I'd love your opinion - good price for a Terry Symmetry?

[spotlightmama]

Hi - this is my first post, so hopefully I put this in the right place!

I am completely new to biking - I will be completing my first (but hopefully not last) triathlon in a few weeks and realized I'd rather not complete it on my lame, department store bike.

I found a used Terry Symmetry locally, but I'm not sure if it's a fair price. I've tried to research it, but I can't really get any info on pricing (and I don't have a local Terry dealer). Anyway, here are the specs:

Georgena Terry Symmetry womans roadbike. Purchased new & ridden 46 miles. Stored inside. Mint condition. All Shimano Tiagra Flightdeck componetry. Triple crank 27-speed cassette. Cateye Computer. Velocity Aerohead rims. Panaracer Technova tires. Clipless peddles. Quick release hubs front & rear. This bike was purchased for my wife, but she hasn't the time to ride.

They are asking $450 for this bike. Thanks in advance for your responses!!

[Blueberry]

Welcome

Fit is the most important thing, as I'm sure you know That's a short time to get used to a new bike before a Tri, but if it's a good fit, you should be OK.

Assuming it fits, it seems like a decent deal. This may give you some more points of reference: http://www.terrybicycles.com/trade/i...ml?browse=sell
Here's another one that (was) for sale for $650. Do check over the bike to make sure the wear estimate is correct. http://www.sheldonbrown.com/chains.html - read the section on measuring chain wear, and go armed with your tape measure

The new Symmetry is $1330, but has slightly upgraded components (105).

Good luck!

CA

[spotlightmama]

Thanks for the response!

I was trying to decide if it was better to ride my crappy bike (which, at least I've ridden) or get a new bike (that I won't have much time to ride/break-in).

This is a short tri and only has a 9-mile bike. I've only taken my bike out twice, once for 10.5 miles and yesterday for 22 miles. Realistically, I will only do a few more rides before the race. I have never ridden a road bike, so I have no clue as to how hard it is to get used to.

So yea, I really left it for the last minute.

[Triskeliongirl]

If it is in mint condition as they say, and it is new enough to have 9 speed components, its an excellent value (I have owned 4 terry bikes). Do you know what year it was made? I know the bikes from 2001 on are definitely 9 spd, possibly earlier ones are too.
p.s. actually the comment on 27 speeds means it is a 9 spd triple, so yes its a very fair price (if condition is as stated). Of course the size has to be right too. If you know the size, I have some older geometry charts I could email you.

[spotlightmama]

If it is in mint condition as they say, and it is new enough to have 9 speed components, its an excellent value (I have owned 4 terry bikes). Do you know what year it was made? I know the bikes from 2001 on are definitely 9 spd, possibly earlier ones are too.
p.s. actually the comment on 27 speeds means it is a 9 spd triple, so yes its a very fair price (if condition is as stated). Of course the size has to be right too. If you know the size, I have some older geometry charts I could email you.

Thanks!! I asked the size and this is his response:

"The “standover” height is 28”

When I asked the year, he said he didn't know the exact year. I was thinking of buying it with the stipulation that I would have it checked out by my LBS to confirm that it is as new as he says.

ETA: I just went to my LBS and tried out a 50cm, which he said was a great fit. He said I could also probably go with a 52cm. I don't know if that helps at all...

[Triskeliongirl]

According to my geometry charts, with a standover ht of 28" its most likely the 17.5" model, which is 44 cm (center to center). If you are a 50-52 then its probably too small for you. I'll also warn you that while they are great bikes, a symetry may be heavier than you want for a triathalon. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, and are sure about your size I'd look for a used trek1000, 50 or 52cm. There are tons on ebay at good prices.

If you really like it, upgrade to a trek5200 or its equivalent.

So, to answer your first question is this a fair price, I would say yes if the condition is as stated. But, I do not think its the right size for you. Out of curiousity, how tall are you, and do you know your cycling inseam? How did you feel riding the 50cm bike in the shop? What model was it?

Thanks!! I asked the size and this is his response:

"The “standover” height is 28”

When I asked the year, he said he didn't know the exact year. I was thinking of buying it with the stipulation that I would have it checked out by my LBS to confirm that it is as new as he says.

ETA: I just went to my LBS and tried out a 50cm, which he said was a great fit. He said I could also probably go with a 52cm. I don't know if that helps at all...

[Bad JuJu]

ETA: I just went to my LBS and tried out a 50cm, which he said was a great fit. He said I could also probably go with a 52cm. I don't know if that helps at all...

Also, you--not the LBS guy--should be the judge of what is (or is not) a good fit. Take the bike out for a spin--the longer the better--and really see how it feels. It could look like a great fit, but feel lousy, depending on your proportions, flexibility, preferences, etc.