jucas85

Hi all. I'm considering buying a new cheap bike from bikesdirect.com. I'm about to pull (squeeze) the trigger and basically want someone to tell me why I shouldn't. Right now I have a 2013 Diamondback Podium 4. I am in the Navy and will soon be going home on leave for a couple weeks and want to do some riding while home. I don't want to pay a lot for a bike that I will only ride a couple times a year whenever I go home, hence why I'm looking at the <$600 bikes. Right now I'm looking at the 2014 Windsor Bristol Save Up to 60% Off Road Bikes - Windsor Bristol or the 2014 Motobecane Record Save up to 60% off new Road Bikes - Motobecane Record Or any other bike on there under $600 that you might recommend. I could also get a 2014 diamondback Century 1 for $500. I've looked on Craigslist and most of the bikes on there are around $500 but are 7-10 years old. Advice, opinions, recommendations...?

dtrain

How is it better than the D-back?

If just an alternative in a different location I say go for it. You know your way around the fit and some wrenching.

puckett129

For $500 I like the Diamondback...

The Moto looks decent for the price too if the other deal falls through.

NormanF

A good quality beginner road sports bike is a good way to get a feel for road cycling. A performance hybrid bike is a good way to get a taste since drop bars command a premium. Get a light bicycle, ride the hell out of it and when you're ready to get a road bike, then you can buy one. Its sound advice.

rms13

I'm assuming the OPs is keeping the Podium 4 wherever he is deployed and getting a cheaper bike to ride at home a couple of times per year if I'm understanding correctly.

I have owned a BD bike (Super Strada with SRAM Apex for $900). I feel like I got a decent value for what I paid. A year later I bought a CAAD9 frameset with upgraded fork, stem and seatpost for $450. Then I upgraded my wheels for $230. So I have a pretty nice CAAD9 for $1580. I'm happy with my bike but knowing what I know now, I know I could have bought a used CAAD10 for probably around $1200 if I was patient on CL and ebay. So I am an advocate for buying used. I think the 7-10 year old bikes for $500 could be a good value. Assuming you can get something that was top of the line 10 years ago and well maintained and ready to ride without putting money into it. And depending on your local CL market that $500 asking price might be negotiated down to $350. But I also understand in your situation time is money because you want something to ride when you get home and not be dicking around going to look at different bikes on CL. So for a second bike that will be ridden a few times a year I think the BD bikes will be fine.

longbeachgary

Yes either one will serve your purpose handily (although I like the Record better).

utahp8ntballer

I sold my carbon bike last year and now getting back into riding and am currently using my brothers old Windsor Bristol. This thing is at least 10 yrs old and looks just like the picture on your link except mine is beat to hell. The thing functions pretty well and will do what you need it to do. I've put 400 miles on it the last month and will probably put another 600 on it before I buy a new bike. It is a lot harsher than the Altamira I sold but it's not too bad considering how cheap of a bike it is. If you go with the Windsor it'll serve its purpose a few times a year and even more if you want it to.

j-law

My brother has the Windsor Fens (Save up to 60% off Shimano equipped Road Bikes - Windsor Fens Shimano Equipped Bicycles Save up to 60% off List price) and it has served him well on several double centuries and all around riding.

Either Bikes Direct bike should be good for your situation, assuming you can have it shipped before you get home (it could take a few days).

j-law

Also consider: GT Attack 3.0 Road Bike - 2014 Performance Exclusive - Racing Bikes

Performance bike is having a triple points weekend next weekend (6/13-6/15), so if you are a member (costs like $30 a year) you normally get 10% of the purchase price back as in store credit. Therefore on the triple points weekend, you will be getting 30% (or $180) back in store credit.