Looking to start a new sport
 

Hey all,

So I am completely new to this and am actually looking for advice (of any sort) I need to get a bike but have a slim college budget. Looking for a new or used bike that is somewhat competitive. I've mtb'ed for years but want to switch over to road. Anyone know where I can get a good bike for a good price? I know this may be a stretch but its worth a shot. Also, I am only 5'4 so I need a small bike. Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks,

Sara

look at the sticky thread on the top of the page, "under $700 roadbike thread." thats a good place to start. you should also consider buying used--you can get a lot of bike for the money.

Visit every bike shop with ten or twenty miles of where you live, and tell them what you are looking for. In my area, I sometimes run across bikes for $200 or $250 that a bike shop took in as a trade. It might be a 1987 model, but after the shop tunes it up and trues the wheels, it will provide a ride that is just as nice as most new bikes in the $500 to $800 price range.

The bike shop in my neighborhood recently had a twenty year old road bike that looked brand new. Someone bought, hung it in the garage and never rode it. The shop was going to sell it for around $200, which was about what just the wheels alone were worth.

Hi Sara,

Lots of good info here on this forum. If you haven't already, take some time and read thru lots and lots of posts ... you will learn the most from reading other inquiries and their respective responses. I lurked here for about 6 months before ever posting ... and I have been riding since 89'.

If you have a nice friendly bike shop ... go in and find someone who is willing to listen to you and take the time to show you a few bikes and allow you to ride them.

Have fun!

A used 3-5 year-old bike is probably the best deal in road-bikes. You get contemporary components at 20-25% of the current retail pricing. :)

The best deals will probaly be local used bikes. Atleast where I live used bikes on sites like ebay are way more expensive than bikes I find at threft shops or classifieds but ebay may be the best option for your size.

If you find you want a new bike i'd suggest look online, Bikesdirect.com, performancebike.com, and ibexbikes.com are good sites also, ebay has some good new bikes.