shafter

Hi guys,

I am currently a student that would like to get started in road biking. What is my best option for a bike under $500? I have been looking on Craigslist but am not sure what to look for in a quality bike. I have ridden a trash bike for the last few months.

There seems to be a lot of Trek bikes used... are these a good option or a waste of money? I'm talking a trek 2.0 or older 1200.

RonH

Post links to any bikes you see and we can give you our opinions. Do you know what size bike you'll need? If not, stop by a friendly bike shop and ask them if they can help you determine the correct size bike. Or you can post your height, weight, inseam, etc and we may be able to help.

A lot of folks on a budget start with a bikesdirect.com bike. They also have size charts to help you determine your correct size.
Good luck.

MUDDY88YJ

I wouldn't buy used. You can buy a new bike just as cheep or cheeper on bikesdirect.

vinnyvincent

I agree I have done both used and bike direct. had a much better experience going through bike direct on a used bike budget.

shafter

Trek Road Bike. Schwinn Fastback 2 X 10 speeds Road bike. 700c Men´s Schwinn Carbon Fiber - 1000 Road Bike
Trek 2.0 Road Bike Here are are a few I've been looking at.

Which component should be prioritized? The one with the most carbon, best shifters/derailleurs, best brakes, best wheels?

Dave Cutter

Fit! The MOST important feature of the bike is fit. You posted a variety of different sized bikes. Of those bikes... the best option is the one (if any) that fits.

Bicycles come in different sizes (just like pants). First you need to find out your size. Then limit your search's to only bicycles that fit.

shafter

I know I need a 55 or 56 cm frame.

Can't you adjust the seat tube, seat, and bars to make a bike fit so long as it is about the right size?

Dave Cutter

I've seen bicycles at the local Performance Bikes that were also very inexpensive. And although I like and have used the local CL several times... I am currently a bit disappointed with the used bikes available.

indyfabz

This forum is FULL of trolls.

10 Wheels

Must be Cold in Philly.

Dave Cutter

There is a certain amount of adjustment built into every bicycle. But you need to start with the correct size.... particularly with a road bike IMHO. In a more casual riding bicycle you have a bit more flexibility... particularity if the bicycle is a bit smaller than optimal.

SkyDog75

While you can find good deals on new bikes, there's plenty of value to be found on the used market as well. My Campagnolo-equipped Bianchi was a bargain since the original owner bought it and hardly rode it for a few years before deciding cycling wasn't for him. I got a like-new bike for less than half of what it originally cost. My backup road bike, a mid-'80s Trek, cost me $75. Older bikes, particularly ones that don't have collector cachet, can often be found really cheap. Some pretty nice ones, even. If you can turn a wrench and regrease some bearings, these bikes can be fantastic bargains.

And if you've got a YJ, you'd better be able to turn a wrench. (I used to own a CJ-5 myself.) ;-)

indyfabz

40s & Sunny yesterday. Sat in the park and did the NYT crossword puzzle then walked here for some monk fish, etc., to make for dinner:

Home - Reading Terminal Market


50s this afternoon. I may ride over to the International Auto Show. I am in the market for some wheels.

BTW...For your reading enjoyment:

https://www.bikeforums.net/singlespee...07-frames.html

Check out some of his others.

shafter

So assuming that I can find a bike with the correct frame size, THEN what should I look for?

Dave Cutter

Aluminum bicycles are much moreaffordable. Name brands are best. I'd spend some time visiting LocalBicycle Shops. Ask questions, look at the bikes, read the bikeforums, learn what you can.

shafter

Ok, thanks. I appreciate yall's help.. it's nice to not be clueless. I don't personally know any real-deal cyclists to ask these questions to.

VegasTriker

The person who gets ripped off on a used bike is probably uninformed and lazy. You can find the MSRP and component list on any decent bike manufactured from 1993 to the present on Bikepedia. You need to know the brand name, model, and year. It is up to you to decide what percentage of the original price is fair. The older the bike and the lower the MSRP, the smaller the resale price should be.

If you don't know the difference between a BSO (bicycle shaped object) and a good bike look for your local bike club on the internet. Just Google on "bike clubs in the name of your town". Most have a contact where you can ask if there is anyone in the club who will mentor you and help in choosing a bike. That person should have an idea of which components are high quality, which work well, and which ones are junk. Lots of us have done very well by choosing a used bike over a new one of lower quality for what could afford.

shafter

Trek 1220 56cm Road Bike opinions?

fietsbob

Adequate, I'd guess.. have CL seller meet you at Local bike shop with it for an in person inspection for functionality,
since you lack bike mechanic expertise.

(seller may like that since where they live remains private.. vs you coming to their house)

Tim_Iowa

Yep, that one's not a bad deal if the components are in good shape. It has STI shifters, a triple crank, and a relatively light aluminum frame for $250. A decent all-around road bike.

FYI, it's a 1998. https://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/B...1220&Type=bike

On the frame, look for: dents, cracks, corrosion (white powder)
On the components, look for: dirt, rust, wear, corrosion.
Check the shifters, are they gummy to operate?
Check the wheels, to they spin straight and true, or do they wobble?

Ask how new the cables, chain, cassette, and tires are.
Ask about the last time it was overhauled (bearings greased and/or replaced).

ColaJacket

Since you're in the Dallas area, you might want to check out Performance Bikes.

They have the Fuji Sportif w/ Claris for $499.

I have the same frame with Tiagra, and it's a good bike.

GH

Phil_gretz

You are 18 miles from Garland, TX. Why not drive up to Bike Island and see what they have in stock? Check their web site...

shafter

Thanks- the seller is sending me some more pics to look over.

Here is another Trek I have seen that seems better and is similar in price:

Trek Road Bike

How would you compare them?

shafter

I am hesitant to buy online.

It looks the BEST option would be performance bikes. I should probably save my cash and buy from a real bike shop.

JohnDThompson 

This appear to be one of the original Wisconsin-built bonded aluminum frames. These were designed to have a ride similar to that of a good quality steel frame, and tend to be less stiff than modern aluminum frames. A stiff frame can be hard for a light weight person to ride on rough pavement, if this is a concern.

This one is an Asian built welded aluminum frame, and will probably be stiffer than the other bike. The size is drastically different from the other one you referenced. Do you know what size frame you need?