First Time road biker
 

I am hoping this is in the correct area. Apologies if it is not. I am just thinking of getting into road biking. I have noticed a couple of older bikes for sale and were curious if they are decent for a beginner. One is a Cannondale but it is from 1996. It is only a couple hundred bucks but if it fits me would this be a nice intro bike? I would like to do something fairly cheap before spending a boat load if it doesn't last. If I get this one, can I still upgrade the components to this bike to the newer components out there like the newer bikes are going to have?

Thanks a ton for the help!

Pat

Used is a good way to start.
I went that way. Rode the $15 bike 1500 miles, got in shape and learned what I needed in a new bike.

yes (to all of your questions)

Cannondale make good, and very popular, bikes
the best bike to start you out riding road style is the bike that fits you best and you are comfortable on
Google "bike fit" and you should be able to find lots of information on how a bike is supposed to fit
you can also easily take your own measurements and then find out what size of the frame is to see if you're in the ballpark for your body size
parts can be swapped out if need be

nothing wrong with a bike from 1996 but check that there is no damage to the frame
if you don't know what to look for see if anybody you know does and take them along with you when you check the bike out

I like this approach. I've known people that purchased some expensive bikes and ended up not riding much. Buy something good enough to enjoy, ride it until you know what you want, like 10 wheels said.

Is that model too old to upgrade if I choose to do that? I figure it would work for a while but just want to check my options I guess.

Not at all
I have a steel bike from around the same era that has 2006 components

What model is the Cannondale?

Wow this is some fast responses! I am about 6' and what you would call Hefty ;) about 225 right now. The person selling the bike said it would fit someone from 5'8 to 6'4...that seems to be a wide range. I was tempted to see if they would let me take it to a LBS for an inspection and maybe pay the LBS a few bucks to inspect it?? Good move?

I wouldn't start with a bike that needs a bunch of work, as long as the equipment all functions, it will be a great beginning. You can decide if you want to upgrade or buy new when that time comes, and you can always flip the used bike for about what you paid for it.

r700

Nice bike.
Good idea to have the frame checked for cracks.

http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/B...R700&Type=bike

5-8 is like around a 54, 6-4 is around a 63. Something like that? I'm guessing you are around a 59 or 61 if you have normal body proportions.

Any easy ways to check this? I don't have a lot of friends that are bikers. I know it is only a couple hundred bucks but would like to at least look somewhat intelligent when I am buying this :) Any pointers for checking the frame would be most appreciated.

Thanks a ton!

Most shops want customers. They understand that not everyone can buy a new bike first time out. Call yours and tell them you would like to have them check one out. Ask the fee. They know you will come back for work and maybe your first new one. Then arrange to get the bike there.

Buying a cheaper used bike to see if you enjoy and stick with cycling? Good idea.

Upgrading the components later? Unless you're only replacing 1 or 2 parts, it's almost certainly less expensive to just buy a whole new bike with the new stuff particularly if you don't already have the tools and knowledge to do it yourself - paying someone else to do it is rather expensive. However, 1996 isn't *that* long ago, odds aren't bad that there just won't really be any reason to change components.

If you posted a picture of the bike and the exact model I might be able to offer more specific advice.

P.S. That is assuming the bike is in good shape to begin with.