jh3xp

Hello im new to this stuff and im going to buy my first road bike for excercise/hobby

I have no knowledge about this stuff except the stuff ive been reading about sizing and what not and i think this is will fit me alright.

Anyways i saw this on craigslist and just wanted to know if this is a decent entry level bike and if the price is good?
Im not sure what year this is but heres a link https://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/bik/996467026.html

also im about 240 lbs just wanna know if this will hold up and if wont what can i do to make it stronger like wheels or what ever and stuff and shizz.

Thanks

Tapeworm21

If it's a size small with a 61cm top tube, only Lancelot Link would be able to ride this bike. I dunno man... I'd keep looking if I were you.

jh3xp

it says that the handle bars to the seat post is 61cm but the top tube is almost 53cm

"HORIZ. TOP TUBE LENGTH: 52.8 cm"

sorry i dont really know the technical terms lol.

Longfemur

New to road bikes... go to a local bike shop that is experienced with road bikes. Your first experience is an important one. Don't waste your time and money with bikes you can't see and try out in person. Road bikes are more precision devices than other kinds of bikes.

jh3xp

How about this bike?

https://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/bik/999290622.html

He has yet to tell me what size but assuming that it is my size is this bike at a good price and decent quality for entry level?

dysFTP

Lose 100 lbs. then buy a bike.

That is all.

MissKristen 

^ Now that was pretty rude, eh? We've all got to start somewhere.

jh3xp, you'd probalby qualify as a "Clydesdale" (riders over 200lbs). There's a Clydes/Athenas forum here on BF; they can help you out with finding the right bike for your build. I'm not an Athena myself, but I was reading through it one day and learned all kinds of things about different tires, frames, and specific brands of bikes that are more well-suited for a bigger build.

I'm new to road biking myself, and even though I was tempted by the ads on Craigslist, I ended up going to an LBS to be properly fitted on a bike. It fits me like a glove and I'm so glad I took that extra step. If you're going to buy used, make sure you're very clear on what geometry you'd need to even consider a bike, then try the bike out to see how it actually feels. There's also tons of bonuses with buying new (warranties, services, extras, etc., sometimes for life), so spending a little more on an entry level might be better for you in the long run.

Good luck!!

AndrewP

The Specialized Allez is a much nicer bike, but the height difference seat to bars might be a problem for you. This could be eased by turning the bar stem over, or replacing the stem with one with more angle (or even and adjustable one). If those bikes are about the right size for you they are cheap enough for you to learn what you really need in your next road bike, and you will be able to get most of your money back if you sell it on craigslist.

mattm

this is good advice.

it helps a ton (at first) to be able to test-ride bikes, and also to learn from the knowledgable LBS employees.

you might be able to find a decent used road bike in that price range. good luck!

jh3xp

Thanks i dont really plan to get serious just doing this for excercise and stuff.

dysFTP: thanks lol but thats partially the reason im getting the bike, thanks for the advice tho broski.

Andrew: thanks alot thats all i wanted to know.

lbear

Very rude! Pay no attention.
Bicycling is a great way to lose weight. I have lost 70lbs cycling.

The Specialized Allez is a better deal.
But going to LBS and make sure you know your size.
If you buy off CL bring someone who knows bikes with you when you buy.

dysFTP

When in Rome...