Where to buy a new bike cheap for 1st timer

[reekraut]

I'm trying to find a 2008 WSD Trek 1.2 or something similarily priced for size 52. I've been calling to every bike shop in the greater boston area & can not find any for the life of me. Does anyone know of other places to search for these or other good beginner bikes for myself. I've never been a road cyclist, this is my first time trying this out, so I don't want to sink a ton of money in my first bike.

[Biciclista]

craig's list?

[tulip]

Is there a particular reason that you want the Trek? There are a variety of very great bikes out there. I'm partial to Jamis bikes. There are some great bike shops around Boston that I'm sure would have a whole mess of bikes to try out. Remember that fit is much more important than brand.

[Karma007]

I love my Trek 2.1, which I bought in November. I doubt you would find one for a discount, but it is worth every penny. Also, try out all sorts of bikes, not just the 52. I thought that size was perfect for me, and after trying several makes and models ended up with my Trek in a 50.

[sundial]

I can tell you where NOT to buy it--big box stores. You can snag a pretty good deal sometimes on Craigslist and eBay--even your LBS might know of someone who is willing to part from their bike for an upgrade. :cool:

[pinkychique]

Check out bikesdirect.com - they have nice bikes with nice components for cheap.

[Zen]

Check out bikesdirect.com - they have nice bikes with nice components for cheap.

But if you have to take it to a shop for repairs don't tell them that's where you got it :eek: just say you bought it used;)

[uforgot]

But if you have to take it to a shop for repairs don't tell them that's where you got it :eek: just say you bought it used;)


I think they would know. Isn't that about the only place you can buy those particular brands?

[Zen]

I don't know what they sell but you could still say you got it used.

[mayanorange]

You should check with Wheelworks Too of the Belmont Wheelworks family- they have used and clearance bikes there.

[Jiffer]

My husband got an insane deal on a really nice mountain bike on Ebay.

[Cjbd77]

Unfortunately, Trek does not allow their bikes to be sold online when new. Try Craigslist and eBay for resales.
Happy Hunting! :)

[tulip]

Many bike shops also sell used bikes. That way, you get a good bike AND good service.

[woohoo]

I got a great bike from eBay, although I did have to bide my time to get one the right size and type. After I got it I took it to a guy nearby who's a bike workshop rather than a normal LBS. Worked out great... Another good source might be local cycling clubs - they might have members with bikes for sale?

[Crankin]

I second Belmont Wheelworks; they have a whole store dedicated to used bikes. You would get fit properly and have a range of choices.
Also, Quad Cycles in Arlington may have some used bikes. That's where I got my new Jamis. They seemed to have a big selection of lots of different types of bikes.
When we bought our Kuotas the shop cleaned up our Treks and sold them on E Bay very quickly. We got the money. It seems like my WSD sold within minutes of it being put up there.

[Jiffer]

Are you sure you are a 52 frame? You want to be very careful to get the right size and a good fit. For your first bike, it might be wise to buy from a store, whether it's used or not. Hopefully a store you have been referred to and feel you can trust. Not all bike shops are the same in this regard. If you are 100% sure what your frame size is and, especially if you have someone helping you who knows a thing or two about bikes, then you might be fine buying online. But either way, get a bike fit at a shop.

[TrekTheKaty]

To summarize what everyone said, go to a bike shop and tell them you are a first timer and your budget. They will help you find a bike and let you test ride a few. If the shop has a few locations, they can call around a find the right frame size. My understanding is bikes don't have much of a markup, so it's hard to find sales. When they do go on sale, it would be the end of the summer.

I also love my Trek, but my DH made me try others and it concreted my decision.