dylanbbq

Hey, everyone!

I'm new, so please excuse any wrong terminology.

Growing up, I always loved riding bikes. It wasn't until earlier this year I rediscovered my love of riding bikes when I picked up a cheap Genesis road bike at an auction.

I am now wanting to get something a little (ok, a lot) better. Right now, I would consider myself a casual rider.

Every weekend I try to go ride at least 20 miles on a trail that are pretty flat and well taken care of. During the week, I will sometimes ride around town, but it is rarely more than 10 miles.

Even though I am just riding casually, I would like to start going farther and possibly someday and possibly get into cycling as a sport.

I hardly ever go off trail, or on a trail bad enough where I need a mountain bike, so I stick with my cheap road bike. I am wanting to stick with a road bike mainly because I think riding on the hood is a lot more comfortable.

Anyways, here is the main point I am getting at. I found a few bikes that seem like a good deal to me. I tried researching them, and couldn't find an awful lot, and I have no friends that know a significant amount about bikes, so I thought my best bet would be to try here.

I am 5'7'', with an inseam of 30''.

Which of these do you think would be well suited for me? Or are they just a bad deal to begin with?

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/5563873098.html

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/5564573904.html

https://mattoon.craigslist.org/bik/5559472851.html

Thanks in advance for your insights,

--Dylanbbq

Lazyass

The first one is a tri bike, I wouldn't even look at it. The second one may be too big, you probably need around a 54cm. The third one may be okay.

PepeM

I think they're all too big. You probably should be on a 52, 54 tops. Any idea on budget?

dylanbbq

Hey, thanks for the replies.

I know it's low, but my max would probably have to be around $500 (hence why I'm on craigslist).

PepeM

Should be able to find something decent for that.

This one is a good bike although it seems a tad overpriced to me: Specialized Allez Elite Mid-Compact 2013 - 52cm

RoadGuy

All three bikes are way too big for you.

You probably need a bike with a 52-54cm frame, based on your leg length and height.

Your legs are longer than average for your torso length, so a bike with a sloping top tube may not be the best fit. You might find that on a bike with a slopping top tube you need to get a smaller size frame to get a shorter top tube.

Women's Models are designed for people with a shorter top tube than the a Men's model with the same length seat tube. You might consider trying some of them out.

dylanbbq

Ohh, I really like the look of it, too. I'll try and contact them and see if the price is negotiable.

I put in the size you suggested and came up with this:
https://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/5567789529.html

dylanbbq

I always thought I had really short legs...Huh...

Take, that! Everyone who made fun of my "short" legs!

dylanbbq

I forgot to ask, PepeM, what do you think would be a better price to offer?

PepeM

Honestly, I don't know. There is such a thing as a bicycle blue book though, and this is what is says:

2013 Specialized Allez Elite Compact - New and Used Bike Value

I don't think it is nearly as reliable as the car one though.

dylanbbq

Ah, he's about 100 bucks over. But, as you said, it might not be as reliable.

If I go in to see it, is there anything specific I should look for? On the bike itself or how I fit on it.

Again, I'm new to all of this, so thanks for the patience.

PepeM

I don't know, just make sure everything is as stated. Check that there is no damage (a small scratch here or there is fine, but a damaged tube, for example, isn't) or rust. Look at the chain and the sprockets, hopefully they're clean. Make sure the levers and derailleurs are not scratched, sure sign of a fall. Go on a short test ride and run through the gears (if you don't know how to use STI shifters google it first) to make sure they shift smoothly and that there are no creaking sounds. All in all, just make sure nothing jumps out, and if something does, ask. Usually you're looking more at the person (does he seem like he cares for his sutff? does he seem honest?) than the bike.

As for fit, that's a bit trickier I guess. Judging by your height and inseam a 52 should be just fine. I'd say as long as it doesn't feel unusually large or small you should be fine. Once you have your bike you can either look online for fitting guides or go to one of the local shops to get some help.

Hopefully someone else will chime in, but I'd say if you can get that one for the $500 you've budgeted then you would be getting a pretty good bike. The Allez is a pretty well liked model.

GreenAnvil

Is there a local club that is friendly towards new riders? Sometimes clubs have classifieds where members post their used cycles and gear and they can set you up with a nice bike within your budget. Who knows?A kind member might even be willing to go with you and help you check out a bike.

mcours2006

Around here if you can get something close to the value quoted on the Bluebook value it'd be a excellent buy.

exmechanic89

Just want to reitterate that size is extremely important. Make sure whatever you buy fits properly, or it will never really feel right, imo. If there's a bike shop in your town I would go there and have them to tell you the size you need, that'll be a good start.

dylanbbq

I talked to the guy and he said it'd be will to go down to 575. I found another, a Giant Defy 5, for 400, so I am trying to decide between those two.
I really like the way the Specialized looks compared to the Giant.
I appreciate the good advice here I've gotten, and I will hopefully make a good decision when I go to see them.

2015 Giant Defy 5 medium 54cm
That is a link to the Giant I mentioned earlier. The thing getting me about the Giant is for new, it would be 200 more, so it doesn't seem like as much of a deal.

dylanbbq

As for bike clubs, there are none that I currently know of. My only person that can advise me lives states away, but he said the two I've narrowed it down to both seem about equally good.

I don't actually live in St. Louis, but when I search my hometown the only ones for sale are Huffy type bikes...to give you an idea of the riders around me lol.

dylanbbq

Update:
Plan on seeing the guy about the Allez on Saturday. He's wanting 575 firm.