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Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

help a newbie out...

Old 04-25-13, 08:59 AM
  #1  
It do, but it don't.
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help a newbie out...

new guy here looking to get a road bike...

i primarily want a bike i can ride recreationally as well as commute to work on (about 5 miles - half on rural roads). if i enjoy the road bike thing, i could see myself getting into a little more in the future. so...i want to get a bike that will give me a true road bike experience, but i dont want to drop a lot of coin in case it's not something i develop a love for. here is what i'm bringing to the table:

budget - $500
my specs - 6'4" w/35" inseam
knowledge about bikes - 0 (on a scale of 1-10)

so...bikeforum experts...how should i go about getting some wheels? am i looking at used bikes given my price range? if so, what's the best way to get ahold of a good used bike? is looking at a sizing chart (says i should be between 58cm and 62cm) and purchasing one on the web a terribly stupid idea?

help me out...
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Old 04-25-13, 09:05 AM
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If you want to commute, do you have the need for racks, the ability to carry bags, etc. If so, you may want to consider a touring bike or a hybrid Add $200 to your price and you could get a nice hybrid new.

If I were in your position, I would hit the bike shops in my area and ride some of their entry level hybrids, and road bikes and see what you like, see what fits and also see if any of them stock used bikes, or have rental bikes that they sell off, etc.

Think about long term usage. Do you see yourself getting into the sport and doing longer rides, taking up cycling as a hobby, etc. If so, then lean towards a road bike with the ability to accept racks, fenders, etc for commuting.
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Old 04-25-13, 09:06 AM
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https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...400306__400306
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...400306__400306
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...400306__400306
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Old 04-25-13, 09:51 AM
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thanks for the advice and the bikes to check out. i appreciate the help.
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Old 04-25-13, 01:06 PM
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antmeeks made some very good selections. You really have to ride them to get an idea of fit but I'd say 58 may be too small for your size.
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Old 04-26-13, 08:02 AM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by 99Klein
antmeeks made some very good selections. You really have to ride them to get an idea of fit but I'd say 58 may be too small for your size.
i was a little worried about that. i know each bike will be different, but i'm going to hit up a couple of local shops today to see if i think i can get away with a 58 or if i need to find something 60-61.

if i just can't find anything at 60 w/in my price range, i'll probably get a 58 and look for a little better fit in the future when i have a bigger budge to put into a bike.

any other words of wisdom?
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Old 04-26-13, 10:09 AM
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Originally Posted by mshred
i was a little worried about that. i know each bike will be different, but i'm going to hit up a couple of local shops today to see if i think i can get away with a 58 or if i need to find something 60-61.

if i just can't find anything at 60 w/in my price range, i'll probably get a 58 and look for a little better fit in the future when i have a bigger budge to put into a bike.
U've already admitted that u know there is no industry standard in frame sizes. Therefore, u r gambling.

any other words of wisdom?
Well, if ur going to gamble, place the odds more in ur favor. Don't gamble as much cash up front. U might rather go with something like this:

www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/lt_dlx_xiii.htm

If seat and handlbar adjustments don't correct for any fit issues, u should have no problem unloading it on CL at cost.

Last edited by Cfiber; 04-26-13 at 10:26 AM.
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Old 04-26-13, 10:14 AM
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Can you store your bike in doors? Do you live in a major city? Securing your bike is harder than you think. For commuting, better buy something cheap that you won't cry over if you lost it.

I suggest you to look for a bike on Craigslist for much cheaper than $500. Just make sure it works and fits you.
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Old 04-26-13, 10:19 AM
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Originally Posted by mshred
thanks for the advice and the bikes to check out. i appreciate the help.
With a 500 buck budget and small hills, u could just buy a really decent single speed from Performance in a size 60cm.
www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1116213_-1_400317_400317

Last edited by Cfiber; 04-26-13 at 10:24 AM.
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Old 04-26-13, 11:28 AM
  #10  
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I think you should go try some at your LBS. You'll learn some, you'll have a better idea of fit and a feel for different style of bikes and the ride quality. Then go buy a used bike. You'll get way more bike and can turn around and sell it later with little or no loss. I think most would say your first bike isn't really your first one purchased. Usually first bought gets sold in a little while to then buy your first "keeper"

Lastly ,, once , and if you decide you really are into cycling you'll more likely want to get into a higher price point.
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Old 04-26-13, 08:34 PM
  #11  
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Went to three local bike shops today. Sat on everything from a 58cm to a 64cm. I really think I need something 60+. All were out of my price range, unfortunately. Looks like I'll be trolling Craigslist till something turns up.

thanks again for the input, gents.
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