General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Is this bike worth the money? Rss Feed  
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2014-07-17 12:51 PM

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Subject: Is this bike worth the money?
I am considering this bike:

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/bik/4565072365.html

I am currently riding a hybrid, so looking for a relatively cheap intro road bike. I am still very new to racing. I was measured and a 54 seems to be a good fit - though I know I need to test ride the bike.

Looking for any advice you all have/questions I can ask the seller.

Thanks!



2014-07-17 1:49 PM
in reply to: #5027095


59
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Subject: RE: Is this bike worth the money?
For not more you could get a better bike.
2014-07-17 2:11 PM
in reply to: zballinger

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Subject: RE: Is this bike worth the money?
Anything standing out as a red flag? I am on a tight budget ($400), and have been looking on Craigslist for about 3 months. This is the first bike that looks pretty decent and well maintained.

Would I be getting ripped off? Any specifics are well appreciated. Thanks.
2014-07-17 2:27 PM
in reply to: Mind the Fro

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Champion
10668
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Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: Is this bike worth the money?

That bike isn't worth more than $200.

2014-07-17 2:27 PM
in reply to: #5027136

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Pro
5892
5000500100100100252525
, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: Is this bike worth the money?
It's simply too much money for that bike... The components are really old and you will struggle to find wear parts. For $400, you should be able to find an aluminum frame bike with Sora (at least...). Down tubes shifters will hold you back.
2014-07-17 3:19 PM
in reply to: audiojan

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Subject: RE: Is this bike worth the money?
Originally posted by audiojan

It's simply too much money for that bike... The components are really old and you will struggle to find wear parts. For $400, you should be able to find an aluminum frame bike with Sora (at least...). Down tubes shifters will hold you back.


Agreed. You'd almost be better off getting a Walmart roady for $300, will last you a bit until you know what you want, have the budget for something better.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Kent-International-700C-Mens-GMC-Denali-P...


2014-07-17 4:22 PM
in reply to: VGT

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Subject: RE: Is this bike worth the money?
Thanks everyone. As I mentioned I am pretty new to all of this. Guess I will keep looking around!
2014-07-18 4:15 AM
in reply to: Mind the Fro

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Extreme Veteran
1175
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Langley, BC, 'Wet Coast' Canada
Subject: RE: Is this bike worth the money?
I have never purchased from this company, but have seen it suggested several times here on BT.
here is an example that is close to your budget

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/liberty_1.htm
2014-07-18 1:18 PM
in reply to: VGT

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Champion
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Sarasota, FL
Subject: RE: Is this bike worth the money?

Originally posted by VGT
Originally posted by audiojan It's simply too much money for that bike... The components are really old and you will struggle to find wear parts. For $400, you should be able to find an aluminum frame bike with Sora (at least...). Down tubes shifters will hold you back.
Agreed. You'd almost be better off getting a Walmart roady for $300, will last you a bit until you know what you want, have the budget for something better. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Kent-International-700C-Mens-GMC-Denali-P...

The problem with Wal Mart or other Big Box store bikes is that they're really not intended for serious training or racing and they're not going to hold up as well as a used 'name brand' bike.  And they're certainly not something that you'd want to put a lot of money into to upgrade.

My suggestion to the OP would be to get the word out in your local tri/cycling community that you're looking for a good used bike.  There's always seems to be someone in our tri club upgrading to newer bikes, potentially with an older bike to sell.   And check with your LBS to see if they're got any trade-ins or consignment bikes (they'll usually be somewhere in the back, not on the showroom floor.

Good luck.

Mark

2014-07-19 6:52 PM
in reply to: #5027157

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Subject: RE: Is this bike worth the money?
I went to my LBS and they had a 2008 Giant OCR 2 for $300. I ran home and did some quick research, went back and jumped on it (literally). Felt good and went ahead and bought it. I know it's not technically designed for racing, but hopefully should suit my needs (for now anyway!)

Thanks for everyone's help.

2014-07-20 7:44 AM
in reply to: Mind the Fro

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Pro
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5000500100100100252525
, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: Is this bike worth the money?
It's a good bike. MUCH better than the original one you looked at.


2014-07-24 1:14 PM
in reply to: Mind the Fro

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Iowa City, Iowa
Subject: RE: Is this bike worth the money?
Originally posted by Mind the Fro

I went to my LBS and they had a 2008 Giant OCR 2 for $300. I ran home and did some quick research, went back and jumped on it (literally). Felt good and went ahead and bought it. I know it's not technically designed for racing, but hopefully should suit my needs (for now anyway!)

Thanks for everyone's help.




I know you already purchased your bike but I was in your shoes last year and jumped on a 1994 Trek 2120 for $300 (with a lot of extras) on Craigslist after hunting for several months and it's been serving me well. This bike will certainly hold me over until I can spring for a nicer bike down the road. Enjoy your new bike!
2014-07-29 8:17 PM
in reply to: Mind the Fro


1

Subject: RE: Is this bike worth the money?
Personally I would spend a couple hundred more and get something newer and with better gears. Another negative on this ride is you don't need the (3) ring cassette up front as that is for serious climbing and to me is a waste. Not no pro here but I am an avid cyclist who rides every weekend.
Good luck,
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