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Need input, about to buy a road bike.

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andrew.
Posts: 2349 - Karma: 165
hey, im looking into buying a road bike to get around and save some gas money. that being said, i know absolutely nothing about bikes. i had one when i was a kid, but my mom gave it away. i looked online a little, specifically craigslist, and found one i think i might get. before anyone says it, I DONT WANT A FIXED GEAR. its too hilly where i live and that just seems scary. so this is what im looking at. 150 obo doesnt seem too bad and it looks like its in ok condition (maybe could use a washing and a few new parts). buy anyways, could someone whose more knowledgeable help me out on this?


thanks in advance
Jul 6 2009 3:31PM
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wh@t
Posts: 6204 - Karma: 52
just like skis, i need to know your height and the size of the bike. theres nothing worse than a small bike or a bike thats too big. you will kill yourself working way too hard to keep the bike moving. but yeah.
Jul 6 2009 3:34PM
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andrew.
Posts: 2349 - Karma: 165
thank you, i didnt even know bikes came in sizes

im 6'2 about 200-205 lbs

idk what size the bike is, ill call the guy though.
Jul 6 2009 3:36PM
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R-B-B
Posts: 915 - Karma: 28
yeah exactly what wh@t said, make sure  you fit and if you are willing to power the bike around then it should work out fine
Jul 6 2009 3:37PM
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bobo25
Posts: 176 - Karma: 10
what he said. also, ask the seller what  gear set it is ( shimano or campi) personally i like shimano, since the brake and gearing wires dont hang out in front of the bike. furthermore, ask what year if the frame is, you don't want anything that is older than 10 years or so b/c it is prone to cracking and catastrophic failure. lastly, ask how old the wheels are and the max height the seat and handlebars can extend to, also,  you may need to replace the rims if they have been used alot, spending a little extra is better than having the rims blow out on you when your cruising around.
Jul 6 2009 3:41PM
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wh@t
Posts: 6204 - Karma: 52
haha no worries man, anything for a fellow NSer. aight when you get the size of the bike let me know. it has a really tall headtube, so it kinda looks like it'll be more of a cruiser bike, but if youre new to riding it shouldnt be bad and you dont really need an aggressive short one.

but enough bike talk, hit me up when you know. you'll be looking for a 61' or a 63' cm top tube. or the tube right under your crotch.
Jul 6 2009 3:42PM
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little_ey
Posts: 609 - Karma: 392
It sounds like you don't need a fast and light roady, just something to get you around town.  ??

Felt makes some awesome townies, but also, you can find GREAT deals on some old 3 speeds.  And when I say old, I mean 1950s ish.  They usually need new tires and some work on the gears, but they're cheap and classy.

The three speed is fine for hills too.  I live in Summit Co. Colorado and ride my 1950s Hercules 3 speed to work all the time.
Jul 6 2009 3:46PM
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wh@t
Posts: 6204 - Karma: 52
all of this as well. there are risks in buying an older bike. especially with the wheelsets. it would be a god idea to replace the wheelset first thing to a newer lighter one with better less worn tires and what not. spoke/hub failure pretty much equals death like you cant imagine. though this is a roadster and doesnt have to deal with the stress of a fixed i have seen it happen on older roadies.
Jul 6 2009 3:46PM
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andrew.
Posts: 2349 - Karma: 165
well at my size and weight, what size should i be looking for?
Jul 6 2009 3:46PM
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andrew.
Posts: 2349 - Karma: 165
nvm, got answered. ill call the guy later and ask all this shit and post it up later.
Jul 6 2009 3:48PM
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wh@t
Posts: 6204 - Karma: 52
lke i said, 61 or 63 man. weight doesnt have much to do with it. but yeah.
Jul 6 2009 3:49PM
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bobo25
Posts: 176 - Karma: 10
you should be looking for a 58-62. if you go smaller then you will have a hard time getting full power out of the bike, and if larger then you will be way, way too stretched out to get full power to the pedals. also, are there alot of potholes and bumps on the roads you will be riding on? pleas pardon any spelling mistakes, im kinda drunk
Jul 6 2009 3:50PM
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andrew.
Posts: 2349 - Karma: 165
yeah, its kinda bumpy here, but i only live here on weekends, otherwise im at uconn, which is pretty smooth, then i go there all year next year.
Jul 6 2009 3:53PM
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bobo25
Posts: 176 - Karma: 10
ok, if you can, find out if its steel, carbon fiber, aluminum, etc. a good mix is a steel bike with a carbon fork. the carbon absorbs impact better, but if the whole bike is that way it might be too soft for you at your size. im a similar size and thats what i have. if you dont plan on doing lots of hardcore riding, then all steel is fine, just know that youll feel the bumps in the road more, but you will be able to put more power into it at your size. whats the wieght of the bike btw?
Jul 6 2009 3:57PM
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wh@t
Posts: 6204 - Karma: 52
yeah i ride steel frame carbon fork. i love the steel so i can get the most out of my pedaling and like bobo said the carbon fork makes the ride way more comfortable. but if youre 200 pounds all steel definitely wouldnt be a bad thing. you a strong guy? no homo.
Jul 6 2009 4:02PM
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andrew.
Posts: 2349 - Karma: 165
yeah, im pretty strong. im thinking all steel would be my best bet
Jul 6 2009 4:04PM
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wh@t
Posts: 6204 - Karma: 52
most likely. you'll be putting alot of stress on the bike. just make sure its structurally sound when you look at it and you should be good. also all steel is for troopers.
Jul 6 2009 4:06PM
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andrew.
Posts: 2349 - Karma: 165
thanks, i +k'd everyone who posted in here btw.

im gonna go call the guy and ask him all this stuff.
Jul 6 2009 4:09PM
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k-rob
Posts: 14217 - Karma: 2,891
my threads. this thread has already taught me that people still make bikes out of steel.
Jul 6 2009 4:09PM
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bobo25
Posts: 176 - Karma: 10
exactly what wh@t said. if possible, before you buy the bike, lift it by the top tube all the way off the ground and drop it ( on the wheels, dont actually drop it , just let it fall) about an inch. if, when it hits the ground it vibrates and makes a "boing" sound,it should be structurally good to go. if it clunks, clicks or makes a cracking sound, dont buy it. its likely theres a crack in the frame if it does that.
Jul 6 2009 4:11PM
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