Hi i'm interested in becoming a cyclist. I've done some looking around and I have come up with a few questions. I looked at previous threads to make sure i'm not being redundant. Hopefully I wont be...

Question1 : I dont have alot to spend on a bike at this moment... I'm looking within the range of 350-400.
Could you recomend a good starter bike?
https://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-FIXED-GEAR-S...QQcmdZViewItem
Is this a decent bike to start off with?

I know its "fixed-gear" is it bad that I start with a fexed gear bike? Does the versitility of gears worth the clutter, weight and the money?

Question2: I know that a key component to a bike is a sturdy light frame. Could you guys recomend a cheap complete bike with a light, sturdy frame? I was thinking that if I get a sturdy light framed starter bike I can gradually upgrade the tires to a lighter pair as I progress...

In terms of weight I was thinking... 20-25 lbs.

Can you guys help me find a bike with those secifications?

Well I don't recommend that bike. First it doesn't even have brakes. Not all that good for riding in the city, or anywhere else other then velodrome for that matter. So you have to spent more money to install breaks on it. Then there are gears. You reallly don't want to climb any hills on that bike if you are just starting out. With more gears you have a choice in which gear to be based on what type of terrain you are ridding. Try going to you local bike shops (LBS), the are sales going on right now. You might find an entry level road bike close to your price range. Don't worry about if the frame is light or not at this stage. Get the bike that you are most comfortable riding. Because if it's pain to ride then it will just collect dust in the Garage.

THAT bike is DEATH~!

I would not recommend it at all

www.craigslist.com ---I bought my bike here for a fraction of what it would cost me new. I would suggest it. You have a good enough budget to find a good bike. Find out what your frame size is and start looking for a bike on craigslist. Trust me EBAY is not the way to go!!!. Craigslist seems to have better prices and you can ride the bike before you buy it

That bike in the pic has no brakes(you will regret this very badly). That bike also is a fixed gear(you will die on any incline). The guy is not specific about components(shady). The bike has no computer, nothing. $325??? Thats insane for a bike like that.

Bad Idea, IMO

Trust me, www.craigslist.com

Thank you so much for the help!

What do you mean you can try out the bike first?

Well I had some bad luck with craigslist.com in the beginning. Basicly on craigslist is like ebay except you buy localy. Like someone will adverstise in your area. For instance, I was looking in the Los Angeles Area for my bike.

Two times I came out to look at the bikes and realized they were peaces of crap. I mean some people exaggerate "good" condition. I finally found a great deal on a great bike. It cost me about 300 but it came with some nice components. Even if I overpaid(which I dont think I did) it was worth it because the guy was very nice and very reliable.

Basicly on craigslist you can come out and see the bike you are buying before you buy it. You can also take it home with you .

Ebay=people overprice and you usually dont get anything close to a nice used bike. A used bike is just as good if they maintained it well and nothing is bent or broken.

But, that bike will kill you. You only have one gear which basicly means you will be pushing REALLY hard up any hill and going downhill is going to be difficult if your not used to it. I rode my friends fixed gear and it was crazy. I almost died going dowhill, you cant coast. You have to backpedal(its odd).

You have a good range, with $400 you can find quite a few beginner bikes and get a good feel for biking. I must say, after buying this bike. I am hooked. I have spent much more than the bike at this point. I saw numerous cheap road bikes going for $100 because people are trying to get rid of them. $100 is good to see if you will enjoy riding. Just mainly try to choose a frame of your size or it will be an unpleasant experience.

For a fit (if you dont want to go to a shop) https://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...LCULATOR_INTRO

cheap bikes (i dont know anything about these bikes but plenty of people around here order modobecanes from these guys):

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...iragesport.htm

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ane/mirage.htm