jeffwdiaz

So I want to buy a nice bike but don't have much money right now. I'm saving up, but need something to ride right now.
I don't really know much about bikes.

I am looking at one on craigslist.

https://ames.craigslist.org/bik/2003248264.html

I am looking at the schwinn.
Does this look like a good deal? Am I going to be able to upgrade the parts?

Thanks for any help.

MegaTom

Eh. If I needed a bike, like right now, I'd try to talk the seller down to $50-75. That's assuming that the bike fits.... that looks like a pretty big frame. How tall are you?

And you can upgrade parts, but it's not really worth it.

jeffwdiaz

5'7"

was also looking at this one

https://ames.craigslist.org/bik/2001211511.html

But it sounds like a big bike. I asked him what size it was, but he hasn't got back to me.

jrobe

"I am gettin rid of it now cuz as he is much taller than, the frame is a few sizes too big and im going to invest in a bike fits me better. " - Quote from his Craiglist listing


Look like this guy made the same mistake you are likely to make. Why don't you go down to your LBS, give them your budget and see what they can do for you. If for no other reason, to establish a relationship for when your Craiglist bike needs work done on it to be ridden properly. The last thing you can afford to do now is to waste money on a poor purchase.

Snoots

LOL, looking at the Craigslist for Ames, Iowa, makes me glad I don't live in the internet illiterate midwest...

slowandsteady

What is your budget?

Hask12

Problem with rear derauiler, he doesn't say what and it looks like there's a lot of rust. The seller couldn't even put the chain back on for the picture.

ErichM

I think maybe he wanted to show the teeth on the rings. One of the pics has the chain on.

Looks really rusty. I think right off the bat you would need a new cassette, new chain, new rear derailleur.

Definitely looks like a "well used" bike. So it is going to cost you more than what he is asking for it.

jeffwdiaz

yeah, its a no for the frist link.

My budget is around $250, I figured I am not going to get a decent new bike for $250, that's why I am looking at craigslist.

I am considering this one
https://ames.craigslist.org/bik/2001211511.html
Its a trek alpha series 1000, for $225.

I asked him and he said its a 52cm or 56cm, so if that's true then it's probably the right size.


And yeah I live in a small town, not much to pick from.

ErichM

52 or 56? I don't see how a 52 or 56 is the "right size" for you. Those two sizes would feel pretty different.

jeffwdiaz

EEEEhhhh... I'm a newb when it comes to bikes. Well I'll just ride it and find out. I figured one size wouldn't make that much difference, but I don't know.

Is this bike sizing chart legit?
https://bicycling.about.com/od/howtor...ike_sizing.htm

Or will different 5'7" tall people have different sizes?

ErichM

5'7" tall people will have different sizes. Any height has different sizes. There are many factors. Best thing you can do is just take it out and ride it and see. Those charts on about.com are pretty worthless. They might be useful in ball parking the size you need but don't take them as gospel.

Make sure to adjust the seat height properly and see how the reach to the bars feels.

If it doesn't feel right, that doesn't mean you can't make it fit you, but it will involve buying replacement components (which I take it you want to avoid).

A bike "too small" could be uncomfortable for you. Though a lot of people do buy bikes that are smaller than those charts recommend. You can get in a better aero or racing position.

So it really depends a lot on the person. No chart can tell you what bike size you want.

There are a few decent websites that will allow you to enter in all your information (inseam, etc etc) and give you some suggestions, but again the sizing can go either way depending on the individual needs and desires of the rider.

jeffwdiaz

Well, it seems like I won't be able to find a bike on craigslist (town is too small)

Thanks for all the help.

Would you recommend buying one online? Maybe I can buy one online and have the local bike store put it together.

Standalone 

Why not talk to the local bike shop and give them your budget. Maybe they will come across a used bike that will be halfway decent. My lbs has steel vintage bikes out front for $100-200 all the time.

That is, if you are blessed with a bike shop that will do cool things like have used bikes around for sale.

Or travel:

https://desmoines.craigslist.org/bik/2004345529.html (offer your $250)



$90 cheaper heavier panasonic: https://desmoines.craigslist.org/bik/2001020032.html I don't recommend going this low on the scale of what they offered back then, though.


or wait: get this one. Just get it. I paid $40 for my DX-2000 in 1999 and have done a ton of riding on it. It was my "re-starter" bike after my driver's license inspired hiatus. Great bikes. $250 for this one is a reasonable asking. Negotiate a bit.... https://desmoines.craigslist.org/bik/2003629576.html Tange 2 frame, etc. Good classic bike. Put a few thousand miles on it and see where you want to go from there.

Only 40 miles from you. I just drove to jersey to get my Jamis...

NormanF

Look for a Lemond steel bike on CL or eBay. The Reynolds 853 frame is solid and will last you a lifetime.

Hard to believe they once went for $2000 retail. You can get a CF road bike for that and change today.

But steel is still real and many roadies swear by it!