Omg
 

i still dun know what road bike i should get that's under $200 or 250.

how are these brand?: Huffy, cannondale, univega

I'm thinkning of buying it and changing the gear shifter to lever instead of index shifter. (good idea?)

it's my first time getting it but i wanna get a "serious"bike.

I'm assuming you are checking the local Craigslist...
If so it could take a while to find something decent for a reasonable price.

I think I need some more info here... have you got some links to said bikes?

These three forums will help you.

www.bikeforums.net (this one)
www.cyclingforums.com
www.roadbikereview.com

All have threads or sections for beginners. Look there. Also search on the terms you've listed above. The questions you ask are good ones, but they're so general, you'd be better off doing some research on your own and asking some more specific questions.

hmm
 

it's 47cm. it says nothing but univega.. is it a good brand for serious cycler?

yep. craiglist. i saw alot of univega... r they good?

OK, how about where are you located, what is your budget, and what do you mean by "serious" bike?

i live in irvine, CA. budget is under $250. I want a bike that i can modify it later on.

I want it to be decent. smoothe ride. A bike that has no problem in goin uphill.

Since you are looking at used bikes, without specific information the best anyone is going to give you is "depends"

Huffy's are generally trash/department store bikes but who knows, if could be one of the Huffy "branded" bikes that 7-11 rode :shrug:

Does Univega even still make bikes?

Cannondale is usually pretty highly regarded now but I understand they had some spectacularly bad bikes.

Don't you guys feel your chains getting pulled???

Yes... but playing along... for now...

I don't think they ever did. They were just an importer.

Keep your eyes open for some nicer classic bikes. Univega is probably a good one. Older steel frames would be good but the Fixers have pushed prices up a bit on them. Maybe you can find a deal on a GMC, or Corsa bike, maybe you will get lucky and find a Paver ;).

..
 

I think I saw you on youtube. Did you post a vid over there?

So my only choice is pretty much univega for $120?

i really dun wanna get laughed at when other "professional" bikers pass by lol

maybe somethign like
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1216385152.html
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1216257969.html
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1215873013.html
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1215629611.html
etc.

For $250 you are not going to get anything as good as "professional" bikers have.
Their shoes or helmets probably cost your bike budget.

Don't sweat it.. Just ride. If you like it, then save, and search. Something will come up then. (either your budget or a deal)

The 80s Univega Super Sport I had was better than any 80s Cannondale road bike I rode.

There are a LOT of Univegas that are dogs, however. Post links for more detailed opinion on specific bikes.

There are a handful of Huffy bikes in existence that are pretty killer. The likelihood of finding one for sale is very low, much less finding it in your price range.

..
 

i went on the first link you gave me. I think the red one looks pretty nice. But it got 52cm frame...but i'm only 5'4 or 5'5.....:(

sure, you must be one of the guys who didn't understand how trackstanding with a freewheel is possible...

hey
 

This is the bike i'm thinking of getting.
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/1213509349.html

Size might be something else to get squared away... At 5'4ish you are probably on a 50 or maybe a 52. Might want to find one of each and take them for a test drive. Should be easy enough with all the bikes for sale on craigslist.

.
 

But the different brands have different actual sizes although they might have same number.

Will 47cm be too small for me?

The Univega Gran Record is a pretty sweet bike, typically shipping with Shimano 105. I dunno if the bike in the pics is actually a 47cm, unless they fitted smaller frames with 650c wheels, maybe.

I would say that the majority of Univegas are dogs, but for the OP's purpose, they may be OK. Univega was a brand-name of Western States Imports. The same people who put out Centurion, DiamondBack, Nishiki. They also own the Schwinn name as well.

For $250, you can find a VERY nice high-end bike in the used market. Something with Ultegra or Dura-ace can be had for that price at thrift-stores, garage-sales, want-ads on forums and even on consignment at local bike-shops. No need to look at department-store brands because those are in the range of $100-200 NEW. For $250 used, you're looking at a bike that was $800-1200 new.