New guy needs HELP!
 

i wanted to know if this is a good bike. would like some help. i'm new and i'm interested in buying a road bike. if it isn't can you guys help me and point me to a good bike. what i need and what i should look for. budget is 300 - 500 thanks for you help

Don't know what "this" refers to. I think the reason you haven't gotten much response is that it's impossible to buy a good road bike in that price range, at least a new one. Decent entry level bikes start in the $800- $1000 range. Major brands in the same price range will be comparable quality-wise. You need to try a few out & see what fits you best. With a 300-50 budget, you may be able to find a decent used bike. Do some reading in these forums to familiarize yourself with different features & components. Then when you find something that fits you and seems like a good deal, post the particulars and you should get some feedback.

Dan

it can be done
tell us what bike you are referring to.
I have a nice $200 bike I put $220. into and it's great.
I have another that cost $250 and I put $300 into it and it's great.

Hey Andy, what are your goals? Do you think you'll want to race? Joyrides? Long group rides on Sat or Sun mornings?

I really recommend sucking it up and spending a little more. Check out the 1.X series Treks and Cannondales.

i knew there was something off with my post. the bike i'm talking about is this one http://rochester.craigslist.org/bik/1650016005.html i'm just looking to ride it daily with and trying to put some miles on the road nothing serious yet

All things aside, for the price its not a bad bike at all, I would buy it, its not full carbon btw its carbon wrapped on aluminum, they sell that bike on walmarts website for 500 dollars so your saving quite a penny for the price your willing to pay. Grab the bike as soon as possible.

54cm is a small bike. If you're shopping for a used bike, make sure you find out (in general) what size bike fits you.

yeah i bought the bike! i knew that its carbon fiber wrapped. i just took it out for a spin and road for about an hour. only thing i need to do is get a tune up. because the gears aren't switching =[ i'm planning to upgrade the bike soon. i just wanted to use this as a starter. don't know which bike to go from here though. saw a langester for 500 might have to jump on that one lol. btw is the langester a good bike?

Not a bad buy, if it fits you. Some people don't like Sora shifters, but for your intended use, it should be ok. Maybe try to test ride a bike of that size w/ Sora from a lbs and see how it feels. If you buy it and later decide you want & can afford a better bike, you can sell it and won't be out much.

You'll find you'll have a really hard time switching gears on the Langster as well. It is a fixed gear, meaning that it only has one gear or speed.

You guys have any suggestions?

http://www.parktool.com/repair/bikemap.asp
Learn how to adjust the derailers yourself.

thanks for the website. it doesn't look to hard. if i can work on cars i can work on this bike.