. I think there used to be such things on some tri-bikes, but not in a while, and not for most bikes these days.

If you're unsure, ask the seller. I wouldn't buy it if there were, because then you'd have to carry two different sized tubes on training rides. Hndling might be an issue as well, but I'm not the expert on such things. Best to keep it simple, IMO.

Again, I think it would make a fine intro bike, if it's in good shape. My first bike was a low end alu. framed Trek with all Tiagra components and I rode the crap out of it, and was quite happy to do so. It's hard to find a decent bike in that price range, so if this is for real, I'd do it if it were me.

Enjoy!

DScott

Also, I'd ask what model year this is supposed to be, then search the web to cerify. That will tell you what's supposed to come with the bike.

Here's the 2006 Kilo: https://www.rooworld.com/bikes/2006/kilo.aspx

Doesn't look quite the same, but look around and see what does...