Sidney Porter

I agree that BD inflates the compared to figures but that is marketing. A true comparison dollars to dollars is a $900 BD bike to the $900 Orbea. If Orbea has a $400 bike we can compare those.
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/sprint_x.htm

wphamilton

With a $400 budget Amazon is where I'd start, also Bikes Direct as others have mentioned. It's more than enough for a first bike that you'll probably replace in a year or two.

And while this is a minority opinion, I'd avoid Craigslist bikes. If you're knowledgeable enough to know a bargain, and to make it work without inheriting someone else's problems that's an option but I sense that you don't have that level of experience yet. My advice is don't particularly worry about the wheels unless you're larger than most, don't worry about whether the headset or crank is a particular brand, don't be concerned about the brand or model of the shifters and drive train above a certain level, because none of that really matters for an entry level bike on a budget. You need decent enough quality that it won't break down in a few hundred miles, and the rest is gravy.

recneps345

If you want to spend $375, spend $375. There are deals to be had. My brother got around a five year old Trek 1000 that had been ridden 10-20 times and put in a garage. This is very common. Heck I got an old Raleigh from the 80's that was in near mint condition for free. My neighbor just wanted to make space in his basement. I put two new tires and a new seat on it, and it is a great bike for the trainer. I even take it out on the road every now and then. If I were you and had $375 to spend, I would be diligent for a month. Go to local bike shops and let them know what you are looking for and also check out if they have a bulletin board with used bikes for sale. That on top of craigslist should allow you to get plenty of bike to start riding with. I would get an entry level Trek, Specialized or whatever that is a few years old. You also can't go wrong with an older Lemond steel frame. Again, don't listen to people that are saying you should raise your budget. You know better than anyone else what your budget should be. I have been smoked by guys on bikes way less than what we proposing you get. I have a 2003 steel Lemond that I got new for $1000 in 2005. I probably couldn't get much more than $375 for it, and it is a fantastic bike. Never had a single problem with it. I could probably do my same 40 mile ride on it versus a $4000 bike and not notice a huge difference in performance. Just get a solid used bike and go ride.

Bike Rebel

Go to your LBS. Some have used bike either on consignment or for sale which the LBS has checked out. You being a newbie won't know what to look for with a Craigslist bike otherwise that would be my first choice.

j814wong

I agree with the lack of experience part. I wouldn't know a good used bike from one that simply looks nice but actually really sucks.

lenny866

What city/state are you from. Do you know what size bike you need? maybe someone in these forums is local to you and has a bike that they could sell.

Just a thought.

atallen223

I'm sure you have heard this enough, but +1 for craigslist. When I was in college (just graduated so it isn't that long ago) I found a used Cannondale CAAD 3 for 220 bucks. The thing was about 12-13 years old, but it was 1000 dollars new and it still rode perfect. It weighed in at about 22 pounds which is perfect for commuting. I put about 5,000 miles a year at least and I had no problems, which is something you probably won't be able to say about the bikes you're looking at for twice what I paid for a used bike.

atallen223

Also, a lot of us are so bored due to it being winter (sort of) that we'd help you look for one online ourselves!

Homebrew01

You can also search Ebay, within 'X' miles of where you live. Then you can pick it up and avoid shipping costs. You also get some buyer protection with Ebay.

furballi

I'd look for a Centurion Ironman Master or Expert on CL. Price is around $300 for a decent specimen. Pristine condition can run $500-$600. Weight is around 23 lbs for a 56 cm.

hybridbkrdr

I'm going to bust people's balls again with a build idea. How ridiculous is this going to get?
Sunrace SLR03 stem shifter $10.32
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=738346
Shimano A050 crankset 52/39T $32.28
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ducts_id=14382
Nashbar steel road bike fork $51.89
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...2_521815_-1___
Nashbar road frame $103.81
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...02_-1___202337
Shimano 2200 wheelset $78.17
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...oducts_id=9301
Shimano bottom bracket 110x68mm $10.40
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...oducts_id=6741
KMC Z51 chain $6.77
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...oducts_id=2450
XLC brake levers $17.03
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=600616
Pyramid caliper brakes $22.08
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ducts_id=11863
Sunlite pedals $4.99
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=430958
Shimano 2300 rear derailleur $19.53
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=437657
Shimano 2300 front derailleur $15.33
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=436197
Shimano 8 speed cassette $16.73
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=729806
Dimension drop bars $20.70
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=407237
XLC stem $10.16
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=600648
Sunlite headset $10.78
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ducts_id=15312
Wheels Manufacturing headset spacer $2.56
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=409089
XLC seatpost clamp $3.53
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=600636
Sunlite seatpost $12.48
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ducts_id=11900
Origin8 saddle $19.25
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=449657
Velox grip tape $2.36 x 2 = $4.72
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=507330
Kenda tires $9.17 x 2 = $18.34
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=819554
tubes $3.28 x 2 = $6.56
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=423984
Velox rim strips $2.62 probably x 2 so $5.24
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=432534
Dimension spoke protector $3.00
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=419816
Wheels Manufacturing chainstay protector $4.82
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=437965
total: $511.47
Holy crap. Usually with some more expensive builds, you could build something worthwhile for the price. In this case, it's less interesting although you could always use the Nashbar 9 speed brifters and a different crankset, front and rear derailleur, cassette and chain.

rebel1916

Get a job.

fiataccompli

should be able to find a good used bike in good condition for <400. CL, "wanted" on CL or check with local bike clubs/facebook/mailing lists/message boards. For the riding the OP describes you can find a perfectly good bike with maybe 9 speed 105 or Ultegra...maybe even one that's really not been ridden much. They're out there, you just have to look. Heck, I have a Lemond I'd probably sell for about that. For that price range, I'd rather hold out for a higher end older bike (preferably with less use, but if it's been cared for it doesn't matter a lot) vs. a new super low end bike or new(ish) used. Quality components should last longer & a better quality frame/fork/wheels is just nicer to ride and maintain.

hybridbkrdr

Changes you could make to the previous build I showed for higher quality:
Shimano Tiagra 4500 rear derailleur $29.97
https://www.amazon.com/SHIMANO-TIAGRA.../dp/B009H96NVA
Shimano Tiagra 4404 crankset $54.02
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=11832
Shimano Tiagra 4503 front derailleur $14.20
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/M...?ModelID=21805
Shimano 9 speed chain $17.10
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...oducts_id=6392
Shimano 9 speed cassette $29.57
https://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=440954
Nashbar 9 speed brifters $124.56
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...08_-1___202436
So, the new total would be $662.90

Oops, I forgot the bottom bracket for that. You get the point anyway.

hybridbkrdr

Is that rage and intolerance?

rebel1916

Just encouragement.

j814wong

At the current moment, I'm in teh market for a cyclocross bike. There are two sub-$400 ones on BikesDirect: Gravity Liberty CX and Motobecane Fantom Cross Uno.
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...liberty_cx.htm
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/uno.htm

Any comments on these two?

Regarding the Motobecane one, I'm not quite sure how a CX bike can be single gear. That being the case, how can it even be a CX bike given the nature of one.

MetalPedaler

I have the Mercier Galaxy AL SC2 from BD (Same as the SC3 except it has a steel fork instead of carbon) and it has been a GREAT ride- Had it for a year now, and put almost 3000 miles on it, in hilly terrain- and it has been problem-free (Except for the crappy tires, which only lasted about 400 miles!)- I'm the same height as you, OP- 5'10" and the 54cm fits me like a glove.

I too had been looking on CL and Ebay, and everything was just so overpriced, not to mention the hassle of finding your size (sizes are NOT consistent between different manufacturers).

These Galaxys are basically just rebranded Fujis, which go in the LBSes for $800-$900. The wheels aren't even bad for such a cheap bike.

In my book, wanting to spend about the same as the OP, I concluded that Bikesdirect was the only way to get a real road bike for that kind of dough.

I now also have a classic Klein, which is kind of at the other end of the spectrum from the Galaxy- but I'll tell you, I'm still keeping the Galaxy- it's no slouch, and i still love it- and it is very comfortable. (It'll take much wider tires, so I'm throwing some wider tires on it and fenders and maybe a rack, and making it a utility/bad weather bike).

The Galaxy feels like a decent-quality bike.....while Denalis and cheap Schwinns feel like....junk (and are ridiculously heavy. The Galaxy comes in at under 25 lbs. which is not bad for such a cheap bike)

hybridbkrdr

lol, if you knew the details of my situation right now, you might not know what to say.

rebel1916

Situations have a way of getting better when melded with a 40 hour work week.

lenny866

It looks like you have narrowed it down to the one you want that is in your price range. Pick a color and order it! Ride it like you stole it & have fun!!

If you get into cycling, you'll upgrade it and a CX bike is a great foul weather and back up bike!!

hybridbkrdr

All I'd like to say is it's a period of sacrifice for a way different situation. And by the time that happens, I may not want to talk about it at all because by then people might be jealous. It's like I have no time but then periodic periods of more available time. Whateverz. lol

fiataccompli

I'd recommend a late 90s/early 2000s Lemond in Reynolds 853 and 105 or Ultrgra. Nice riding bike, reasnably light if you are into that spec and will be worth the same amount in a few years if you decide to sell it. But i have to admit i am a big fan of steel.

IthaDan 

Those both don't suck too bad. Do you know how to set up a bike? Do you know what size to order?

I say take the heavy BBS Mtn. bike on a club ride, earn some pity and buy an old bike off a fellow club rider.

What's your local craigslist?

brucefrederick

I agree, for a beginner an aluminum MTB. I have Giant and Cannondale road bikes, but I hop on my 10 year old Schwinn mountain bike most of the time, trouble free and easy to ride.