Originally Posted by billyymc

Miles - if you can be patient, my recommendation is to scour garage sales this summer. Craigslist rarely has decent bike deals anymore imo. But if you work garage sales, you will turn up a very decent rideable 80's or early 90's era road bike for anywhere from $30 to $100. You might need a few maintenance items on it - tires especially - but that's normal. You can pick up some decent tires (i.e. - reasonably puncture resistant) for $15 on clearance online.

Until then, do what is suggested with your mtn bike. Then when you do find a decent road bike you'll already be that far ahead.

Originally Posted by Yo Spiff

This thread should explain it: Fred-School
I think it is a term that is evolving much like "geek". Something that started as a derisive term, but is now used as a badge of pride. And if you're not a Fred, you're a poser.



Longer drive than myself, working in N. Irving and living in FW. At my previous job, I would often have to start and/or end the day in someplace like Garland or Plano. Too much driving.

Originally Posted by pgjackson

Not trying to be a d1ck, but if you can't afford a $100 bike, this probably isn't the sport for you. Most cyclists shoes cost more than that. Hell, a decent pair of bibs costs about $100. That bike is a POS and I wouldn't take it on a serious ride. If you were to show up for a group ride on that hooptie the leader might ask you to stay way in the back so nobody gets hurt when it falls apart. And NOBODY rides "girl" bikes...not even women. Yes, you will get laughed at on that thing. That might be a good bike for commuting at school, but I doubt anyone would let you in the pack on a group ride. Save your money and get something decent and then plan to spend at least that much again on gear. You don't need to spend a fortune, but $100 just isn't going to cut it.