kokol

Hi guys,

I want to get serious into cycling. I live in NYC and am 5' 10". Looking for a light but used bike since I'm on a budget. What bikes do you guys recommend or have een on ebay or CL for sale?

tnburban

Possibilities are endless.

Cannondale
Bianchi
Trek
Giant
Focus
Specialized
Pinarello
Raleigh
Fuji
BMC
Colnago
Felt
Orbea
Jamis
Masi
Look
BMC
Cervelo


Could probably list another dozen or so, but point is, there is no "target"bikes out there to get. The bike you should buy is the bike that fits you. Riding a $10k bike that doesn't fit sucks much worse than riding a $250 bike that does fit. And components matter, so when you're looking, look at the groupset and wheels.

If it was me, (and it was a dozen years ago), I'd go to the local bike stores, and figure out the best personality fit between you and them. And then buy new from the shop you liked the best.

Good luck in your search, there are so many options out there when buying a bike.

sanmi

What's your budget?

cb400bill

What size do you need? Or, if you are unsure, how tall are you?

Aubergine 

Define "light". You can find bikes with carbon frame and wheels that are 14 pounds or so. You can also find good steel or aluminum framed bikes that will weigh 20-25 pounds given their choice of wheels and components.

You won't find the first kind cheap, but it's easy to find used Bikes that are 25 pounds or so. But if that is too heavy, you may have a difficult search.

kokol

Youre right. But that is more challenging for me since I’m trying to educate myself as much as possible about components which is harder to gauge than the frame itself.

$200 - $400. That’s why I’m looking for quality used bikes.

5’ 10”. What size do you suggest?

Yes I know weight and price go hand in hand. Hoping to find a bike that’s 20 lbs. Nothing heavy since I want to go far and far on it riding around and maybe outside of NYC.

kokol

Youre right. But that is more challenging for me since I’m trying to educate myself as much as possible about components which is harder to gauge in quality than the frame itself.

$200 - $400. That’s why I’m looking for quality used bikes.. emphasis on ‘used’.

5’ 10”. What size do you suggest?

Yes I know weight and price go hand in hand. Hoping to find a bike that’s 20 lbs. Nothing heavy since I want to go far and far on it riding around and maybe outside of NYC.

f4rrest

Look for 2008 Specialized Allez or Canondale Caad 8.

Size L or 58mm.

Aubergine 

You don't need a bike that light to go far. You can do just fine on any bike that weighs 24-28 pounds or so before you add fenders, lights, and so on. What you *do* want is a set of good wheels, with both durability and (relative) lightness. And really good tires!

See, when you ride, it's the weight of the wheels that you have to overcome to get the bike moving. The rest of the Bike's weight isn't that important- it doesn't make much more difference than a change in your body weight. So, learn about what makes a good wheel for riding in NY and the surrounding areas.

The other thing that makes a bike good to ride despite a few added pounds is suitable gearing. Have you ridden much before now? If so, consider what gears you typically use the most, and figure out what you might want for riding around.

As examples, I have all steel bikes. The lightest, a Rodriguez, is probably about 17-1/2 pounds. My touring bikes (also custom) weigh around 22-24 pounds before I add fenders, lights etc. I also have several old bikes such as a cheap mid-70s Peugeot that is a blast to ride because it has good wheels. So, focus on what will fit your rides, and not so much on 20 pounds.

kokol

Appreciate the advice. I want to ride far and that’s why my bike needs to be light. But not expensive. I don’t want to add any unnecessary fluff like fenders, lights, etc. like you said since that’s not what a serious biker does.

Today I picked up a dude’s all aluminum Scott bike with only 2 fingers. I don’t know what it weighed. But it was light and impressive.

I'll def do that! Matter of fact I found an '08 Specialized Allez on ebay for $300. Dont know if its L or 58cm. Hres the link:
2010 Specialized Allez Elite, Size 56 cm - INV-15226 | eBay

Heres another one. Its 54cm, not 58cm that you suggetesd though.
24 Speed, SPECIALIZED ALLEZ ROAD BIKE L 54 cm or 20",FACT CARBON FIBER FORK. | eBay

Let me know what you think of these bikes. Thank man!

f4rrest

First one is a 56. It might fit if you are flexible.

The second is 54, probably too small.

Go to a bike shop and try riding a few in person just to narrow down your size.

DrIsotope

My Cervelo R3 has a headlight on it... when I'm riding in the dark. No Hello Kitty, but I do have my friend the panda.

But I've never once professed to be serious about cycling.

kbarch

Don't listen to him... Wait - listen to him!
I'm 6'-0" and my bikes are all in the 54-56 range, so ignore the advice about specific sizes; you can't get fitted for a bike over the internet.
Definitely try riding different sized bikes - go to a friendly local shop if you must, but don't treat it as a showroom if you don't intend to buy anything they have - buy SOMETHING from them - like maybe a light and a bell (seriously, you're required to have those for riding in the city) or maybe a helmet if you don't have one already. In any event, even if you start out on a used bike, chances are (unless you really get into tinkering) you'll want a new bike soon enough, and more than likely you will want to have a place to go to get your bike serviced in the meantime, a place to stop in and pick up some spare tubes or whatever.

dabac

I guess it's all down to the definition of "serious riders".
Some do seem to see some sort of glory in avoidable suffering during riding. As if enduring avoidable discomfort would somehow make them "better" in some way.

Most of my rides are commutes.
For about 4 months of the year, one or both trips will be in the dark. Lights are legally required. If it wasn't for that, there's something like 1/3 of the distance where a light definitely makes riding both safer and faster.

Perhaps the definition of "serious rider" includes compulsory law breaking and a low opinion of personal safety?

I've been a big fan of fender use since I discovered the abrasive force of road grime, particularly when trapped between butt and saddle.
So maybe "serious rider" also include deriving enjoyment from accelerated wear on saddles, pants and skin.

If that's the case, I'll stick to my lights, fenders and some "casual" 6000+ miles/year.

BillyD

Guys. Honestly, if you're looking for a fight about something it's not hard to find in this world. If you're bored and need some excitement in your life then I guess finding something to fight about on the internet should work pretty quickly.

You roadies are supposed to be thick-skinned, right? So why get offended at a remark about "serious cyclists" when it's not directed at you????

Common guys, you're better than this. Don't pollute the forums with this nonsense. If you don't want to help the guy then go find a thread you like better.

BillyD

If you want to debate "serious cyclist" that's fine . . . go find the old thread or start a new one. But in THIS thread the guy is looking for a bike.


EDIT: Old news, closed.