Need Opinion on Road Bike

[mtbdarby]

Ok,
I took some of your advise on checking on ebay for an inexpensive road bike and heres what I found:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7228564261&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7228897469&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Since I'm training for an 12 hour enduro race the touring bike has it's appeal. I didn't like that it's got a steel fork, but heck, my hybrid does! I've tried the Giant OCR composite frame size small for fit and it does fit me, but I didn't get a chance to ride it.

Any thoughts other than getting my butt down to the lbs to ride one quick? What kind of price should I expect to pay for one of these?

TIA

[SadieKate]

I didn't really look at components, but I would put a heavy factor into the bike from the shop because (and verify this) the bike is new, probably has a manufactuer's warranty and you have the shop's rep and service to deal with. I always place a premium on dealing with a shop over an unknown private seller, especially without much history.

[mtbdarby]

Sadiekate,
I was thinking that too. I don't know much about components, that's why I thought I'd ask around here. I know I want STI brake levers. I noticed the bike shop one has a steel fork where the other one is carbon though.

And of course, the bike shop one is PURDY! I've already named her Betty...:p

[annie]

Components seem fairly comparable on both bikes. Lots of Shimano Sora - not a very high level of component. :(
Still, you can always upgrade components if the bike is what you want and fits you.

I agree with SK, as far as purchasing from a shop vs. an unknown person. Still, I think you have to decide which bike would suit your purposes the best. Touring bikes really aren't made for racing. They're made for the long haul, carrying your gear with you. A touring bike is not made for speed but they sure are comfortable.

A tough decision. Good luck! Let us know what you decide.

annie

[Adventure Girl]

I wouldn't buy a bike without test riding it. If the ebay bike was near your home, you might be able to look at it in person before bidding/buying. But you usually only get to see pictures. Buyer beware! Also, I wouldn't buy from someone with poor grammar!;)

This bike has only been rode about 300 mi.

[Nanci]

I like the little touring bike! It's cute, and way within the budget. You can always put a carbon fork on it...

I looked for about two weeks before I found Lava. She was a 2005 I bought in August of 2005, so the new ones wee _almost_ out. Her MSRP was $1679 or something, and I think I paid $1250. First I looked up what that bike was going for at that time, using Froogle, and the best deal I found was $1500. The only thing they didn't tell me about was she had a ding (paint scratch) on one of the chain stays. Oh well. I put a sticker over it. I didn't think to ask if the paint was perfect.

Nanci

[tatormc]

My first road bike was a Giant OCR3. I kept it for a year and upgraded. It was heavy and the Sora components are the lowest in the Shimano line. The thing that took some getting used to after I upgraded to Ultegra was the Sora shifters are in a different place then all the other Shimano shifters. My hubby has stated that 105 would be your best deal if you have that extra in your budget.

[madisongrrl]

http://www.roadbikereview.com/mfr/giant-bicycle-inc/road-bike/PRD_290528_5668crx.aspx

http://www.roadbikereview.com/mfr/giant-bicycle-inc/road-bike/PRD_290519_56

The touring bike at least has a Shimano 105 for the rear. I don't think it matters how heavy the bikes are. Especially if your intention is just to x-train on it (for mountain biking) and never race on it. I personally wouldn't put any money into upgrading either one of these bikes (IMO it's not worth it) and I would choose the one with the best component set...but that's me.

My brother just purchased a really expensive mountain bike wheel set off ebay. It was from a bike shop and the guy said the wheels were almost brand new, in true (he said he did it himself) and are ready to roll. What a bunch of rubbish! He never mentioned that there was a significant ding in the sidewall (we are not sure if it is supperficial or not), the wheels were out of true, one of the spokes was bent and the spokes all had a little corrosion on them. Nothing like paying $650 for a less than stellar wheelset! My brother is going to tell the guy that he as to pay for all the repairs because he didn't advertise the wheel set accurately. If the guy doesn't comply, then he is getting some negative feedback left. Ebay is certainly a buyer beware situation - bike shop owner or not! On the upside, friend snagged an awesome deal on a super expensive lightspeed triathlon bike frame on ebay from a private seller. The frame was worth well over $2000 (it was either a Blade or Saber....I can't remember) and my friend got it for $1300.

[doc]

I'm selling my 51cm trek 2005 WSD 2100. All shimano 105 and ultegra. It's too big for me. I am now actuallly on a giant TCR XS. PM me if you're interested.