Originally Posted by
Dave Cutter
I know that sounds like a lot of money. Not exactly the same as the beloved bicycles we got under the Christmas tree. But the bicycles sold at the LBS (Local Bicycle Shops) are real adult sporting/commuter equipment that can service you well for many years (decades).
If you do pursue cycling for transportation and or sport/fitness you'll soon find yourself cycling along at pretty quick speeds. Staying upright and being able to stop at will.... become really important. A bicycle that fits your body correctly (the LBS will help you with that) and is and can be properly maintained (again the LBS) will become a huge assess. Don't cheap-out.
I eat my words! I ended up by a Specialized Secteur from the LBS. The benifits of buying new, outwayed buying a 30yr old bike that may or may not be my size. Also, some of the used bikes I was finding were owned by resellers who threw parts on it collected from their garage, then flip the bikes for a premium.. I just didn't want to spend the time filtering price, fit, form, and hacked/function. The LBS became a huge asset
With that said.. I have gained a new interest in vintage/ classic bikes and plan to learn more about them. There is a swap meet close by on Aug 16th. And I plan to attend with a humble mind.