redsurfsnow

Hello all,

Have been poking around looking for a bike for the gf (5'6") and came across this Trek 320 (50cm) that looks to be in good shape. Seller currently will go down to $200 but I am trying to figure out if it is a bargain I should jump on or hold out for?

Any one have any input on the bike itself? The fact that it has STI's is nice and nothing is down on the tube. Any idea on a weight? GF is small and a bike that is 1/4 her weight might turn out to be not fun? $300 is top of the budget and while lower is always better this fits in and so far beats out bikes double its age. And I know fit fit fit ... I believe she' just specs out for a 52 but could possibly see for on a 50 and being a little more upright for her first roadbike to be a little more comfortable.

10 Wheels

I would ask the girl friend if she wants it or not.

Beach Comber

I think this is the one in your picture. Assuming its all still stock, gives you some idea of the components and owner's opinions.

1999 Trek 320 - New and Used Bike Value

Trek 1999 320 Older Road Bike Reviews - RoadbikeReview.com

redsurfsnow

@10wheels - Yeah I've tossed it out to her and shes up in the air and looking towards me for guidance .... hence me looking here ahah.
@beachcomber - It looks stock and sounds like people enjoy it ... except for the fact that it weights a ton. Budget wise, we'll be looking into older bikes ... and older bikes have weight. I'm just not sure how at what point does it really start sucking or does it get to a point where a pound of two more doesn't matter?

oddjob2

Unless my memory is failing, isn't most of Rhode Island pretty flat as well as the Cape? There's a nob of a hill in Newport is all I recall. As such, weight of a bike shouldn't be a factor, just when starting up.

mstateglfr 

I don't see what will make the bike very heavy. Yes its steel, but if its a couple pounds heavier than a GOOD aluminum bike, that just wont be noticeable when riding. The reviews site claims it weighs 25 pounds. You will be hardpressed to find something significantly lighter that is also in good condition and a quality bike for $300 or less.

The gearing should be great for a beginner since it has a triple front. She will be able to get some low gearing to make any hills easier.

As for a bike weighing 1/4 a person- you really aren't going to get a bike for $300 or less to weigh less than 22# or so(this is a generalization, not some hard line truth).
Weight would be down on the list of concerns for me. Fit and comfort would be the highest followed veryclose by overall condition. The bike has RSX components- from what I have read and seen these are fine and are reliable if taken care of.

bikemig 

The bike looks clean and this is a good bike at a reasonable price. Don't sweat the weight which is pretty unimportant to begin with and also not something to worry about in your price range.

The only issue is (a) does gf actually want this bike and (b) does it fit. The cool thing about an old bike like this is if it doesn't work out, you put it on CL and you won't lost much if any money. You buy a new bike, you will take a wash financially if you end up selling.

Beach Comber

Never use the words 'weight' and 'girlfriend/wife/fiancee' in the same sentence unless separated by the verb 'lose'. It won't end well.

lostarchitect 

The weight of the bike is around 25 pounds. That's not particularly heavy unless the other bikes you are looking at are very modern, or track bikes. Don't worry about or even mention the weight to her. New people often fixate on weight. Personally I think the bike is a fair deal. Maybe even a good deal.

redsurfsnow

@oddjob2 - Yeah for the most part its fairly flat ... except for the dang mile long hill to get out of my neighborhood
@beachcomber - Speaking from experience? ahah but yes that is true.

As for the fit that's what I'm worried about. The bike is a 2 hr drive away. She's coming from a hybrid and looking to get onto a road so it'll be a change for her. Measurement wise she specs and is borderline 51/52 but we haven't had a chance to hit and lbs to try some out. Will the 50cm be too small? I'm thinking if anything it'll give her a more upright position, which may be more comfortable and a step closer to what she is used to?

oddjob2

If she is 5'6" and in good shape, a 50cm will be too small.

redsurfsnow

she's 5'6" ... good shape ... but if I measured correctly ... inseam is only about a 29ish?