Contemplating a bike purchase.

I can't really help you make a decision. One thing I would check if I were in your situation (and I hope to be in the next couple of months) is whether the bike will fit. You can get a fitting at your local bike shop for a small fee (or even free some places) and they'll tell you what size bike you need. Armed with that information, you can do more specific searches on eBay and other sites.

I'm no bike expert, just so you know. I'm also in the market for a bike. I'm also 5'6" and based on my inseam, I found that I should be looking for a bike in the 51 cm region. Here's a little info on bike sizing for ya: http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/

Good luck!

Bikes are like shoes, one size of one model may fit you perfect while the same size of another model doesn't come close to fitting. Nearly every bike has slightly different geometry, slightly longer/shorter top tubes, seat tubes, chainstays, etc. Try 'em before you buy 'em.

lots of bikes have different fits, similar to clothes....

55cm of one brand may not be the same as another....

The girlfriend and I both bought our bikes from ebay, before purchasing we just went to our lbs and got sized on the same bike that we were planning on purchasing.

Normally, I'd feel guilty doing this kind of thing, but we buy helmets, bottles, accessories, tune ups, and everything else, so I think it's in the LBS's interest =)

-Keith

Thanks Kim for the link, it looks like i'm in the 51cm region as well. I knew it was to good to be true. Sure would be nice to get rid of that 15yo bike though

How much you want for it?! I just want a bike at all! LOL! :-)

LOL, I guess I shouldn't complain then. I did have it in the bike shop a few weeks ago for a tune up and the guy said it was in pretty good shape for such an antique. If I find anything in my size I'llbe sure to let you know

Chris

Swweeeet. :-)

CDF,
You can also go to the manufacturer's website, find the bike you are interested in, then go to the specs. Find out your inseam, convert it to cm, then see what size you'd use based on the standover height they list for the particular bike. I thinkthat's about as close as you can get to deciding if a bike is right for you when making a bike purchase online......

Good luck!

....oops! And forgot to add that obviously you'd want roughly 2" of space from your crotch to the toptube (?) bar. 5-ish cm space?

Standover height is probably one of the least relevant measures in fitting yourself to a bike. Sure you don't want to rack the jewels every time you dismount, but other than that, how much time do you spend standing?. Much more relevant is the length of the top tube and seat tube.

A real professional fitter will take a dozen or so measures, everything from height and inseam to your forearm length.

Your best bet is to find a Quintana Roo dealer and try a 55cm Kilo to see if it fits! By the way the Kilo is a good entry level tri bike. This particular bike has extras added so I would say that if it fits, buy it because it is an excellent deal at the price.

the bear,

of course! the rest of the measurements are absolutely not to be ignored! What was I thinking?

bikes bikes bikes..........sigh!

I'm still trying to "find" money to be able to get a decent road bike let alone worry about fitting one to my body!

cdf, good luck on the ebay bidding!

Thanks for all the great comments everyone. I found a LBS that sells the QR Kilo. I'm going to go there after work and get a fitting. By my own measurements it appears a 52cm frame would be best, but jeez, 55 cm is only an inch bigger. If you couldn't tell, I really like this bike . But I will go get fitted, just to make sure, I don't want to sink a lot of money into something, then not be happy with it.

Thanks again

Chris

how come there are no pictures of the bike on the auction? Makes me think the seller is trying to hide something. Another issue is that shipping insurance is not offered. I bought a bike on ebay a few years ago and UPS totally destroyed it. I'da been up the creek with no insurance, but I had it and got all my $$ back.

Everyone else has pretty much touched on all the other issues.

I have a feeling that price won't stick though. It still has over three days left and most of the bidding is usually done on the last day in the last few minutes.

Ahhh yesssss............."sniping". 'Tis a rough game on ebay.

I'm sure it won't, but i have a fixed amount I want to spend, and if it goes over that mark, well there will be others.

On a similar topic, does anyone know of any other websites for used Tri Bikes?

DO NOT BUY THIS BIKE! IT IS NOT YOUR SIZE AND WILL NEVER FIT NO MATTER HOW MANY MODIFICATIONS YOU MAKE!! You know that your size in QR is 52 so go with that in mind and find a suitable 52cm. Remember that the best bike in the world is no bargain at any price if it is not the right size for you.

"55 cm is only an inch bigger"

If it (3cm) wasn't big deal, the manufacturer wouldn't produce sizes in 2cm increments. Be thankful they do, some have gone to compact frames and only offer S. M, L, and XL.

BTW, wondering how you determined you needed a 52? The QR website (http://www.rooworld.com/bikes/kilo.aspx) shows they only make odd sizes (51,53,55, etc.)

I got the 52cm by working through a link Kim had posted. I realize QR doesn't make a bike in that size. I realize the measurement is rather generic, that's why I plan on going to a QR dealer to get appropriately fitted. If it happens that the 55cm is to big, then I will not bid on it.

Thanks again for all the great comments