Looking to get back into road cycling
 

23 year old male. 5 11 160LBS. I used to bike ride a lot when I worked as a bike messenger when I was 17-18 years old. I rode a giant OCR 3 back then. Since then, I've lost interest and riding but am now motivating and want to get back into it. I'd like to spend at least 15 hours a week riding. My budged for a bike is 300-600. What would be the best bike in this price range? I know this isn't much, would I be better off buying a used road bike or a new one? What are the best training techniques when you're just getting back into riding? What is a good goal for miles ridden a week, etc?

Thanks for all your help!

Seymour

Used.

Thanks, any recommendations on what I should look into? It's possible I can go up to 700 if I find a really good bike.

Check out some of the local bike shops, and see what stock they have available. They should be switching to the 2011's, so you may be able to get some closeout deals. Also, keep an eye on craigslist, and see if anything in your size pops up. Can also check out Bikesdirect.com if you know your dimensions and size, and don't mind giving up the customer service of the local bike shop and do stuff on your own.

I'll definitely check out some bike shops. A 5-11 160 pound man should ride a 56-57 CM bike, correct? I'm keeping an eye on craigslist, I'll post any prospective bikes that I see there on here, as long as that abides by the forum rules.

I'm 5'11" and was 160 when I started cycling, and a 56cm fits me fine. You can also try the fit calculator at competitive cyclist to confirm with your personal dimensions: http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...&SITE.CODE=RDB

+1 on looking for used instead of new.

Alot of people have mixed feelings about it, but bikesdirect.com has some very nice pricing for what you get...