Road bike brands to consider for first purchase?
#1
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Road bike brands to consider for first purchase?
I want to check out some used road bikes at a shop near me. Are there any brands that you recommend for me with a $500 budget? I have never even sat on a road bike so I am totally clueless. Thanks.
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I would double that and it will open more options. At 500 dollars you are not going to find anything new that would be worth purchasing.
bikesdirect.com might be the best place to start looking if that is your budget.
bikesdirect.com might be the best place to start looking if that is your budget.
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You need to figure out what size bike you need first. You might be able to find a decent bike for $500 but you'll probably need someone to help. At that price, brand shouldn't be an issue.
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All good advice.
Does your budget include any of the "essentials" like a helmet, spare tube and repair kit, maybe a water bottle and cage, a pump? Those alone could add $100 to your "out the door" cost. and if that is the case you're looking at $400 bikes now. If you need to stay in that range, take someone knowledgeable with you. Your budget puts you right in the category of "entry level" and you're not going to find a lot of high mileage bikes that will carry you through the years.
Does your budget include any of the "essentials" like a helmet, spare tube and repair kit, maybe a water bottle and cage, a pump? Those alone could add $100 to your "out the door" cost. and if that is the case you're looking at $400 bikes now. If you need to stay in that range, take someone knowledgeable with you. Your budget puts you right in the category of "entry level" and you're not going to find a lot of high mileage bikes that will carry you through the years.
#6
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Fortunately for the op, he is looking for used bikes
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#7
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It was definitely worth purchasing IMHO. Cheap for the fun it provided.
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#9
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I'm not going to be using the bike a ton. Just for times when I decide to ride on some trails. I made the mistake of selling my mountain bike for a comfort bike and I don't want to end up with another bike that I don't like. That is why I don't want to spend a ton of money. Plus, I think I can still have fun without having an expensive ride. $500 is the budget for just the used bike. I'll add extra for accessories if I need them (I already have a helmet, pump, multi-tool kit, and saddle bag). Will someone in the bike shop be able to help me find the correct size?
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The shop will be more than happy to put you on the correct size. Right now inventory may be a problem. You aren't likely to have many choices. Don't worry about the brand if you find a bike you like.
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If you are shopping for a used bike, the asking price will vary so get the one that has the best deal & the one you're most comfortable on. At 500$, you can still get a decent bike, but it will be older.
#12
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Thanks for the advice, I think I may try to see if someone for the bike group of my city would be willing to help me find a bike. They have a facebook group, maybe I can join it and go from there.
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#14
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Your goal is to buy used aluminum bike with 105 component group level. Bikes with carbon frame will be expensive or in a bad condition. Bikes with lower group do not have any sense. So I would consider CAAD 8 and up or Specialized Allez. The best brands for you are Cannondale, Trek, Specialized, Giant, Scott. Good luck!
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My local shop had a 2000 LeMond Buenos Aires in good shape all freshened up for $600 before Covid-19. Now they have pretty much nothing...
Something older might work nicely if you can find it.
Something older might work nicely if you can find it.
#16
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Beside looking for a used bike at local shops, you may find that you will get a better bike for the same price using Craigslist. Whether you go to shops or use CL, though, you really need to have someone knowledgeable with you to provide good advice. Don't assume the bike shops and, especially, CL are looking out for your best interests. Good luck!
#17
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Your goal is to buy used aluminum bike with 105 component group level. Bikes with carbon frame will be expensive or in a bad condition. Bikes with lower group do not have any sense. So I would consider CAAD 8 and up or Specialized Allez. The best brands for you are Cannondale, Trek, Specialized, Giant, Scott. Good luck!
https://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/bik...136391861.html
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Funny that you mentioned that. I found this in my area:
https://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/bik...136391861.html
https://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/bik...136391861.html
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I'd hate to tell you to get a certain bike and then after you ride it you find it causes you pain.