Newb here: Is this the bike for me?
 

I know this bike is on the higher end, but it's in my price range and I'm all about bang for the buck. What's the opinion on this bike and whether a newbie like me will enjoy it. Thanks.

2007 TCR Advanced Team Small Frame

Most importantly, is the bike your size? If you think so, I think a test ride is in order. As new bikes today, you are shooting (with your seat height) To have the seat tube about 65% and the seat/ seat post about 35%.

If you're around 5' 6" or maybe a little shorter, that bike might work. I'm a tad over 5' 8" and ride a medium Giant. One of the guys I ride with is around 5' 9" and rides a medium TCR. Just be sure that Giant TCR is your size.

That looks like a solid deal if it fits, I would bet it would only be around 16-17 pounds.

The bike size is what actually drew my interest initially. I'm 5'5" and I'm think it could be a perfect fit. It wasn't until I started to do a little bit of research on the bike that I realized it's quite the nice bike. I figure I can probably get him down a couple hundred dollars too. 👍🏻

Nice frame, nice bike. Seems overpriced imo. Also curious why the shifters look so banged up

What does this mean?

What are some things to keep in mind to make sure the bike fits me well?

Looks like the bike was laid down in a slow crash, maybe while learning clip-less pedals. Those sram hoods are very soft, especially with tons of sweat and heat they can get damaged early. I replaced mine with modern hoods, I have 1.5k miles on the new ones with no marks yet. Must of been made of something super soft back then.

Sram, Speedplays...I'd pass. ;)
JK, kinda.

Looks like it's been laid down pretty good. I'd keep looking.
Do you race? If not, there are all kinds of brand-new carbon bikes for $2k.
You could probably get a CAAD 10 or Allez with upgrades for way less, used.
Good luck.

S

Do you suggest some else/better in the $1000-ish price range?

I'm actually looking to stay around $1k. I'm thinking I can grab this bike for about $1200

If the seat is too low for you, you are plainly out of luck. You can adjust the seat height some, but the seller currently has it maxed out for its longest length. You can go lower, this would require cutting the top down, most bike shops should be able to do it, and its pretty simple.

There is a youtube channel "GCN" and they have a video to determine saddle height. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVu5Zrktm40
Measure yourself the way they did at 4:10 subtract that distance by 100 mm or 10 cm. That is hypothetically a starting point for saddle height, its the distance from the center bolt on the cranks to the top of the saddle.

If you were to look into this bike, make sure that the bike's distance from crank bolt to the seat is much higher than your measured height. Even if it is barely under your measurement, I would steer clear.

You have enough money to go new if you wanted to. This bike is Carbon with 10 speed 105 and in your budget (with a warranty)

Diamondback Podium ETAPE Road Bike


As far as CL goes, there are other options in your area....

Trek Lemond Road Bike


This one is a little further away but this Synapse would be a good buy.

2014 Cannondale Synapse 5 105 - Men's 51 cm

Thanks. This definitely what I'm looking for. Certainly open to other suggestions too. As far as distance is concerned, in anywhere between Providence and Boston and I don't mind driving... My only concern with the ones you posted is if they're a little too big for me. I don't quite understand how to size the bike to myself yet.

At 5'6" a 51 or 52 wouldn't be to big for you. Price point has that Podium in 50 and 52. If you don't feel comfortable buying online, that Cannondale is a good buy and you can ride it before you buy.

So, I've been doing tons of research and shopping around trying to get as much info as possible. Unfortunately, based off of the youtube video linked above, it seems the Giant in my first post is too small. It felt alright riding it but according to the measurments, it's too small for me.

In my hunt I've stumbled upon bikes direct and I'm noticing their bikes can't be touched by any of the big manufactures as far as price is concerned. What is the opinion of BD and the Motobecane bikes? Particularly the Carbon framed ones and how it compares to either a Kestral or the Diamondback Podium E'tape linked above. Thanks!

I am about 5'7" and ride a 54. I would guess thats a medium in Giant speak. That Diamond Back could be a great bike but you may want to testvride a bike until your familiar with what works for you.

...

Buy what you can afford, and ride the hell out of it.

The Voice of Reason ...
 

Why would you want to spend $1500 on your first bike. Just get a good $400 bike and use it for a year or so. You'll then understand what you like or don't like and then be in a much better position to buy that $1500 bike.

The problem with buying a $1500 bike first up is that you can't easily justify buying another in a year when you discover your tastes.

That's my plan, I'm just trying to get the best bang for my buck.

I'm currently looking at these 4. Any advice in which direction I should go?

2011 Specialized Roubaix Comp Compact 52cm (is this a good price?)

Diamondback Podium ETAPE Road Bike

Save Up To 60% Off Carbon Road Bikes- Motobecane Sprintour

Nashbar Carbon 105 Road Bike

Advice please? I'm just about ready to pull the trigger.

what size road bike with horizontal top tube is good for person 5`7" and inseam 32' ?

32 inseam is very long for someone who is 5'7. ONLY effective-top-tube length is important when fitting bikes, assuming you can stand over the top-tube comfortably. You'd most likely fit best on a 50-52cm because you have long legs and a short torso.