New to all this--is this a good deal for a used bike?
 

So after doing some soul searching to find the bike to match my style of riding (or what I want it to be) I decided on a touring style bike. I found this site and downloaded the nifty touring bike spreadsheet--and kinda gasped at the prices.

...It was going to have to be a used bike...

I looked around craigslist and lucked out (I think), finding a 2010 Jamis Aurora, in my size, slightly used. I have no idea about how to appraise used bikes.

OK, I'm going to post the ad, please don't steal it out from under me if it is a really good deal :p

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik/2487714499.html

I've already emailed the guy and am going to meet him this week. I did manage to knock $50 off his asking price.

I'm still a little sticker shocked, and wondering if a "big box" $200 bike would be good enough for me and I'm wasting my money. I'm basically looking for something to go on long regular road rides with a local group (30-60+ miles once or twice a month) so I didn't want to go cheap. It also needs luggage capability and be able to hook up a trailer so I can tow my toddlers around a bit. After a lot of research I also am partial to the drop bars. I also need the bike to be able to do some light off-road, mainly the local tow path (packed dirt and gravel). I'm not worried about buying it and losing interest, I'm a pretty determined guy and stick to things for a while.

It does seem kind of heavy for a lot of road riding, but considering my old bike was an old diamondback rigid mountain bike with knobbies I think I'll be OK.

One of my buds was trying to talk me into a cyclocross bike, but they are way too expensive.

Looks good to me.
My touring bike weights 32 lbs.
Have fun with it.

How do you know what size is right for you?

that's a decent deal, I thought MSRP was $1100 or a little higher. Just make sure that it fits. Also the seat is an upgrade but only worth it if it is comfortable.

I'm going off this chart http://bicycling.about.com/od/howtor...ike_sizing.htm. Of course I'll need to try the bike when I get there to check it out, but my inseam is 30-31".

eta: yes the msrp is $1100 according to the jamis site

Should be go to go for you.

If it's a close fit, buy it quick or it'll be gone. It'll do all you want. And totally forget the box store bike idea. Be throwing your money away.

I'm not sure it will fit now http://www.livestrong.com/forums/ima...s/icon_cry.gif I was basing my size on this site: http://bicycling.about.com/od/howtoride ... sizing.htm. When I look at the Jamis numbers, http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/ ... a_geo.html, the standover is 32.12", which is over my 31" floor to nethers. I hate to waste the seller's time, but the nearest Jamis dealer is miles away and they don't even carry the model. Guess I'll find out Friday.

So I went to the local bike store, and they were nice enough to let me try a 55cm trek road bike. It was tight, but he said they could make it work. I'll just have to drive out and check out the Jamis, if it fits the same I'm going to get it. The local bike store was great, and they'll definitely be getting my business when it comes time to tune the bike up and get other gear.

Looks good to me. Not all 55cm bikes will fit the same. The picture of the Jamis shows that there is still some stem left for adjusting so that's a good thing.
Plus, if you don't like the seat you can probably get a couple of bucks for it on the List.

Whelp, I got her! It is a tight fit, but it was love at first sight. I took a little spin, and quickly realized I need to work my way up to the 30 mile rides with the biking group. I love this bike, it is very much me! Now I need to shop for a kid trailer.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6...0/IMG_4936.JPG