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Old 01-23-11, 08:56 AM
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cycleheimer
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Bikes: '02 Litespeed, '99 Bianchi Alfana. '91 Fuji Saratoga, '84 Peugeot Canyon Express, '82 Moto GR, '81 Fuji America, '81 Fuji Royale; '78 Bridgestone Diamond Touring, '76 Fuji America, plus many more!

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Besides a road bike, you may also want to look at older hybrids (i.e. "CX", "cross-over", "fitness", etc.), better quality non-suspension mountain bikes, and "true" touring bikes (if you can stumble across one at a good price) with cantilever brakes, triple chainwheels, extra spoke count in the rear wheel, and braze-ons for water bottles, racks, etc. Some websites for pricing and specifications by make and model:
http://bike.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/bike.c...&itm=centurion
http://www.bikepedia.com/

Info on bike sizing:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/lp2...fit-guide.html

Good reading:
http://www.bicycling.com/

Places to look online for good deals on parts and accessories...you will have to figure in some expense for accessories (bell, bags, tools, etc.). These guys have sales every now and then, so it is always good to check their websites (or others you may find) for bargains. Nashbar and Performance often have great sales promotions.
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/TopCate...Site-_-Nashbar
http://www.niagaracycle.com/
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...10052_10551_-1

Besides your LBS, you can get good deals (when their is a special promotion going on) for new bikes at Nashbar, Performance, and also BikesDirect.
If you order online, you give up having the bike set-up and adjusted for you, as well as run the risk of having warranty issues. You also have to hope the bike fits you correctly, and will not be able to test ride it before buying it. If you are a good mechanic, these are issues you may be willing to deal with to get a better price. Otherwise, the savings can be easily be eaten away when you take it to an LBS to do what they would have done for you if you had purchased a bike there. Each LBS is somewhat unique. In areas where there are many to choose from, you can shop around sometimes and catch a great deal on a leftover model that can be a better deal than something purchased online. They also may have a good deal on a lightly used older bike, or may have something they are tossing out. You never know unless you stop in to look around.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/?gclid=CO...FYnc4AodKnExHA

Don't forget to do web searches on "bike frame sizing (or fitting)", "choosing a bicycle", etc.

In regard to used bikes (or anything else mechanical), something never used or abused is always better than the same item that has been trashed and then "fixed up". Caveat emptor ... http://www.merriam-webster.com/dicti...aveat%20emptor
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