simple question. just ned the best money can buy for 400 bucks. thats pretty much my limit

that is 400 new or 400 for a used one on ebay or something

i was thinking about a iron horse triumph sport,.. what do you guys think

If it doesn't have to be a classic road bike (if you aren't tied to the ram's horn type handlebars), then look at a new Trek 7.3FX.

Most people are going to tell you used.

I'm not familiar with the Trek above, it may well be an option. Otherwise in the new market the relatively few choices, Iron Horse, Motobecane, maybe a KHS model will be pretty similar. You can buy based on availability and aesthetics.

Bikesdirect.com (Oh I said it!) has a few if you're willing to assemble yourself.

Frankly, I'd recommend that source over eBay used as anything there might well need building or even repairs as well.

Best choice is a decent used bike from a shop. Costs more than eBay but you get a test ride, quality (hopefully) reconditioning prior to the sale and 400 is enough to get a decent bike. After that local ad/Craig's list. You still get to see prior to buying.

Good luck.

https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/125898-walmart-selling-149-road-bike-opinions.html

HAHA I kid I kid.

Go to your LBS and find out what size you should be looking for, lurk on eBay for a bit, buy one in your price range. 2-3 year old Trek 1000 or 1500s go for $400-$550

Ebay, used is your best bet. Look for something like a Trek 1000 or something similar. You'll get a lot more bike with used, becaue bikes are like cars and overpriced when new. Let somebody else pay for the new sticker and then you can get a cheaper bike.

If you're patient, eBay is definitely the way to go. Recently, a vintage Colnago, as well as an '06 and '05 Scattante (both full ultegra, IIRC) sold for about your price range. Lotsa great deals there.

The FX's are good all-around bikes. They are fast, comfortable, can take larger tires, fenders and racks. If you plan on doing a lot of long rides, though, I'd get some barends to give you another hand position. If you are commuting or riding around campus, this is a great bike.

If you buy a used bike and aren't experienced at servicing your bike, take it to your bike shop and have them give it the once over. The fork might be loose, derailleurs in need of adjustment, hubs about shot, wheels need trueing, etc.

https://www.khsbicycles.com/05_flite_220_07.htm

KHS Flight 220. $469. Steel frame, STI shifters.

I had an Iron Horse.........nice bike.

Craigslist / eBay / Performance Bike / Bikesdirect / etc.

All great places to go for people on a budget.

The best bike for $400 is always going to be used. Even at BikesDirect, $400 doesn't get you much.

This bike is a lot of bike for a starter road bike
looks and rides great

Easy to pick correct size due to compact frame & adjustable stem

Nice workmanship by Ideal [who owns Fuji and makes bikes for Trek, Specialized, Motobecane, and lots of others]

For $369 delivered with no sales tax; it is better than most used bikes for many reasons

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/lt1000.htm

Dawes Lightning 1000, $369, there you go. Amazing.

nice ill look into it.

i was also thinking if i got it used i would tak it to the shop and have them tune it up so its put together and smooth

I know this is going to take my shill points down to zero, which will make my free 54 cm SL frame a distant dream, but...

I wouldn't recommend that bike to a beginner. Yes, as always with BD bikes, it's a much better deal than a new LBS bike in a similar configuration. But with a beginner, I feel your money is much better spent buying a good used bike, with something along the lines of Tiagra components, from your LBS or locally.

Agreed. I started riding 4 years ago with a $300 Trek 2000 I got on eBay. Loved it. It was a tad too small so I eventually upgraded, but it's still my trainer bike (and potential beater someday).

Figure out what size you need, and wait around for a mostly-Tiagra or better bike. Trust me.

I have a victory race. Very nice bike that came stocked to the hilt.

That said you will have to either act fast or buy used cause they went all mountain this year I think.

As with most things about "Bikes Direct", take their claim of "no sales tax" with a grain of salt. Buyers who live in Texas are required to pay 8% sales tax. If "Bikes Direct" fails to collect the 8% sales tax, the buyer is required to obtain tax payment forms from the State tax office, and pay the sales tax directly.

Many buyers may be tempted to "cheat", and not pay the sales tax. But, periodically, "Bikes Direct" will be subjected to a tax audit. The State tax office will obtain a list of customers who failed to pay sales tax. Those customers will get a bill from the State for the sales tax, PLUS a penalty, PLUS interest. They will owe far more than the original 8% tax.

And, the same thing is true of "Bikes Direct" customers who live in other states that have a sales tax. If "Bikes Direct" fails to pay the sales tax, the customer is required to pay it. "Bikes Direct" sells bikes cheap because they cut corners. But, if customers "cut corners" by evading paying sales taxes that are owed, they may soon be very sorry they ever heard of this company.

This is a very interesting point for all on-line and mail order purchases.

In our case, buyers in Texas are not an issue; we pay the Texas Sales tax for the buyer. We can afford to do this as our prices include shipping [which in Texas run much much less than say to Washington state].

Out of state buyers have their own state to deal with. Some states have a 'use tax' that should be voluntarily paid. These taxes are not called 'sales tax' but amount to the same thing in many poeple's minds. Some states do not collect any tax on mail order or internet sales. In addition, there is an unclear situation with Fed regulations on internet sales [a type of protection established for the net]

I can say that I have never heard of any customer having state tax issues with us or any other online seller. However, in the future I think it would be best if there was one Federal rule across the board that protected customers, online sellers, and local shops. A more clear cut tax system would benefit everyone, in my opinion.

My buddy and I have both purchased road bikes from this ebay seller with complete satisfaction, but you have to be willing to be your own bike mechanic. $297 + $40 for a Sora equipped bike here:

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...8450&rd=1&rd=1

ebay seller's storefront here: https://stores.ebay.com/SPRTYMAMA-BIKE-SHOP

You obviously meant to say "95% of online retailers" instead of "Bikes Direct" since "no sales tax" is a common selling point for online purchases. If you were trying to cast Bikes Direct in a negative light without admitting this is a common practice, that would just make you someone with an axe to grind. Talk about taking someone with a grain of salt...