SemperRide

Ok here is the deal. I am wanting to start riding to work about 27 miles one way. I do not currently own a road bike and I am on a super tight budget. I rode a friends steal framed Trek in a Tri last year and did not mind it to much. I was going to try and either buy that bike or another super cheap steal framed older bike. My question is, can anyone give me advice on purchasing a older steal framed bike and upgrading it over time, to allow for my strapped income. Can you do that, add new wheels, handle bars, pedals, etc etc. Is it a total waste to invest in a cheap bike like that? Has anyone ever done that and can give me advice on it? Any good websites for steal framed older bikes and accessories and what nots... thanks for your time gents...all input is great.

rha600

non expert advise here but just a couple things.

yes you can add/change anything on the bike. but i'm sure most people here will tell you to make sure you get a proper fitting frame to start out with.

and the good part about commuting with the bike is that you can put the money you're saving on gas into new bike parts.

johnny99

Upgrading bikes is very expensive, so most older bikes are not worth upgrading. Most newer bikes are not worth upgrading either. If you can get an old bike to fit you and running smoothly for cheap, then that is not a bad way to start. If you have to pour hundreds of dollars into it, then you're probably better off getting a new entry level bike (around $600).

StanSeven

You'll be putting 54 miles a day on the bike, which gives you a lot of milage over time. You need something dependable and buying an old, cheap bike won't do that for you.

There are several options. One is buy something cheap until you get more knowledge about bikes. Then you can try one of several things. You can buy a good used bike from a LBS, friend, or e-Bay. Then you can upgrade or replace components as needed. Hopefully you'll learn enough to do most, if not all, of the upgrades and repairs yourself. Another choice is save your money from the commute and buy a new mid-level bike on sale. The final choice is find a good frame and parts from e-Bay and build up a bike while you ride the cheap bike.

The key thing is you'll be putting 10,000 miles in annually. You'll need relatively good, solid parts to keep you going. A $300 bike own't do that for you.

merlinextraligh

i have to disagree. Youcan find a very nice functional mid 80's bike in the $300 range. I wouldn't upgrade a bike like that other than to put on godcomponets as thing wear out.

Find a good steel bike in good shape, and you'll be fine. Rther than upgrade, save your extra money, and buy a nice new bike when you can afford it.

TWD

what is the terrain and weather pattern you will be commuting in? riding in the rain/shine etc, riding over major hills or more flat terrain. What will you be packing with you weight wise each way?

I commute on a racing frame during the summer and occasionally carry my laptop in a camelback pack with my shoes and clothing change. I wouldn't want to do that on a regular basis ... clothing change and towel is okay in a pack but the laptop makes my butt hurt. Tip being, if you are hauling alot of stuff you will want some type of touring rack.
For affordable steel frames I really like the Bianchi Vigorelli, not sure if would have the hangers to make a rack real easy?

waterrockets 

+1 mid-90s even

There may be a few parts that are ready to be replaced, but you can learn the maintenance easily, and save yourself even more money.

A decent old steel bike is good for 300,000 miles or more if cared for -- and you're not likely to find any with that kind of mileage on them.

I'm about to rekindle my affair with my 100,000 mile Bridgestone RB-1, which will return to service as a single-speed/fixie. I couldn't be more excited about a bike. It's a great frame.

SemperRide

Thanks for the info, to answer a couple of questions.... the terrain will be relatively flat and the weather in texas is pretty much hit or miss. I think what I might do for now is ask my friend to let me borrow the bike while I save up the money for a new.... saving just sucks... but it makes more since and will allow for me to get a bike that is pretty nice later. I had heard that there was a certain "following" with steal framed bikes sort of like classic cars I guess... either way thanks for the 411 gents

Surferbruce

there are always great deals to had on old bikes. do a little research on what names to look for and what to avoid. i have a friend who had two bikes he paid no more than 100$ each for and they're great bikes, one is a lugged steel trek. the old treks have quite a following (go to vintagetrek.com and read up) and the old steel ones were great bikes. if your friends fits and he'll give you a decent deal, that might be a good call.
visit your local bike shops and tell them what you're looking for. often someone there will have something that fits the bill and would be willing to pass it on.