Hello everyone. Due to a hip injury I cannot exercise (weightlifting, running) as I used to. My doctor told me cycling would be ideal and I am now set on obtaining a road bike and riding it into the horizon.....

As a poor college student I have saved up $500 in the last month to go towards my dream. Upon road bike research I unfortunately learned how sad and pathetic this amount is to obtain a quality RB. I have looked on Craigslist and ebay but found nothing of interest...until I came across the site bikesdirect.com...

If anyone could lend me their knowledge and help me make a choice I would GREATLY appreciate it. I know I want to ride, images of racing down an open road have been stirring through my head for the last month....help me decide how to make this dream happen.

The bikes that fit my budget are as followed:

https://bikesdirect.com/products/wind...ington3_IX.htm

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/ltcross_x.htm

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...galaxy_al8.htm

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/lt1500.htm

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/.../orion_al8.htm

Any advice that would help me would be great. Is this site legitimate? Are the parts on these bikes really as good as they (the site) claim? About how heavy are these bikes?

These are just a few questions that would help me on my path. I thank you all for your help and look forward to joining the cycling community!

Of all those bikes, the last one would be your best bet because it has some Tiagrawith the rest being Sora.

BD bikes tend to get a lot of flack around here for some very understanding reasons. However, for someone on a budget, you can't really do much better. The website is legitimate, the parts should be fine for a recreational rider, and the bikes weight is really a factor that depends on too many variables. Expect 20+lbs though.

However, be wary that purchasing a BD bike requires some wrenching knowledge. If you are uncomfortable putting together a bike, and don't have a resource that could do it for you, I would opt to find a cheap bike on CL or eBay.

If you did a search, there's all kinds of people that bash Bikes Direct.

I've bought a bike from them and was 100% satisfied. Shipping/processing time was very quick too. I recommend buying from them ONLY if you know what you're getting and you've done some research.

The parts listed are true. They have such low prices because everything but the gear components are pretty cheap. Even the bikes with "upgraded" wheelsets only have $200-300 wheels.

Weight depends on what kind of bike you're getting. With $500 to spend at BD, I'm guessing your bike would weigh somewhere around 22 pounds. However, bike weight doesn't really matter much until you get very competitive. If you're 180 pounds and are riding a 20 pound bike. The bike only makes up 10% of the the total weight moving... If you're looking to get faster there are much easier and cheaper ways than getting a light bike.

Craigslist is a good place to buy used bikes if you're patient. It may be a while before a deal pops up, but there are always deals.

From BD, I recommend getting the Lightning 2300 or the Mirage pro because not only do they have decent gear components, they also have nicer wheels. The wheels that come stock on BD bikes are usually really bad and won't last very long.

Lastly, I recommend that you go try some bikes or carefully measure yourself before you buy online. You don't want to get the wrong sized bike.

Yet another BD thread......

and don't forget, there is another, say $300 minimum initially for entry level helmet, jersey, shorts, cycling shoes, pedals, pump, extra tubes, gloves, glasses, bottles, multi-tool, etc. i could go on and on.

but most of them are one-time purchases (unless you break/destroy them). the initial cost to get you properly suited for safety and comfort for that 1st ride is high, but will taper after that.

unfortunately, like most of us here, after 6 months or so, you begin thinking of upgrades of all the items you had bought PLUS the upgrades on your bike's components. well, even the whole bike itself!

it never ends..

Sorry...didn't know there were a lot of BD threads...Thanks for the posts. I'm 5.6 - 5.7 what size frame would be right?

50 or 52, there are a lot of variables involved, do search more about proper bike sizing/fitting

you may want go to a local bike store and have a look? ordering online can possibly have repercussions

i am 5'7" and i have a 54, every company runs a little different, also, depends on your torso, leg length.

agree, like what i said lots of variables to factor in, i am 5'9" but use only a 52.

It depends. I'm 5' 7.25" and prefer a 52cm. My cycling inseam (ground to crotch, while wearing bike shorts) is about 32" However I prefer a shorter top tube, but since I don't want to get a custom bike or buy a 50cm, I use a shorter stem (90mm).

I've heard a very important part of bike fit is the top tube length. Seat tube doesn't matter as much because you can easily adjust the seatpost. However to change reach, you would have to mess with different stems.

Thanks for the help guys! I'll look into the top tube length and arm length fitting. Any further suggestions on the bikes?

Use the search function, read a bunch.

Also, what type of riding do you think you'll be doing ? Not everyone needs a "racing" bike. For some people, getting outside and riding around leisurely is what suits them, so a hybrid bike is better.

We were able to get GT series 3 from performance for my son-in-law for right around $525. The advantage is that you can get a chance to sit on it and see how it rides.

to further this, my guess is that a hybrid bike (basically a road bike with a flat bar instead of drop bars) could be ideal for you if you are more about the exercise than showing off. an entry-level Trek hybrid like the FX 7.1 will run you $400 or so I think. of course there are many other brands, that's just the one I happen to know.

+1 also on finding great deals on craigslist.

Go to a Performance Bike before you buy anything. You might be surprised what you find there and you might have cash back for your accessories.