cannondale?

[relaygirl]

Hi-I am new-like never been on a bike (well since high school anyway ). I am an ultra runner with a heel stress fracture so I am buying a bike! I have found a cannondale:

Cannondale CAAD 8 (T6061 aluminum frame) with a Shimano Sora Triple, 50/39/30 crankset and front derailleur and Shimano Tiagra shifters, brakes, and rear derailleur

it is on craigslist they say ridden just for 1 year, not a lot---any opinions of this bike for a beginner? I am going to give a try at a half ironman in September. I have been shopping and I am trying to find the best bike I can get for $500. I understand that the 105 is more preferable. I am not looking to win-just to be comfortable and not look like an idiot.

Thanks!

[channlluv]

I don't think you'd ever look like an idiot on a Cannondale. I think this is a good entry-level bike (better than most, actually), but I'm not an expert. Just married to a Cannondale fanatic. I ride a Specialized Ruby Comp myself, also bought on Craigslist at a huge discount from someone who was done with riding. (There was a guy involved. He broke her heart and she never really liked cycling anyway...win for me. She would have given me her Sidi shoes, too, if they'd fit me.) She had 104 miles on the bike, according to the computer she left attached to the handlebars.

You can get a really good deal buying used.

Check the bike for scratches, cracks in the frame, and stuff like that. If it's been in a bad wreck or generally mechanically abused (the owner didn't maintain the chain, crank, gears, and all that), it could cost you a lot of money to repair and negate any savings.

Good luck and welcome to TE!

Roxy

[relaygirl]

Thanks Roxy!!! I am on my way down to check it out. He doesn't have flat pedals for me to try it out with though and I don't think I can clip in right now. I guess it will work with my running shoes? I am so new, it is not even funny.

[relaygirl]

I bought it!!! It is really basic. I can't believe I have a bike. It just has flat pedals right now so I will have to get shoes and clips. I got it for $400-it was in good condition and well cared for. IT is definitely a beginner bike but I love it.

THanks!

[relaygirl]

muirenn-I don't feel comfortable going clipless with my foot being so messed up. I have to be able to get a foot on the ground very quickly so I don't slam down this left foot! So thank you for that reassurance. I am so scared to ride in traffic.

Do I need gloves? I have to get a helmet and bike shorts, I guess. Just trying to get the basics.

[Catrin]

muirenn-I don't feel comfortable going clipless with my foot being so messed up. I have to be able to get a foot on the ground very quickly so I don't slam down this left foot! So thank you for that reassurance. I am so scared to ride in traffic.

Do I need gloves? I have to get a helmet and bike shorts, I guess. Just trying to get the basics.

Yes, you do need gloves to protect your hands.

You absolutely do not have to go clipless right now - or ever if that is what you want! Do not allow anyone to tell you that you aren't a real cyclist if you do not clip in - I have actually had someone tell me this. It is your ride and you need to do what works for you. I ride quite long distances with BMX pedals - so far the furthest I've gone is 70 miles without clipping in. I've had foot surgery myself so I understand.

If you do decide to stick with platform pedals, you should probably look into better pedals than what came with your bike eventually. Personally I prefer BMX pedals because there are pins that give my shoes something to grip and my feet stay where they are supposed to, they don't bounce off yet I am not attached to the pedal.

Last summer I rode close to 500 miles clipped in, and while there are advantages to that, it isn't the only way to do it. I am currently back on my BMX pedals due to recovering from an injury.

Really all you need right now is a helmet and gloves. Bike shorts would certainly make your ride more comfortable - go with the most expensive that you can afford...it does matter where shorts are concerned. They should be the tightest that you can fit into - you don't want the padding to slide around when you are on the bike

Do you know how to change a tire? If not, see if one of your local bike stores might have a clinic where you can learn that. You will also need a small seat-bag in which to keep your tube and tire changing tools - there isn't much but it is important to have this on the bike at all times.