Bike for under $400???
 

Do you know any road bikes for under $400 because i want to get into road biking but dont want to spend alot.

Thanks

Cheapest major brand road bike is about $700 (Trek 1000, Giant OCR3, etc.). Some off-brand bikes (Schwinn, Fuji, etc.) can be had for around $500, but much fewer dealers sell these. If you want cheaper than that, you should look for a used bike. Definately get something that you can test ride before you hand, so you can verify sizing and fitting.

If you could raise your budget up to, say $500 you will be ableo to find some leftovers from the "major" manufacturers. For instance, the shop where I got my bike has a 2005 LeMond Etape for $530 new.

Cheers,

Brian

Or you can try and buy the parts u want from eBay and put it together urself. Then after hav a professional bik mechanic check through ur bike make sure its safe.

$350:

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ane/super.html

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...es/sup_sml.jpg

OOPS, sold out.



$395:

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...esport_sml.jpg

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

Smalls and talls only.


http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/gal_al.htm

Lind of lame, smalls and talls only.

Get an old 80's bike and take it apart/build it up. Then with the money left toss on a decent wheelset.

What about $ for helmet, shorts, gloves, and other accessories - is that part of the $400?

I'd look at 2-3 year old 'recreational' or beginner bikes that were listed for $600-1000 retail at the time. As previous mentioned, the recreational models of Fuji, Trek, Giant, all fit this category.

I have seen some excellent bargains on Craigslist, be patient and check everyday. You can also post a roadbike wanted ad. A few weeks ago, there was a 2005 Specialized Allez as new condition, for $350., it sold the same day. Also try Ebay. A few months ago, there was a dealer selling NEW 2006 Felt 90's for $450., shipping was $50-60. The BikesDirect entry level stuff is no bargain. That one posted above has a cr-mo fork (steel) and a alum. frame which translates into a very jarring/painful ride. Certainly don't rule out good quality steel frame bikes (if in decent condition) from the 80's-90's and can usually be found in the $150-$300. range. Good luck.

If you live near a performance bike, my wife did very well there.

She got a Giant OCR3, it was about $600, but the were having a 15% off all bikes sale and a double points on team membership so she got 15% off the bike plus 20% cash back on the purchase price....that would get you close to the $400 goal. They have other bikes by Fuji that are similar in price.

That was a good sale but they seem to have a decent sale very often...They will also give you pretty good discounts on accessories with a new bike buy.

Just a thought

New Old Stock....or just go used. You will get a much better bike that way.

Check out rummage sales in your neighborhood this Saturday. You will probably find an older bike for $25-50. It may not be the best fit but it will be your best value.

No i have all i need from mountain biking.

*****
I'm seeing that as well. The Motobecane Le Champion I purchased from them was a significant savings / discount over a comparible bike at the LBS. Full Ultegra road bike for a great price. Saved a large chunk of $$$.

I'm also looking at the Motobecane Elite LS and Jubilee Elite hybrid bikes. These look like much LESS of a bargain, compared to the Trek 7000 line. Particularly the Trek 7500 I'm looking at. The Motobecane stuff has VERY bottom of the line components, whereas the Trek has good stuff. Of course, the Trek is $650, and the Motobecane is $380. It doesn't appear Bikes Direct offers a bike comparible to the Trek that I'm looking at (comfort / hybrid, no flat bar). Add $120 or so to put decent components on the Motobecane, and at / near $500.

I've got to figure sales tax into the Trek (an additional $50), but this is a much tougher decision than the road bike.

You need to explore all of the options presented here...

+1 on used. But, be careful that you are buying a bike worth what you arte paying, and not a Walmart bike that someone claims is worth more than it is. These seem to show up on Craigslist periodically.

I saw a Giant OCR3 on sale in an LBS for $450 recently. If you want new, you will have to look for sales and this might be a good time of year, but you will have to hope they have your size in stock.

Also, there are many people that complain (without having ever ridden one) but if I was on a very tight budget like $400, I would seriously consider going to Walmart and buying the Schwinn Varsity, and saving the other $200 toward my next bike... after buying helmet etc. It won't impress the elitists, but it should ride just fine. Be sure to check all bolts, quick releases etc if you go this way.

I did see the other road bike that Walmart sells (Denali?) at a charity ride recently, and it didn't stand out. I only noticed it because it was sitting against a wall with nothing else near it. I am sure that any elitists in the group notice the brand of any bike, but the majority of riders really couldn't care less.

You can also shop online with sites like Bikesdirect.com. I have never ridden their bikes, but the bikes seem reasonably equipped for the price.

Go to your LBS and see if they are willing to deal, they may need to move some stock, and would like to make a long term customer.

I would hardly call Fuji or Schwinn "off" brands.

A friend of mine was at a yardsale last week. He got a 1980ish bike, with a hand-made Reynolds 531 frame, all Dura-Ace drive train, new $100 pedals, new $100 saddle. A bike essentially equal to the bikes used by Pros in the Tour de France around 1980, upgraded with the new pedals and saddle.

He paid $150 total. The closest 2006 model would be around $4,000. So, he did okay.

WoW !! :eek:

I NEVER get lucky like that! Oh well ...

The Super Mirage is a steel frame. (But it's sold out)

Equating frame materials with ride characteristics is pretty much BS. An aluminum frame with a steel fork can "ride" just fine.

Of course, a new bike will never be the "bargain" that a good used find is. But the catch with used bikes is that you have to *find* them.