I helped a friend buy a road bike (great deal!)
I have a friend that is getting into biking this year. She got a Trek 7.3FX hybrid bike for commuting and she likes it. She has been interested in getting a road bike. We went to look at some in LBSs last week, but hadn't tried any out yet.
I went to my local REI this morning, they were having one of their "garage sales." This REI does not have a bike shop, although they do sell bike gear. At the garage sale was a road bike for sale, which is not common to see. I took a look at it. It was a K2 womens road bike, new, priced at $320. I called my friend up and told her to get there as fast she could. During the time I was waiting for her. it was marked down to $200. (No one was looking at it). It was a steal: aluminum frame, carbon fork and seat stays, 9 speed triple Ultegra quality (short reach) STIs, 105 rear der, FSA cranks, tektro brakes, Tiagra front der., Alex rims, Joytech (?) hubs. A mix of components. I was really impressed with the quality of the shifters, I have the same ones on my bike. If she didn't buy it, I would have, even though I don't need another road bike.
My friend finally showed up. She took it for a quick spin and it seemed to fit pretty well and she bought it. I rode it to her house for her and it seemed to have a nice ride and shifted well. We rode around town together a bit and she seemed to like it a lot.
Finding a good bike for a friend is almost as much fun as buying a bike for yourself!:)
