mechanics

first time poster, and for that matter, first time soon-to-be road bike owner. Ive read around here a bit and I did seek the advice of a lbs. I was told I'd fit most 56cm road frames and with that in mind I kept shopping around for last year clearouts and deals of that nature hoping to land a good deal. I recently graduated uni and with all the student loans and current economic situation its hard to justify spending a lot of $$ on a new hobby. Ive been running for awhile and training for a couple of half-marathons this summer. I also wanna incorporate biking into my lifestyle but at a budget. I have called around and I've come across a few good deals on 07 and 08 models in the $700-900 range. That is kinda stretching what I can afford considering I'd still have to get shoes/apparel etc.

I came across a deal for a 56cm 2002 KHS Flite 2000 ( i think its the same as the 2002 KHS flite team) for $225. I know the bike, fully built with shimano D/A components, 3T stem etc etc retailed for $1999+. Is that a good deal on the frameset alone? I'd imagine it'd be a lengthy project getting the other stuff needed to put this bike together. Im a fairly handy guy but I'd definitely get it built for the first time by a pro once i have all the parts.

Can anyone help me figure out what other entry-level components I could use on this frame? there is no way i can afford DA stuff. KHS website doesn't list models before the 05 range. I dont know how to figure out what components can go with this frame. I did read some user reviews on a site where people had used full ultegra sets but I was wondering something like sram rival or 105 would be compatible. any advice on how i can go about figuring this stuff out? I haven't purchased it yet, i have until saturday to figure out if this is a good way to go or not.

kayakdiver

If you haven't purchased it yet..................... it's going to be cheaper to buy complete just about everytime. Of course exceptions do happen.... but not often.

plasticmaam12

Dude, You can buy a complete bike with 105 parts used in your price range. It may be 9-speed instead of 10-speed, but you are not really in much of a position to be picky. good luck.

allroy71

I would join a local road bike forum in your area and look for a fully built used bike. I think it will be cheaper and easier than building one up, especially if you are new to cycling.
Also, check into Craigslist too.

intence

I wouldn't get that KHS frame, it's probably a fair deal but you could score a better deal on a complete bike. Have you tried eBay/Craigslist?

If you can spend about $1000, just get a new CAAD9 and be done with it.

idcruiserman

IMO it makes sense to buy a frame when you've got spare parts laying around to build it.

dallasmarlow

i'm really not a fan of the KHS flight frame, plus it would be a good idea to get your first bike complete so you have a decent reference point if you do decide to build one. craigslist is your friend, check daily. there are a ton of wack deals posted, but there are also some gems that show up. it's worth the wait.

mechanics

thanks a lot for everybodys input. its quite obvious that im better off buying a fully built bike. I'll pass on this frameset and keep looking. In fact I think the local triathlon club will meet today for a run so i'll try to get there in time to talk to some of the members.

Although not by much, I do think i have shorter arms than the average guy my size. I'm a couple cm short of 6foot. In terms of the sizing of a bike what parameters of its geometry should I really look out for? as ive been reading around i understand two 56cm frames of different models have different top tube length and so on.

also, would anyone know if there are any online sites that are good to buy from that would ship to canada? or would this be a question for a different part of the forum?

Surferbruce

at about 5'11" a 56 should probably be good. Focus on the the virtual (or horizontal) toptube measurement.
i'd be keeping a daily eye on ebay for something in your price range.