Fischer

I really didn't plan to come this far. I had a beaten down 80' Peugeot(PX10 i think) that I was going to try and restore to call a commuter and be happy with it. The thing is it is only the frame, forks and handlebars. I can't see it being less than $400 to restore. I just don't think I will be happy with it for long in comparison with some of the entry level bikes I see.

So i believe the real question is how do I choose a road bike(and all the accessories) for under $1000 for everything that I will need. I really don't even know where to start. I went to my local bike shops but I'm still lost. I want to be sure why I am buying one bike over all the others. I also have nothing as regards to cycling. Is my budget reasonable?

obed7

truth is, in that price range, the brand will not really matter much, they are all pretty much the same with the same level groups...just decide which style you want... a race type geometry, an endurance type geometry... you will have to ride them to decide... and then get the one you like the best for what ever reason....even if it is just the color...
if it fits right, and you like it, you will ride it....fit is more important than brand.

dtrain

Yeah, I'd hold off on that Peugeot as well. Sounds like a money pit. Around here you could quickly sell it as a 'fixer conversion' project frame. $100 and a case of PBR.

Fischer

I want an endurance bike. Should I move my budget up? Am I missing out on much as an entry level rider?

obed7

I believe that the specialized secteur with sora controls is about a thousand...as you step up in level of controls on it, it goes up a bit...
each of the brands have something very similar...1K is doable for an entry level endurance road bike...
ride every brand you have in your area... and pick the one you like...
work with a shop that will work with you on the fit, not one that has you ride around the parking lot for 10 minutes and asks how it feels.

Rocket-Sauce 

Buy a donor bike from CL and swap all the parts onto the PX10. The PX10 is a pretty desirable frame. Then sell the donor bike's frame to defray the cost. For $1000 you could end up with a very nice and retro-cool rig. Probably Ultegra 10speed or better, custom paint etc.

The only niggle will be finding French fitting bits. But not too hard...

CliffordK

We've got a local bike co-op with some very nice people, but some very beat-up bike components (and the occasional relatively good bike for sale). I don't think the primary crew there are much into road bikes.

Anyway, if it is just wheels, tires, and tubes, you could fix your Peugeot pretty cheaply. If you need to replace a bunch more, it adds up, especially if it has non-standard parts mixed in it. It also depends on whether you wish to end up with a showroom quality bike.

I like scrounging for bikes on Craigslist. But, it pays to know what you're looking for. Say in the $300 range, there is a bunch of junk, then a few gems. In the $800 price range, there are a lot more gems, but a few pieces of junk that unscrupulous or clueless sellers try to push off as gems.

If you don't know what you are looking for, then the LBS, or perhaps a sporting goods store is a good way to go.

RoadGuy

$300-$400 will buy you a nicely equipped 1990s or 2000s road bike with brifters, 7-9 speeds, and modern brakes. That's all you need to get familiar with road biking.

No need to spend $1K on a new entry level bike, infact, a $400 5-10 year old bike is more bike than you will get for $1K brand new.

Ride that for a year or two, and get an idea of what you like or don't like about that first bike, and then you might decide to buy another bike based on what you've learned.

CliffordK

What is the ultimate goal?

Shopping, commuting, errands, a few "Century Rides"? The occasional race or triathlon... just to be among the "iron man finishers", even if it takes all day to do it.

Being in the top 2 or 3% of finishers on highly competitive races?

$1000 isn't bad for an entry bike, especially if you're not quite sure where you're going with it. If you really get into racing, and team/group sports, then you will quickly learn about bikes, and you can talk to your teammates or riding partners about your next purchase.

There is a fine line where "build your own bike" can be cheap with nice results, or can be very expensive.

Or it can be a sign of an expensive hobby where one ends up with a basement full of unneeded parts.

Keep in mind 1960's to 1990's steel road bikes are still good bikes, and can have a lot of life in them. If updated with modern components, they can be very sweet bikes, but are still good with classic components.

sced

You can get a really nice setup for $1k. Set aside $150 for pedals, shoes, helmet, and a pump, all bought reasonably online at places like Nashbar and Ebay. Here's a pretty nice bike for $800 incl shipping. I'm sure there are other comparable bikes out there. If you need the support of a local bike shop you might need to push your budget a bit.

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...road-bikes.htm

Fischer

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/bik/4901895143.html

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/bik/4912944909.html

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/bik/4863442758.html

How do these look?

rms13

All good if they fit you. But all also overpriced. I would pay maybe $400 for the Lemond or Roubaix and $300 for the Trek (which is probably closer to 25 lbs than the 15 lbs claimed by seller)

dtrain

Does that Fuji come with both sets of wheels? If so, those RS80's are a pretty nice upgrade - and it might be the one listed closest to it's actual value (IMO). I agree that the prices seem a touch high, but I'm not sure rms13's offers are realistic either.

This would be just below the Trek:
https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/bik/4865244933.html

Stucky

You could get a helluvah used bike, just a year or two old, and hardly ridden, for $1000. which would make a $1K new bike look like your grandma's 1983 K-car by comparison.

Fischer

Is there any other place I should be looking for bikes? LBS and craigslist are great but is there anything I am missing out on.

dtrain

You can enter your ZIP code into ebay and search within 25 or 50 miles. You might find one that is a good deal (without shipping - but check with the seller first). Some sellers even post there with 'local pick-up only', which really limits their market and the eventual selling price.

C-List is better for double-checking fit and all that though, before you hand over money.

Fischer

Sorry for picking your guys brain like this but it is a huge help.

PeregrineA1 

You can get a late 80's to mid 90'2 Trek for <$200.00 on Craigslist, spend $75-100.00 on consumables (tires, tubes, cables, housing, chain, bar tape, maybe a seat) and have a great bike at less than the cost of the entry level in the new/recent used market. Plus no headaches from a Boxmart bike. The bike will last another decade or three, plus you will get 75% back when you want to "upgrade". Which you will once you start riding regularly. Your kit, carefully shopped, will be another $150-200.00.

What you consider an upgrade at that point may be another "old" bike (check the C&V forum here) or something new. At that point you're hooked.....

bmthom.gis

Well, if you don't want your PX10, ill give ypu 10 chicken nuggets for it...

GravelMN

I'm not a fan of the "entry level" mentality. My thought has always been that you should envision where you want to be in 3-5 years and pick the best bike for your future self that your budget will allow. That way, even if your tastes and budget evolve, you will always have a great Plan B bike that you enjoy riding. Used can be a great way to go but make sure you have the discipline to wait for a bike that fits you very well and suits your needs rather than scooping up the first "good deal" that is "close enough".

rms13

So...about this PX10. Does it fit you and how beaten down is it? Is the frame in good shape? Maybe it just needs a minor overhaul of tire,tubes, cables and shift housings to be enjoyable? If the frame is in good shape, it may be worth tearing down and rebuilding with modern components.

dtrain

I thought he said it was just a frameset and handlebars.

Fischer

This.
Plus the forks.

Needs new brakes system and shifter, sprocket, chain, cranks, pedals, wheelset, saddle. This versus that $650 bike on craigslist. Am I really saving money? Is it worth the effort?

dtrain

If you had other functional bikes, liked vintage bikes, and wanted a project...then sure. But I think you just want a decent bike sooner than later and not a potential money pit. I'd go check out that Fuji and swing by a few LBS's.

Lazyass

I've been staring at this endurance bike for a few weeks now and I'm not a new rider. Only thing I don't like is the discs but I'm almost willing to over look that. Performance sells them for $799.

Fuji Sportif 1.3 C Road Bike - 2014