Posts: 881
8/17/09 7:21 A

May not be the best but it will be a great start for a road bike. I know have a bike on the trainer and one road bike, and one mountain bike sounds good to me.

Posts: 550
8/17/09 7:15 A

wow, that was lucky to find a bike like that. they should have a buy sell section on spark people. i see people are always looking to get rid of something and also to buy something.
if you find that you want to get something more updated (sounds like an old bike, may not have all the gears you need/want depending on the terrain). i know you can find new treks that dont have high end components for around $500 depending on your budget and what you want the bike for. the newer drive train(shifting parts)probably shift easier and smoother. you can probably find an old 1500 series trek on craiglist for $300.
wrench science website has a measureing system so you know what roughly what size to get.usually a bike shop will measure you and then fit the bike to you once you get it and then adjust it after you have ridden it a while. the wrench science website can be of help if you are buying online and need to know the geometry of the bike.
i am glad you found a bike to fit you and your budget! what a lucky find!

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Posts: 881
8/16/09 10:30 P

I was just looking for something to go on a group ride once a week until fall and then again in the spring. Then once or twice a week ride it before work. On other days ride my Mountain bike. I found an old rehabbed 12 speed that fit me perfect. It was 75.00 If it last 1-2 years I'll be happy and then can decide if I want to get something better. Didn't want to get anything with big $$$ until I know this is something I will use and not just sit. I will take it out tomorrow after work before my off road bike and see how I do.

Lesley

Posts: 283
8/16/09 5:49 P

First of all I didn't try to discourage her, I didn't say she couldn't find a bike under 700...just that it would be hard to, but certainly not impossible. It's easy to find a cheap used road bike but finding one that is good too, and one that you won't have to pour a lot more money into, not quite so easy. I still recommend the OP to be patient and not give up.

Posts: 881
8/16/09 2:52 P

I'm off to ride my bike, hopefully I will find a road bike soon. Take care and I will keep you posted.

Posts: 465
8/16/09 2:45 P

I think like she said they do not have a lot of money.

My wife and I had a budget of 400.00 for her bike this past Spring.
The first bike shop we went into we told them the budget and all they tried to do is talk her into a 700.00 bike !
I turned to the guy after he kept telling her how great it was and said" did you not understand what our budget is? "
He says alot of people say that but they end up finding a way to buy the "better" bike
We walked out fast and went to another lbs and he had her in one in no time.

I think a lot of people DO NOT have money and they need to get what they can afford.

Nothing against you , but telling someone that they won't get anything under 700.00 can make many people discouraged.especially if you read her post and she states that they do not have money.

I see this a lot on here and I think we all need to understand that not everyone can afford 700.00-1000.00 for a bike
Thanks

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Posts: 283
8/16/09 2:26 P

keep watching craigslist, try and be patient. Depending on your size you might have to wait a bit. I got tired of waiting and just bought a new road bike. I still look at craigslist, don't know why...right after I bought my bike I did see a few entry level road bikes in my size at reasonable prices although I wouldn't say they were cheap either. You might be able to get a nice vintage road bike for a better price. Post on craigslist what you are looking for and what you're willing to pay, you might get lucky. Also the 2010 models will be coming out so they might have a leftover 08 or 09 priced right. Most bike shops are like car dealerships and you can bargain with them over the final price. I would recommend you buy from your LBS, go in tell them what you want and your budget, and that you're willing to wait if you have to. There are also many good brands so don't get blinded by the bigger name bikes. You can learn a lot on the bikeforum online (google the name), just be careful should you decide to post they can be pretty brutal. What is your budget? You will be hard pressed to find something under 700. but I may be wrong.

Posts: 465
8/16/09 2:23 P

Craigslist is always good, under the wanted section or the bike section just post an ad for what you are looking for..
also yard sales are always good places..

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Posts: 881
8/16/09 2:13 P

Hi I've gotten in to group rides. I went the last two weeks with with Teamrevcycyling it's a bunch of just women and no drop rides. I have a mountain bike and am at the very end. But I do make it. Yesterday went on a do drop off road bike ride. It was awesome, so I don't want to get rid of my mountain bike, but would like to fine a good used road bike. I got measured so I know what I need brands ect.. I don't know. I want cheap I know that's not good but we are always broke so not much money for this. I'm looking on Craigs list not sure what I'm looking at. We do have a used bike shop here but haven't gone there yet. Any suggestions welcome.

Lesley