the GOO

Well, i'm looking into getting my own road. Right now i'm riding my dads, 1985 Novara road bike, and looking for something cheap, but good. https://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-ALUMINUM-CAR...QQcmdZViewItem

That is what i'm looking at getting on Tuesday. I like it because it has the shifters within the brake and makes it alot easy. Also like it because it's under 400 bucks. Would this be good for long rides, say Seattle to Portland? If I had the money, I would get something a lot nicer but i'm only 17 years old. Thank you.

thelazywon

I would keep the novara for awhile and keep saving. Keep your eyes peeled on ebay for a better bike.

the GOO

Really? Why is that?

v1k1ng1001

I'd say stick with the Novara until you can save up for something a little bit nicer.

the GOO

Whats wrong with the Windsor?

v1k1ng1001

If I had $400 to spend, I would search oodle.com for a hot deal on a used bike. See if your folks will help with the shipping.

I think you're going to grow out of the Windsor very quickly. You won't grow out of a quality used bike though.

the GOO

So, what's the difference between a quality bike and that of a Windsor?

heddywouldgo

I've got a Windsor The Hour as a beater bike, but I wouldn't recommend getting one of their geared bikes especially if you're looking to do some long distance rides. It's always a better idea to test ride a bike first and have someone at a bike shop walk you through picking out the right size bike. $400 seems cheap for an internet buy, but if it doesn't fit you then you've just wasted that $400. Trek 1000's tend to go on sale all the time and you'd be better off going with something like that for some better components, a tuned bike, and supporting a bike shop that will probably provide you with free tune-ups on the bike. Also, when you decide you can afford to upgrade to a different bike, the resale on the Trek would be higher than the Windsor.

Paul Barnard

There is nothing wrong with Windsor bikes, but I think you would be happier with the Windsor Fens as it has much better componentry for not a lot more money. At the price point of the above referenced bike, you just haven't quite gotten away from lower end components. Try to hold out for Tiagra level or better components, and I think you will be much happier. If you are patient, you could probably find a good deal on a used bike in that price range. I hope this helps answer your question.

phatsprinter

I was looking at buying that bike, but then I got the motobecane from sprtymomma on ebay. You get what you pay for.

Szczuldo

Ebay is often very sketchy, especailly from people who have their store based on it. I've no personal experience with a Windsor but i'd never consider buying a complete bike off of ebay. Look at your LBSs, many have plenty of used bikes and will often give you deals. If that is not enough for you, then the fact that they will be more willing to tune your bike and make sure you are happy and come back. After you get into the sport and know what frame sizes, shoes and saddles feel comfortable feel free to buy online. If you are buying on ebay, stick to buyers who don't use it as their main store. That ebay store will most likely neglect you and make life difficult if you have issues you want to resolve.

ezoons

Ehm. What exactly is the difference between a Windsor and a Moto? Other than the name, that is...

maddyfish

Save a little more and buy a bike like a TREK, Cannondale, Specialized, and so forth. I personally recommend cannondales. A CAAD 8, or CAAD9 can be had pretty cheap right now.
Or for $400 you can buy a truly decent used bike.

9Rings

I just bought a Windsor Hour. The bike is fine.

It is the SAME frame as a Fuji, not similar...THE SAME. What you get when you buy a Trek/Fuji/KHS/Kona is THE SAME made in Taiwan frame, with a "known" name, and a $200 larger price tag. The frames are built in Taiwan by Kinesis.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinesis_Industry_Co._Ltd.

If you could scrounge the extra $100 I'd go for the Mercier steel, the ride will be alot more comfortable than aluminum frame. https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/galaxy.htm

Don't be afraid to buy one of these bikes! I was nervous before I did, as I couldn't get a straight answer here at the forums. Mostly knee-jerk reactions from folks who didn't buy one of these bikes.

That's why I'm trying to share my experience of my purchase. Take a close look at the component spec on the BD bike you want. At the Sora level, some of the stuff isn't even going to be Sora, it will be super-cheap off brand stuff (my headset is by Chinhaur?). But who cares? It works, it just won't catch the eye of fellow cyclists.

Email BD if you have sizing questions, I'm sure they can help.

the GOO

Thanks for all the answers. I have been to my LBS and all they have are new bikes, nothing cheaper than 600 bucks so I said eff that! But I will try to find a "quality" bike for my price range. BTW if you see a good deal on a used Specialized or Trek, with flight deck shifters let me know. Thanks.

maddyfish

Cannondale-Made in USA, and well worth it, the BEST aluminum frame commonly availbale.

indygreg

I am a big bikes direct fan, and can fully recommend them . . . but I too would pass on this bike. I would save money and get a better bike. That said, that is a good $400 bike. Personally, I think a $700ish BD.com bike or a $1000ish LBS bike should be the lowest entry point. I would say 105 group as a minimum.

v1k1ng1001

I'm serious about oodle.com. I've found some great deals. You basically have to convince the seller to take the bike into their LBS and ship it to you, but usually they're willing to do this.

the GOO

Oodle.com huh? Where do you go on there?

Soonerinfrisco

Not that there is anything wrong with Motobecane (I own one) or Windsor (several in my club have them) or any brand, however for your first road bike you want one from a local shop. After the first 50-100 miles you will need to re-adjust all the cables because they stretch. This is normal. Also when you patronize a LBS, you usually get some freebies, like wheel trueing, adjusting, etc, at least for 6 mos-1 year. More importantly they fit you on the right bike. If you don't get the right size, you won't be comfortable. Also you can usually do some stuff like changing out stems, seats, etc at the time of purchase. Also if you happen to get a bad component or frame warranty issues go much smoother at your LBS usually. I actually bought my motobecane locally in Dallas, TX and they (Cycle Spectrum) stand behind it pretty good.

Most reviewers have rated the Trek 1000 as the best of the $700 bikes, but I think all these would be fine and i am sure there are others. Check your LBS and ride some bikes!

If you can go $650-700 or so....

https://https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=21893

or

https://https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=21893

or

https://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike...id=1413000&f=3


or

https://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike...id=1402000&f=4

or

https://www.feltusa.com/products/prod...8,19,27&pid=73

the GOO

I'm 6'5. What all is there to be fit on? wouldn't a 63 cm bike of w.e fit me?

v1k1ng1001

It depends. You'd probably ride the largest size offering in any brand . But, as far as that goes, you'd ride a 63cm Cannondale and a 61cm Lemond. Sizing differs from brand to brand.

v1k1ng1001

you just search

for example, type in "Bianchi 62cm bicycle" or "steel 62cm road"

it will metasearch craigslist and a few other classifieds

bikesdirect_com

yes
and we sell tons of 64cm bikes
and stock 64cm road bikes from $395 to $1295 [and sometimes higher]

lots of tall riders but steel from us
but many get aluminum also

mike
bikesdirect

the GOO

Thanks Mike. What would you recomend for me on a budget. I will be doing lots of riding up hills and stuff like that, big hills too. Comfy would be nice to have too. Thanks! I have probably 400 to 500 dollars to spend.