PatCodd

Garysol,
Thanks for the info. I will head out to the store today then.

garysol1 

keep in mind that proper cleat placement is an important part of you overall bike fit....

PatCodd

Thanks for the info.

Strangebrew

I'm interested in getting a road bike for commuting. I'm currently using my mountain bike and this will be my first road bike.

Unfortunately I only have about 250 to spend on it so I have been looking for used bikes on craigslist.

I am interested in the univega this guy has for sale and was wondering if anyone could let me know if its a decent deal?

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/1445624990.html

garysol1 

If the bike rides and shifts well and most importantly FITS YOU then yes, the price seems ok. I am guessing that either of those bikes would fit someone around 6ft plus or minus an inch or two best.

Strangebrew

Ouch, well I am about 5'11, maybe i'll check it out but its probably too big. Thanks for the quick response

garysol1 

at 5'11 I would for sure take a look. I bet you will fit just fine on them.

Strangebrew

I ended up getting this bike, I might have overpaid at $250 but I'm happy with it and it fits me great.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/1444541540.html

Jkirkland

I was looking to buy my first road bike and I bought a 2009 Cannondale Caad 9 from a local bike shop. The owner helped me when picking it out. I was looking for a decent bike for just recreational riding. I mainly wanted a bike to go on rides daily and do some commuting to the local stores. I am 6' 250lbs. The owner said that my weight would not be a problem but a neighbor who happens to ride said it would be for my bike. So I was wondering if I got a good or bad deal on the bike. I was also wondering about the clipless pedals i bought to go with the bike. I have a pair of the hard soled road shoes but I don't like the idea of duck walking anytime i go to a store or rest stop. Would i be alright with a set of MTB shoes and pedals or what do you recommend. I am on a tight budget after getting the bike and getting it set up for me. Thanks.

garysol1 

CAAD 9 should be just fine at your weight. Ride lots and lose weight and then you will have no worries.
As for the shoes yes, you can do a mountain shoe / pedal combo to make walking easier. My advice though is to just get used to the road cleats. Depending on the cleat brand you can find "cafe" covers which are rubber covers that snap over the cleat. Makes walking easier and will get rid of the click click sound...

Jkirkland

I have another question while I am thinking about it. I have to lean the bike to the side to swing my leg over. I have to lean it a good deal to swing my leg over. Its a 56cm frame. When I straddle the frame it comes flush to my crotch. Is that normal? It fits fine when I ride and have no trouble with it. I guess I am still a little nervous about not getting the right size, type, etc.

I hate bicycles

Any of these worth it?
Been up for awhile, could probably offer less.
https://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/1447884919.html
https://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/1443554044.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik/1448634548.html

j0m0

Hi, great forum here, thanks in advance for the answers.

I've been riding an exercise bike for a while and in the market to get a road bike to take on daily exercise rides. My lbs was high on the giant rapid 3 at 550, which is right around my budget. There are several other stores I plan to visit, but I was wondering if you guys had any recommendations for a road bike that will be used mainly for daily exercise? I'm about 5"10 205, and will spend up to $1000 (cheaper the better obv).

Also, what accessories are a must for a beginning cyclist? Will I be ok in sneakers/athletic shorts/tight tshirt, or do I absolutely need biking shorts, etc.? I have a trail right behind my house so I can depart/return to my back door.

steamwhipper

https://sacramento.craigslist.org/bik/1459129295.html
are any of those bikes worth it for a beginning cyclist? I'm approximately 5"8

tagaproject6

That should work. However, you really have to check it out in person to see if it fits you.

tagaproject6

If you have already visited the LBS, be sure to get yourself fitted properly. They should be able to help you with a bike that fits your budget.

As far as accessories go, all those will come in time, depending on how much mileage you are going to be putting in on the bike. The proper pair of shorts and shoes will help if you are planning on logging in a lot of miles.

shelleyspins

I just got a 'real' bike too after spending the past year on a spin bike. I bought a gently used bike that came accessorized and here's what I've found: the Cateye computer (not sure what model but it has readouts for avg speed, cadence, distance, time, and a few more) is nice I guess but I think that money would be better spent on a heart rate monitor or (if you've already got one) the gps and/or cycle accessories for your HR monitor. Out of all the accessories that came with the bike I've by far used the water cage/bottle the most. The small saddle bag is nice too - low profile, comes with tire repair items which I have not had to use (knock on wood) but will someday appreciate - for now I appreciate the fact that it is big enough to stash my keys, a little cash, and arm warmers.

Decent shorts and shoes are worth the money imho - and you might even try them out on your stationary bike when the weather forces you back indoors. Another opinion on shorts - like all things there are several price tiers for bike shorts. The cheap ones are cheap for a reason, buy shorts in the highest price tier you can afford.

Happy riding!

TMB

I just read this for the first time.

I think this is flat out wrong.

I have been riding and racing for close to 40 years and I have friends who have been doing so for as long or longer.

Neither I nor any of my friends, or for that matter, most of the people I come across in this sport are rude, to the extent of many of the people that post in this forum.

The paragraph above, I think, merely excuses, in advance much of the terrible, bullying behaviour that seems to pass for acceptable on this sub-forum.

It is simply not what should be expected of adults.

10 Wheels

Who said road cyclists are adults?

CrazyIvan

Last year a road cyclist tried to intimidate a friend on a trikke by trying to run him off of the Pinellas trail in Florida.

rollin

Before posting equipment questions watch this:

(Cross post from the Road Racing forum movie contest)

Well done Grumpy

OldPilot

I was told at a LBS that my 1991 Specialized Sirrus Triple lugged steel road bike shouldn't be ridden because it is unsafe. I was told that bikes that old should be ridden with great caution due to frame or wheel failure. I bought the bike 1998 didn't ride it much (okay not at all) until injury stopped me from running (plantar fasciitis). Should I be concerned? I have checked the bike over & see no cracks, plastication or other stress damage. Another LBS said it is in good shape & the wheels are nice & good shape (made by wheelsmith wolber rims & suntour hubs). Sorry for the silly question, but I am new to the sport. Thanks.

10 Wheels

Air up the tires and ride ride ride.

OldPilot

Thanks, is there any truth to the statement that you need to replace your bike every 10 years? Is it mileage dependent? Does it have anything to do with frame material (steel, aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium)? I am looking for a new bike, I am hooked to this sport (I think about biking 24/7). I have narrowed my choices to Cannondale Synapse 6, Fuji CCR3, Scattante CFR Sport, Allez Compact Elite, Motobecane Century Elite & Motobecane Immortal Pro. I want to treat myself to a new bike and train for a metric century. If the metric century goes well then try a full 100 Miles "Century". I want a bike that will last, not a beat me after a long ride & a frame that is worthy of upgrading as I get better in the sport. I took the Bianchi Imola off the list, I was told that a steel frame wouldn't be as durable or worth upgrading.

Any training advise for the metric century & standard century? Is is like running sprints, tempo, cross-training & slow long distance? I have tube repair kit (tire irons, tube scabs & CO2 pump), bike multi tool & spare tube. What else do I need? I don't use water bottle I use my camel-back (100 oz plenty of H2O). Thanks

Jynx

no. many people are riding bikes way older then that. As long as it has not been damaged/crashed/bent and all that there is no reason to not ride it. Sounds like a myth by bike shops to get customers to buy new bikes.