Froglegs18

Hi all,
I recently decided that I wanted to start biking for fun. I have been running regularly for 3 years now but have decided that it would put less strain on my knees if I bike some days and ran others. Unfortunately, I'm also a college student and do not have a lot of money to throw at a bike. So I've been hunting for a used bike on craigslist and I was hoping I could get some input from seasoned bikers since I'm new to this and do not know which bikes are crap and which bikes are good. So far I've found three that have caught my attention:

Sanwa road bike nearly brand new

Road bike 54cm

Nice road bike aluminum rims

I'm hoping to spend around 100 dollars. I know that isn't much to work with but I really can't spare much more right now. I would be willing to cough up a little more if I am getting a steal however.

So what I'm asking is whether any of these bikes are worth it and if not if you could point me in the direction of some good ones on craigslist. I live in the milwaukee area and am 6 ft and about 200lbs.

Thanks so much for your time!!
Kevin

canam73

Of the three you linked it's hard to say much on the first as there isn't a pic or much info. The second is a bike that sells for $200 new at walmart. I would avoid it as they tend to be maintenance bombs and it may be a bit small for you (at 6' something that is 56-58cm is probably a better fit). The last may be ok, looks at least a 58 so may be a bit big. But for a $100 I would be looking for something similar.

Here are couple I think may be suit you better if you can talk them down or stretch your budget:

Schwinn Traveler Road Bike (23" Frame)

Sanwa Road Bike

Note the above 2 seem to be from the same seller and he has others listed. It's often worth while to visit guys like that and give them your budget. There may be something he hasn't even listed yet for you.

Dfrost 

Do a little research to figure out what size bike fits you, then pick ones in that size that you find comfortable to ride. 6' tall can mean lots of different sizes. I'm 6' and ride 62-64cm tall frames that are short from seat to bars (I have long legs and a short torso), and others of that height will prefer something much smaller in height but longer from seat to bars.

rumrunn6

go test ride a few

RoadGuy

Of the three bikes you provided links for, only the third one would be of interest. The 2nd one is too small for you, and the first one sounds like a Walmart or Frankenbike (who knows what you would be getting into).

More important is the fit. No matter what the price, if the bike does not fit you, you are not going to ride it. Fit can be adjusted/fine tuned to a certain extend (change handlebar stem, or handlebars), but the frame size needs to be correct or close to begin with.

You need to test rides some bikes and see what fits you. Basic or starting setup is a bike frame that shows about 3-4 inches of seatpost when it's adjusted for your leg length (when seated, leg is short of fully extended with the hips not rocking as you pedal). After setting the seatpost height, adjust the seat (fore and aft) on the seatpost so the ball on your knee is above the pedal axle when the forward pedal is parallel to the ground. On a road bike, less seatpost showing and the frame is too big, more seatpost showing and the frame is too small. You can adjust the reach and your body position by changing the handlebar stem (length and reach of the handlebar stem), and/or the handlebars (reach and drop on drop bars).

Makel

Another option is to look and see if there is a local fb page for bike riders in your area, and post on there your budget and what you are looking for. Someone might have something you can use and help you out.

gaucho777 

Your budget is going to limit your option, but the 3rd bike (Nice road bike aluminum rims) seems like a very good start to me. $50 is a very good price. That bike would sell (quickly) for $200 or more in the SF Bay Area. It's a large enough size that it may be a good fit for you. Stop wasting your time and go check it out now!