Coletrain12

Hey guys,

I am looking to get a bike for fitness reasons. I am a runner currently and have gotten tired with it and my knees are starting to hurt (I have been running for the past 6 years).

Due to mainly wanting a bike to just ride for fitness/keep off weight I originally looked at the bikes like the Trek fx, Specialized sirrus, and Giant escape. I am still looking at these bikes and was set on getting one of these due to the lower price, but still being able to put some miles on the asphalt. I have no idea how much I will like road cycling, so I am not sure if I would eventually get into races or longer rides (but would like to get a bike that will be able to do so).

I was leaning more toward the sirrus, but was going to look at all the bikes on Friday or Saturday of this week to do some test rides. I came across this, however, on craigslist (https://chattanooga.craigslist.org/bik/3185367242.html) and wondered if it would be a better fit for me. I assume it is a better bike, but it does have some years on it. First off would you recommend getting the TCR2 for my first bike or just sticking with the hybrid type of bike I was looking at before? Also, how much is the giant TCR2 worth? He is asking $500 but didn't know if it was worth that much, because I have no idea about bike value.

Thanks,
Cole

DeanB

Inside of a month I went from a hybrid to a road bike... if you think you'll want to do races you're definitely want a road bike. I'd go with a road bike (though I do like hybrids for riding with my family).

10 Wheels

Hello Cole,

Fun and fast on a road bike is about having a great fit to it.

I feel it is always best to start with a used bike.

That would be good for you if it FITS.

Coletrain12

Ok. I know from talking with the people within the bike stores here locally that I would most likely fit on a Medium/17.5, but that's all I know. This bike is a medium so I suppose I would fit with that consideration. I know there are many other factors affecting fit, but they can be adjusted correct? Mainly I need to make sure to get the correct frame?

I am around 5 feet 8 inches tall, and 160 pounds, if it helps anything.

SlimRider

Welcome To Bike Forums, Cole!

When buying anything used, we most certainly have to beware of the product that we are purchasing. The drawback with purchasing any used aluminum framed bicycle, is the fact that aluminum is more subject to failure due to its shortened fatigue life, due to stress.

Therefore, buying a used aluminum framed bicycle, is not advisable unless you have detailed information about the history of the bicycle in question. Of course, many aluminum bicycles are still around today from over a decade ago. Used aluminum bicycles carry much less risk than used carbon bicycles. The older a well used aluminum bicycle, the greater the risk of failure.

PS.

Whenever buying used, a chromoly steel frame carries much less risk than most any other frame type.

manutd

If you think you are going to race at all then you should look at the Cannondale CAAD series and Specialized Allez series.

That Giant TCR2 bike is relaxed fit geometry and won't be great for racing.

You could buy a brand new CAAD or Allez and have the support of a local bike shop (LBS) and warranty on the frame and parts.

if you're just starting out I'd go with one of those two. I started with an Allez and I loved it.

I also have a Sirrus but for me it is more of a bike for commuting rather than recreational sport road cycling.

the_tool_man

The Giant bike in the ad is aluminum, not CF.

Coletrain12

manutd I am not spending $1100 on the bike, it is listed at $500. When new it was $1100.

Looking at the specs I don't think its carbon fiber either, it says aluminum on the specs. the seat stem looks CF though.

So basically its a good deal if it fits? Guess I should just go sit on it and see.. but how will I know if it fits?

SlimRider

I will remind you that 2005 was darn near eight years ago. For an aluminum frame, that was a heck of a long time ago! That's especially, if it was used on a regular basis.

https://motobecane.com/warranty/

Motobecane only warranties its aluminum frames for a total of ten years.

I think your aluminum bicycle is overpriced. Nice bike, but overpriced!

Caculate the depreciation using this formula:
www.livestrong.com/article/117012-calculate-cost-used-bicycle/

So for 10 years of estimated life:

1100/10 = $110

110 X 8 = $880 That's $880 worth of depreciation!

1100 - 880 = $220 Actual Value

However, due to the fact that were all roadie buddies, I'd offer $300 final!



PS.

You might be better off using bikesdirect.com

Just add $250 to the $550 and get the best deal on the planet:

The Schwinn Letour Legacy ~ $800
www.bikesdirect.com/products/schwinn/schwinn_letour_legacy_xi.htm

Coletrain12

Thank you SlimRider. I have read mixed opinions on the life of aluminum bikes (some say they last a lifetime, others don't), but I definitely understand what you are saying. I emailed the guy to inquire a little more about the use/life of the bike and if he was firm on the price.

We will see.

I don't want to spend more than the $500 range on a bike. I may end up with a Specialized sirrus or Trek fx if I can't find a good used one. There doesn't seem to be many used ones around here.

Thanks!

manutd

what ever you do don't buy a new Schwinn....and don't listen to Slimrider he is a schill for bikes direct

$500 isn't a lot to spend on a bike so you may have to keep looking for awhile for a decent used one. Giant isn't a bad bike. If he is listed at $500 then offer $350 - 400 and you should be good to go.

but....

That bike needs to flip the stem and level the seat. also, it looks a little beat up and like he was using it as a commuter. The bike is dirty (worries me when someone doesn't even clean it for pictures to sell it) and it has a lot of marks including on the seat post.

I would be concerned about the life of the components at this point.....chain, cassette and even crank wheel may need to be replaced

jrawr

Awesome!!! I too have just started and was/am a runner. I have no advice when it comes to bikes but I do know - that I since I like running so much and the feeling of always wanting to get faster when running races (even the fun runs) that I will most likely do some races with the bike. So if you love racing and think you may like riding a bike, it may be worthwhile to think about a bike that you would be able to use in a race. Not saying you should get a purely racing bike, but would you have your trainers or your race shoes be some cross-trainers or would you get running shoes?

DeanB

I'm not usre where you're located, but up here around Seattle there are tons of bikes, and many new road bikes are purchased from LBSes by guys with expendable income but then they never ride them. So they throw the bike up on craigslist for a bit less than they paid because they don't really know what a fair price is. Often they'll let a bike listed for $700 go for ~$500. I'd say look at the $600-700 range and see if you can find a nice nearly unused bike and talk someone down to something you can afford. If you don't see something you want, wait until next month and pickup a new specialized for 700 from a LBS.

Coletrain12

Thanks for the input guys. I saw it was dirty as well, so Ill see what he says about the price and how he used it.. and Ill go from there. Whenever he replies Ill update you guys on what he says.

Looking around some more I found this bike: https://knoxville.craigslist.org/bik/3131840353.html

Looks to be a great bike and I may be able to get him down in price some, but the size is a 56cm, and I am guessing that is too big for a 5'8" guy like myself.

manutd

Allez is a great option for you.

I'm 6 foot tall and ride a 56cm bike so that may help you with the size. I'd say you'd most likely be in the 54cm frame size.

You possibly could make that bike fit by changing out the stem for a shorter one and maybe playing with the crank length but you better go to a local bike shop that sells the Allez and try one for size.

Coletrain12

Thanks again for your help! I am looking at used allez now and wasn't aware they were so affordable. I basically need to look around the 54cm size.

I have found some others online but I have no idea what to expect from pricing. Its that link that was shared earlier for calculating used bike prices correct? Other than size and price is there anything else I should pay attention too? I just want to know how to tell the bike is a good one if I go look at it, and make a wise purchase.

These are two new bikes I found: https://chattanooga.craigslist.org/bik/3205564348.html
https://chattanooga.craigslist.org/bik/3206094140.html

jrawr

Don't forget about your pedals - sometimes people sell their bike with no pedals (cuz they bought some clipless ones).

DeanB

I'm 5'8" as well and ride a 54 allez easily, I could probably fit a 56 without trouble though. 31"ish inseam btw.

Coletrain12

I have a 30ish inseam.. I wonder if the 52 would be too small? I think im going to the store to sit on a few.

manutd

those are both nice bikes...105 and Tiagra components are good.

The 54cm Allez looks to be in better shape...it is a triple instead of the new compact doubles that Specialized are big into. Not sure if you need a triple, if you have a lot of hills in your area it might be good.

the 2nd 52cm bike looks well used. I'd make sure to check out the condition of the bike before making an offer

Coletrain12

I may be going to look tomorrow at the 54cm one. It is listed at $550. What's it worth really? It's a 2009. He said he could move some on price, but didn't know what I should offer.

Thanks again!

manutd

I sold a 2006 Allez Elite this summer for $700. It was in good shape and had 105 components. It was about $1200 new in 2006.

You need to look up how much that particular Allez cost new in 2009 and then see what condition the parts are all in.


here is the Allez I sold:

Coletrain12

It was $880 new according to the bikepedia site. He said $500 was his lowest. I am thinking about tossing out $450.

I have no idea on the components. Do they come with 105 stock?

Thanks!

Coletrain12

He said he could do $450. I am going to look at it tomorrow.

manutd

No, that bike has at least a Tiagra rear derailler and i'm not too sure about the rest. That same bikepidia site should have a list of components for the bike as well.

if its in good shape I would think $450 is a fair deal.