Shadoninja

Hey guys! You have been so helpful in getting me started on my first commuter bike. I have decided that a Giant under $500 is the type of bike I am going to start with. Here is an ad for one on Craigslist that is being sold by a local bike shop. Is this a good buy? I would love to get the yes/no from a couple people more experienced than I am. And feel absolutely free to tell me to go with another bike. The sub-$500 Giant's fit the bill for what I have narrowed my interests down to.


Old link: https://boulder.craigslist.org/bid/4878756746.html
- new link at bottom

quick stats:

- 3 miles each way to work
- Using only for commuting (could end up doing more, but not worried about that atm)
- 5'9" 130 lbs
- Bike paths/roads
- Wearing a backpack to hold laptop

EDIT: I found another bike! This one has front forks, but they can be locked out for the road. The frame size on this one says "large" in the description. Will that be roughly 54cm?

New link: https://boulder.craigslist.org/bik/4883633600.html

Corben

I like it and I would check it out. Might be a tad small for you.

mcours2006

Great price for the bike. Looks like a Defy 3 from 2013 with Sora components. I agree that it'll be a too small for you. I have a 54cm Giant Rapid, which fits me well, and I'm the same height.

You could, I suppose get a longer stem and set the seat back a few cm, but you'd be better off finding another bike in your size.

TroN0074

Check it out and ask the seller if you would be able to add fenders in the future, or if you will be able to add a rack for cargo. Because the seller looks like it is a bike shop ask for a test ride to see if the size feels right. Good luck to you. Other than that the bike looks good.

cyccommute 

Adding racks and fenders would be difficult. The bike lacks mounting points for both and there isn't enough clearance between the tire and the fork for traditional fenders. On a positive note, Shadoninja lives in Boulder so the need for fenders is minimal.

I agree with the other posters, however. The bike is way too small. Keep looking.

bmthom.gis

That is going to be way too small for you. At 5'9, I would start looking at 54 cm frames, and depending on your proprotions *maybe* going as low as a 52/53 cm, but I think you would be much happier on 54. A 49 is just going to be too small.

Shadoninja

Thank you guys! I will keep searching for a bit of a bigger bike. I posted a new link on the main post to look at (https://boulder.craigslist.org/bik/4883633600.html)

practical

A new 2014 Giant Roam 2 sells for $650. A $200 deduction in price for a like-new one-year-old bike is probably fair and a smart move on your part. As for size, do two measurements. One, make sure you can comfortably stand over the top tube. If you can, then it's probably the right height. Next, place your elbow at the front of the seat reach for the handlebars. If your fingers go beyond the stem, it's probably the right length. Finally, get on it and ride it and see how it feels. In addition, I would make sure the front fork shock has a lockout and that it works. Based on your description, you'll rarely, if ever, want to use it as it will slow you down if not locked out.

practical

I have the Giant Escape 1 which looks almost identical to this bike. I have a "Large" and I'm 5-10 with short legs but longer than normal arms. I think a "large" would likely fit you.

bmthom.gis

That one is probably going to be too big. You might could make it work, but for only being 150 less than a brand new one, I think you could find a much better deal in something that fits you better.
Just a few in your area:
Still might be a little big, but could definitely work for someone your size
https://boulder.craigslist.org/bik/4877237924.html

If you ever wanted to do more than just commute...like go touring
https://boulder.craigslist.org/bid/4893184152.html

^actually, I would check those people out. They seem to be a co-op? They could probably definitely get you rolling on something that fits you and your budget

https://boulder.craigslist.org/bik/4893035125.html

If you want something with shocks:
https://boulder.craigslist.org/bik/4892497938.html

These make great commuters:
https://boulder.craigslist.org/bik/4892367040.html

Darn nice set up here:
https://boulder.craigslist.org/bik/4892135694.html

Pretty good bike for s short/medium length commute:
https://boulder.craigslist.org/bik/4891904445.html

I could go on. I know you mentioned Giant, but there are a lot of other great brands out there. I def recommend getting in touch with the people in the 2nd link to find something quality, ready to ride and in budget.

TroN0074

The bike I use for commute, everybody keeps telling me it is too big for me, However I like riding it, maybe you need to just test ride that Giant Escape you found and see for yourself how it feels.

That Miyata touring road bike
Looks like it is ready to ride but I think you should try to negotiate a least $100 less

Actually everything in Craigslits you have to negotiate the price, sellers expect that.
or find the Giant distributor there in your local area give them a visit and see what they have, talk to them, tell them what you are looking for and tell them how much is in your budget they will help you.

Good luck to you.

Shadoninja

Thanks a lot for all the replies! Since I really like the look of the Giant Roam 2 I will go take a look at it. I will keep the measurements in mind that practical mentioned and go from there. Thank you guys!

Wanderer

If that is a dealer, ask them what else they have in that price range.......................

And --- that Roam looks like a nice bike - and a lower offer might take it........ cash talks loudly

megalowmatt

The Giant website shows the Large model for the Roam 2 is 21". I'm 5'9 and no way I would ride that size. I normally ride 18" in mountain bikes.

dynaryder

I'm 6' and my old Giant Seek was a large. That's too big for you.

bikingtotown

Hi this sounds like a great way to get idea if bike will fit without having to get on. Just one question though. Should your finger go past the entire stem to handle bars or just where the stem goes up? I'm 511 and have always been borderline usually too small for the giants large I'd say go for medium or maybe different brand.