JSmid6

I'm interested in Road Biking, I have a coworker that does it as well and I think that would be good motivation to keep going. Mostly I'm trying to find a good starter bike that's not too expensive, but I also need to know what all I need to get started.

I found two bikes on Ebay and was curious if anybody knows about quality on these bikes and if they would recommend them or not.

https://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-ALUMINUM-ROAD-RACING-BIKE-SHIMANO-24-SPEED-CARBON_W0QQitemZ130381801679QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRoad_Bikes?hash=item1e5b5c68cf
https://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-2010-ALUMINUM-ROAD-RACING-BIKE-SHIMANO-14-SPEED_W0QQitemZ140397137620QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRoad_Bikes?hash=item20b0524ed4

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

JSmid6

I'm about 5' 9" so I believe I need about a 56cm bike

dnfcx

the answer will be

go to a shop and have them fit you to a bike.
Since you are new to this - you will need to reply on a good shop to make sure you are comfortable.

Most bike manufacturers have a basic bike for sale with low end components for a good deal. trek 1.1 for example. you can get close out deals on those for $550 or so.

dnfcx

I just looked at both ebay auctions

avoid

SkinnyLegs

You are going about this the wrong way. Get check out the LBS in your area and see what's available. Getting properly sized and having good service and warranty support from a local shop is pretty valuable when you're starting out. And paying a few more for a brand name bike really won't cost you much more in the long run when you figure resale value. Also height alone won't determine a good fit. For example I'm 5'10 and I generally ride a 53cm frame. There's no way I can get a decent fit on a 56cm frame without a ridiculously short stem.

wanlogan

Just use craigslist--you'll be able to actually try the bike for yourself.

wrr1020

I'm gonna also recommend going to a LBS. Even if you don't buy from them at least they can give you a recommendation as to what size bike you will need. Also depends on your proportions and the bike itself, one companies 56 frame won't be the same to another company. I'm 5'11 and i ride a 56.

JSmid6

sounds good, I will go by a store maybe this weekend.

kayakdiver

Local Bike shop.......................................... yes. Glad you're going to go check some out.

leinad

First, I agree with the others go to a good LBS and get fitted, it is going to save you a lot of pain! Second I am 5'9" and the type (manufacturer) are all different and a 56 in one isn't the same as a 56 in another I have a trek that's 56 but a cervelo that is a 53.

BTW good luck and I hope you find a nice one and become another member of the cycling community

Nachoman

Let us know what you end up with.