Your recommendation?
 

Hi

Long time lurker, but first time poster here.

I'm looking into getting a used road bike, but I don't want to pay too much for it so I really don't have to worry about it being stolen, and also I'm just a beginner. I know at this price point of under 500 my best bet is a decent used bike off craigslist, fb marketplace etc. LBS are a no-go, way overpriced, and I'm aware of the general feeling regarding department store road bikes.

I'm looking in particular at a 2010 Masi Vincere for $399 in decent condition. I can't post images yet, I'm not sure how accurate Bicycle Blue Book is, and I can't find much on this specific model online, but I'm guessing it would be better a better bet than the new cheap ones I'm looking at (provided its a good fit, I get it tuned appropriately, upgrade some parts etc).


I would like to ask for your recommendations?

(6'2 male 220 lbs ; begginer ; budget under $500)

Currently looking at:

NEW

• Schwinn Phocus 1600
• Giordano Libero 1.6
• Vilano Forza 4.0
• Vilano Shadow 2.0 (and 3.0?)
• Vilano Tuono 2.0

USED

• 2010 Masi Vincere
• 2009/2010 Trek Pilot 2.1 (seller unsure)

Thanks!

I'd monitor Craigslist for bikes in your size (58-60cm)

in that 2010 year range, with Shimano 105 +/- components.

There are not quite as many larger size bikes FS, but not as much demand as well.

Many bikes suffer the same fate as other exercise equipment- bought with good intentions, & not used,

so practically new, several years old, 1/2 price of new is a good profile to look for.

Depending on your location, looking for 2-3 months should produce a good deal.

I suggest going to five or so threads a day and posting, "Hi, I am new here, just checking in." That gets you your picture- and url-posting privileges and without urls it is really hard to make comments on specific bikes--or rather, it is hard to make meaningful comments on the same bikes you are actually looking at. I'd hate to go on and on about some great deal only to find later I talked someone into buying a different bike than the one I was talking about.

Go ahead and pass on all of the new bikes you have listed. Stick with stuff that you can't buy on Amazon. Check out the Masi and the Trek and see if they fit you. Test ride. Purchase if you are happy with how it rides. Honestly, that is all there is to it. Don't worry if you are getting a good deal or not, that is irrelevant. If you are out riding, smiling, and enjoying yourself, you got a good deal.

Thank you all for the responses. Turns out the Masi was older than what was stated... I don't deal with people like that.
Will keep looking!