Keio

Hello! As you can see from the topic name, I'm a complete noob at this stuff. I've checked multiple places for what specifics are good, and I've read the stickies. However, I'm still at a loss on what to get.

I've looked on around 10 sites and have found that best sellers on ebay have the 'best bang for the buck'. I've never been to a bike shop to see prices, and it really isn't an option, as I live in the deep south of USA.

Here are the specifics:
My budget is 550$. Most of the bikes in the links are around that or cheaper.
Only going for a road bike.
Frame doesn't matter as long as it isn't the bulky steel weighing me down.
I'm not entirely sure how the curved handlebars work, with the whole leaning over to reduce wind resistance.

I was thinking https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...Category=98084 , as it claims it has a listing of 1100-1200$. Looks good as well. But the other bikes the store owner has up for sale are cheaper and look alright. Thoughts, opinions, help all appreciated. I can give more info if more is needed, as I'm at a loss for how this all works with specifics aside from frames.

Links to two stores that had 99.9% positive:
https://stores.ebay.com/roadbikeoutlet
https://stores.ebay.com/sprtymamabikeshop

Many thanks for reading!

jayvo86

I would go to your local bike shop and talk to them. I wouldn't want to buy one online.

datlas 

+1

They don't have bike shops in the deep south??!!??

If you do end up buying online, realize the "MSRP" from ebay listings and bikesdirect.com are marketing BS to make you think you are getting the "deal of the century" or whatever...

jayvo86

I'd also dread having to put your first bike together. That's something you probably don't want to get into if your used to wal-mart.

Keio

I agree with you, going to a store would be wiser. However, as I have stated, there are none located anywhere near me due to my location. :\

friendly-fred42

Welcome to BF

As you are new to cycling, DON'T get a bike off Craigslist/ebay unless you know your size and what to look for in a used bike. Go to a nearby bike shop. $550 will get you a new, entry level bike. A bike shop will make certain you get the right size and change things like handlebars so the bike fits you. Try to get an aluminum frame. The quality steel frame bikes are out of your budget range, so don't worry about a bike store tricking you.

Also, decide what type of bike you want before getting it. The bike in that ebay listing is a cyclocross bike, not a road bike. There's a difference.

Keio

Lol, this quote shows how much I know. Thank you for the advice. So driving out of state around 200 miles is better than ordering one made for my height off of ebay? Also, are bike stores below the retail price as ebay users claim theirs are?

EDIT: Also, the lister says they are new. Of course they could be lying, but 99.9% positive says they probably aren't.

friendly-fred42

Having a bike fit you is very important. If you have no other option find a used bike on craigslist and take a cycling buddy along when you go to look at it. They can make sure the bike is in good shape and fit you reasonably well.

There's nothing wrong with cyclocross bikes. They are good general purpose bikes, just not road bikes.

Some of us started on a budget. I wanted a road bike for under $250 off craigslist. I got my 21 lb. steel Ironman to replace a 47 lb. POS aluminum Walmart mountain bike. I just brought a cycling friend along to check it out and make sure the bike fit me.

Keio

Thank you again for the swift reply Fred.
Sadly, I am the only person in my group of pals that rides a bicycle. They're all inactive -.- So likely I will have to go out of state to buy a bike. Hopefully my last question! If I bought one of the 200~ dollar bikes off of the ebay lister I linked, and went to a bike shop to have it fitted/fixed up/whatever I need to do, would I be any better off or should I just stick with the word of the shop-keep?

FlatSix911

Don't listen to the naysayers ... you will find a new bike online for 50% of the retail price at bike shops ...

Take a look at these road bikes for a good value with no tax and free shipping:

Shimano 2200/Sora 24 Spd Road Bike 2010 Motobecane Record $549
24Spd DRIVETRAIN, Double Butted AL Frame, Carbon Fork, AeroRim Wheels
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...e_record_x.htm



Shimano Tiagra/Sora, 18 Speed Cross Bike 2010 Motobecane Fantom CX $499
Aluminum Frame+Rear Rack mounts, Ritchey Bar, Stem, R500 Wheels
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/..._cross_cx2.htm

friendly-fred42

Do you ever see anyone dressed in lycra riding a road bike in your area. If so, make an effort to get to know them. Most people enjoy helping new people learn about cycling.

The frame size and geometry must fit you. Ebay/bd are fine if you know the right frame size/geometry and are experienced at wrenching. If not, I wouldn't, but it's up to you. You are in a tough spot. Good luck.

zonatandem

If you bought on-line and went to a bike shop after to get fitted, you'd still be driving 200 miles + be stuck with the bike, no matter what!
Drive to a bike shop and test ride several bikes in your price range. You don't have to buy right away . . . mull it over.
99% of bikeshop owners are honest, friendly, informative folks.
Where do you live that nearest bike shop is 200 miles away?

MRFL

I'd pass on that ebay bike you posted. I have better sora components than that and I'm already getting sick of them. I cant imagine having to come up to brake like that. Spend the extra money. Save up if you have to.

Keio

~Zonatandem: Small town in Oklahoma. The nearest is 30 miles, but the closest that has actual reviews is in Oklahoma City(~200 miles away). The site for the 30 miles away store has no details on pricing and only links me to the brands it carries. No info on what it actually has. https://www.scottsbikeshop.com/ is the 30 mile shop.

~MRFL: Yeah, as Fred established that isn't even the correct bike that I'm after.

~Fred: I would feel a bit awkward at waving down people riding their bikes to ask them about buying myself a bike. Very, very few people who ride a bike here do it for fun.