Completely new and looking for suggestions
08-11-15, 10:34 AM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Albany / Hudson Valley
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Completely new and looking for suggestions
I currently live in the hudson Valley / Albany area and have become completely fascinated in getting a road bike and using it to commute. I don't have any prior experience with road bikes or the sort and was looking for suggestions on what to buy. I have found these two bikes 1) https://albany.craigslist.org/bik/5156912449.html and 2) https://albany.craigslist.org/bik/5164016124.html that I've been considering but would love to hear any input or suggestions on bikes I should look at. My price range right now is under $200. Thanks in advance for all the help.
08-11-15, 10:55 AM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Zinj
Posts: 1,826
Bikes: '93 911 Turbo 3.6
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Step one is to get fitted and make sure you buy the right size. You can do this either yourself or at a local bike shop (LBS).
Either bike would serve you well, assuming they're both ready to roll. Cables/housings will probably need replaced, wheels may need to be trued (straightened). It would be well worth your cash to take whichever used bike you purchase to a reputable LBS for a tune up.
You won't regret bike commuting; welcome.
Either bike would serve you well, assuming they're both ready to roll. Cables/housings will probably need replaced, wheels may need to be trued (straightened). It would be well worth your cash to take whichever used bike you purchase to a reputable LBS for a tune up.
You won't regret bike commuting; welcome.
Last edited by jfowler85; 08-11-15 at 11:29 AM.
08-11-15, 11:14 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Porter, Texas
Posts: 4,125
Bikes: Trek Domane 5.2, Ridley Xfire, Giant Propel, KHS AeroComp
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1648 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
welcome to the forums... a cheap bike that is not the correct fit is not a good deal.
08-11-15, 12:11 PM
#4
Life is good
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Posts: 18,209
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 522 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
10 Posts
Welcome to Bike Forums. The first one (Raleigh) is for someone who is approx 6'-4" or taller.
As the others have suggested, go to a bike shop and get fitted so you'll know the correct size for you, or ask a cycling friend to help you. Good luck.
As the others have suggested, go to a bike shop and get fitted so you'll know the correct size for you, or ask a cycling friend to help you. Good luck.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
Last edited by RonH; 08-11-15 at 03:24 PM.
08-11-15, 12:23 PM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,549
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18447 Post(s)
Liked 4,559 Times
in
3,386 Posts
Don't mooch off a bike shop just to turn around and buy a $100 bike off of Craigslist.
I believe one can ride a bike in a fairly wide range, perhaps +/- 2 or 3 cm from optimum.
However, let us know your height and weight, and we'll help get you into the ballpark. There lots of good deals on classic/vintage bikes, although it is also worth considering newer bikes.
Perhaps this moderate quality Jamis Ventura.
Jamis Ventura Road Bike - $300 (Gansevoort)
I believe one can ride a bike in a fairly wide range, perhaps +/- 2 or 3 cm from optimum.
However, let us know your height and weight, and we'll help get you into the ballpark. There lots of good deals on classic/vintage bikes, although it is also worth considering newer bikes.
Perhaps this moderate quality Jamis Ventura.
Jamis Ventura Road Bike - $300 (Gansevoort)
08-11-15, 01:28 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: 25 miles northwest of Boston
Posts: 29,592
Bikes: Bottecchia Sprint, GT Timberline 29r, Marin Muirwoods 29er, Trek FX Alpha 7.0
Mentioned: 112 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5234 Post(s)
Liked 3,609 Times
in
2,357 Posts
and inseam measurement, +1 for saving up for a better bike like cliffordk says, will be cheaper in the longrun. I started with cheap old 10-speeds and just got sucked into parts shopping and rebuilding and getting other old bikes for parts to make one good one then had to sell a bunch of bikes, frames and wheels, eventually winding up a modern road bike w brifters, which changed my life
08-11-15, 06:53 PM
#7
Forum Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kalamazoo MI
Posts: 20,779
Bikes: Fuji SL2.1 Carbon Di2 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 4 Trek Checkpoint ALR-5 Viscount Aerospace Pro Colnago Classic Rabobank Raleigh C50 Cromoly Hybrid Legnano Tipo Roma Pista
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3130 Post(s)
Liked 6,795 Times
in
3,890 Posts
Welcome. Have fun searching out your new bike
08-11-15, 07:01 PM
#8
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Albany / Hudson Valley
Posts: 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm approximately 6'3" and 175 lbs. with an inseam of 35" considering I measured it correctly. Any further suggestions would be great
08-11-15, 07:03 PM
#9
Forum Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kalamazoo MI
Posts: 20,779
Bikes: Fuji SL2.1 Carbon Di2 Cannondale Synapse Alloy 4 Trek Checkpoint ALR-5 Viscount Aerospace Pro Colnago Classic Rabobank Raleigh C50 Cromoly Hybrid Legnano Tipo Roma Pista
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3130 Post(s)
Liked 6,795 Times
in
3,890 Posts
I suggest asking for opinions in the Classic and Vintage forum.
