Is this gumtree find a decent bike from the look of it?
08-25-13, 10:17 AM
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Is this gumtree find a decent bike from the look of it?
Hey, I've been searching for a single speed bike for a 15 mile each way commute and I was wondering if this bike I found on gumtree would be decent?
https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/sc...#photo-content
The bike looks really cool but obviously it needs to ride well as well. Would I be better off buying it from a reputable place rather than gumtree or is this worth a shot?
https://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/sc...#photo-content
The bike looks really cool but obviously it needs to ride well as well. Would I be better off buying it from a reputable place rather than gumtree or is this worth a shot?
08-25-13, 12:16 PM
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Don't like anything about that bike, design, frame or components. What exactly are your needs? What's your maximum budget? Particularly if you're London/UK/EU based maybe check out LFGSS. If you know what you're looking for (and what you're looking at) I would have no reservations buying secondhand from Gumtree, Craigslist, eBay etc.
08-25-13, 04:21 PM
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Don't like anything about that bike, design, frame or components. What exactly are your needs? What's your maximum budget? Particularly if you're London/UK/EU based maybe check out LFGSS. If you know what you're looking for (and what you're looking at) I would have no reservations buying secondhand from Gumtree, Craigslist, eBay etc.
08-25-13, 04:39 PM
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It depends on the terrain. If it's basically flat with no steep hills, I'd go SS for that distance. Otherwise I'd get a geared bike. For £200 you should be able to get a very nice SS bike, but the quality will be lower for a geared bike in that price range.
08-25-13, 04:47 PM
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Yeah that's what I've heard the route is relatively flat with one hill on the route which I could easily go around. I've noticed the the SS bikes seem a lot cheaper but what would be an ideal SS bike given that I'm 6 foot and 182 pounds. Like what should I be looking for to judge quality?
08-25-13, 06:43 PM
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The ideal bike is one that fits you properly. Good quality bikes come in a wide range of sizes to fit your physique. The frame is the heart of the bike and there is where you should spend the most money to get the best quality. Avoid bikes made in China. Better bikes will be made in other countries like Taiwan. Look for a bike with brand name components and wheels with sealed bearing hubs.
08-25-13, 10:30 PM
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Go visit some bike shops. This'll give you a good idea of what you're after and what will fit. Because you're on a budget, you may not find a new bike but you will gain some ideas for second hand bikes and shops will often have specials - old models, bikes they couldn't sell. I remember one shop here that had a massive clearance because they were changing brands. Shops will sometimes know of people selling a bike too.
08-26-13, 09:27 AM
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Virtually any working bike with air in its tires will accommodate that. What about all the extras? Basic tools, lights, lock, mudguards, rack, panniers/rack bag and so on, do you need any of that, or are you simply looking for a bare minimum relatively cheap A-B bike? Chances are you could be pushing your budge depending on said extras, but at least in principle £200 can buy you a halfway decent SS/FG secondhand bike. Need more info really.
08-26-13, 12:10 PM
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Virtually any working bike with air in its tires will accommodate that. What about all the extras? Basic tools, lights, lock, mudguards, rack, panniers/rack bag and so on, do you need any of that, or are you simply looking for a bare minimum relatively cheap A-B bike? Chances are you could be pushing your budge depending on said extras, but at least in principle £200 can buy you a halfway decent SS/FG secondhand bike. Need more info really.
08-26-13, 04:43 PM
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Knowing what size frame you need is a must, and visiting your local bike shop(s) is always a good idea, while I wouldn't recommend buying new, not with your budget.
Aside from the usual internet marketplaces as mentioned above, check your "local" bike forums (good deals and free advice) and consider placing a (free) wanted ad if you cant find what you want. As they say, never go grocery shopping when you're hungry, the same principle applies when buying a bike. Also, with a relatively modest £200 budget you don't want to waste half of it on tax and shipping, hence you probably don't want to buy from outside the EU presuming you'er EU/UK based.
Moreover, if at all possible rise your budget a little. Actually a quick google search revealed plenty of very nice good quality secondhand SS/FG bikes on sale in the £180-250 price range. But trust me, tools and mudguards, not to mention and "all the little things" you haven't thought of yet all add up.
Aside from the usual internet marketplaces as mentioned above, check your "local" bike forums (good deals and free advice) and consider placing a (free) wanted ad if you cant find what you want. As they say, never go grocery shopping when you're hungry, the same principle applies when buying a bike. Also, with a relatively modest £200 budget you don't want to waste half of it on tax and shipping, hence you probably don't want to buy from outside the EU presuming you'er EU/UK based.
Moreover, if at all possible rise your budget a little. Actually a quick google search revealed plenty of very nice good quality secondhand SS/FG bikes on sale in the £180-250 price range. But trust me, tools and mudguards, not to mention and "all the little things" you haven't thought of yet all add up.
08-27-13, 06:05 AM
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Moreover, if at all possible rise your budget a little. Actually a quick google search revealed plenty of very nice good quality secondhand SS/FG bikes on sale in the £180-250 price range. But trust me, tools and mudguards, not to mention and "all the little things" you haven't thought of yet all add up.
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