Hey guys! I've been wanting to get into biking for a little while now, but have only just decided to actually go for it. The issue is I'm having trouble knowing whether some bikes I see on Craigslist are good, or are duds! I'm also going to peruse the local bike shops here in Louisville, but in the meantime I've found a few bikes that I liked the look of. For a little more about me, I'm going on 25 years old this year and weigh around 302 lbs, standing at 5'9" with an inseam of 28". Thing is I'm hardly new to fitness or weight loss, as over the course of a year I'd lost 100 lbs going from 370 lbs to 270 lbs thanks to weight lifting. Winter did me no favors, nor did hurting my ankle and so I packed some pounds back on.
These are some of the bikes I've been eyeing...
General Craigslist:
louisville bicycles - by owner classifieds - craigslist
The Long Drive(Specialized Sport-Hard Rock $85):
Specialized Sport-Hard Rock This one would work wonderfully, and I might only need to change out the tires. Only problem is it's 55 miles away.
The Closer Option(Trek 920 1994 singletrack mountain bike $125):
Trek 920 1994 singletrack mountain bike Much closer, but also more pricey.
The Mystery Bike aka New Orleans Special $100:
Reliable 10-Speed Bicycle Hard to know much about this one, no sizing information whatsoever.
All three of those I've contacted the owner in some way, last two via email and first by phone. They'll sell it to me even cheaper if I can come all the way down to get it.
The La Grange(GT Outpost Trail $125):
GT Outpost Trail Not much to say really, similar to the second bike in that it's much closer and seems the right fit.
The Ferrari(Motobecane Cyclocross Bike w/ Shimano $280):
Motobecane Cyclocross Bike w/ Shimano 105 This is really pushing hard against my budget. I've been to a Schwinn shop and they would sell me a new GIANT brand bike for $350. But this thing looks tough as nails.
If anyone sees anything else that might work for me, I'd love some suggestions! I've been checking every day, and am hoping to go out today to a few of the local shops to peruse their used bike sections.