HBxRider

My Motobecane Mirage Pro was stolen recently. I'm looking for a 58cm road bike in the $400-$800 price range. I'm pretty new to cycling, so I don't know enough to spot the good deals.

Here are bikes that I thought were good potentials:

Canondale CAAD9 5-C - $800 (He will take $750)
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...992489547.html

Fuji Newest 3.0 Road Bike 58cm - $450
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2983804118.html

Fuji Roubaix Pro (2009) 56cm Road Bike w/Extras!! - $600
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...991255964.html

2010 Trek 1.5 Road Bike - $650
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv...973032391.html


I am planning on test riding this bike tonight, but I don't know anything about this brand:

SALSA EL CAMPION ROADBIKE - $690 (He will take $650)
https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/bik/2968275586.html


Or if you see any other 58cm bikes in southern california for a good price, please let me know!

dtrain

Actually, that Salsa looks pretty good...

Puget Pounder

+ Salsa.

Karcas

If everything on that salsa is good to go I'd be all over it!! Wish I lived in Cali and had so many bike options on craigslist. I'm lucky if I see a road bike.

PhotoJoe 

Whatever it is, look it over VERY carefully. One BF member recently bought a Colnago of CL. When he got it home, found a crack in the aluminum. Don't let the seller rush you. Study it. If you're not 100% comfortable, walk away. If it's in good shape and it fits you, jump on it and ride it like you stole it. Sorry, maybe a bad "stole it" analogy based on your Moto, but you know what I mean!

jmX

I know mine is way outta your price range, but if you suddenly come into some money mine is for sale (see sig) and is full carbon - full ultegra 6700 - and one of the most comfy bikes you'll ever ride. I also live on the SART so a test ride would be quite nice.

I'll probably be trying to move it for about $1400. I think MSRP in 2010 was $3300.

PS, most of your craigslists links are broken with "..." in the URL.

HBxRider

Sounds like a sweet bike. Though $800 is my limit, I could probably swing $1000 which i know won't cut the mustard.

I fixed the links.

I will definitely inspect the frame for cracks. This will be the first time buying a used bike, so any tips on what to check for, i'll appreciate.

vermilionx

good luck man.

hope it fits you and it's in good shape upon inspection.

HBxRider

I checked out the bike, and I really liked it. My only concern is that while it is listed as a 58cm, and thats what my last bike was, it felt smaller. Maybe its because of how its adjusted, or how the styling of the bike is different from my old bike. But when I asked the seller what size it was, he didnt seem too sure.

I don't know if someone with a trained eye can tell a bike frame size from pictures. If so, let me know if this looks like a 58cm to you:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6...491b4800_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6...cc8c7ed3_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7257/6...77e5baed_b.jpg

todayilearned

Not an expert but the way I guess a frame size is compare it to the size of the wheel/tires. Assuming they are 700x23 gatorskins that frame is a 58 for sure. For a 56 the top tube would be lower and closer to the top of the tire. The head tube is also too big for a 56.

For me it would be a toss up between the CAAD 9 and the Salsa. Personally I like the CAAD since it looks like it's in better condition.