Advice on buying a bike

[Lori]

I was told that I was allowed to ride my own bicycle while at work, since the bikes that we have are made for Goliath sized men. So, I dug out the Walmart "Next" Brand bike that has been sitting in my garage for three years and never ridden.
I thought that I would put some miles and hours on it and make everyone happy and save some gas.

Well, I find that I absolutely LOVE it. I actually look forward to going to work because I can ride my bike. Unfortunately I have the sore *ss to prove it too.

I am riding around 6 to 10 miles a day on average. i would ride more but, I will refer you to the sore booty problem mentioned above.

So, I thought to myself....self....you need to buy a new seat so that you can ride more. While in the bike shops searcing for a seat, (By the way, who knew there was so much to learn about bicycles) I of course started eyeballing all of the shiney new mountain bikes.


Now I have the new mountain bike fever in a big bad nasty way. However, I cannot afford to drop 500 dollars or more on a bicycle right now. I went to several shops and looked around and fondled the bikes and every bike that I really liked was either a Specialized or a Giant.

So, I started searching craigs list , obsessively I might add,in hope of finding a good used bike that is dependable, reasonably priced and one that will be able to grow with me as a rider. One that also will fit my five foot frame.

I think that I have found it, but being a novice I am not sure. I thought that I would post the link on here and see what ya'll thought about this bike before I spend my money on it.

If you do not think it is a good buy, please tell me. If you think there are other bikes that are good and in the same price range, please let me know that as well.

I appreciate it the time and look forward to hearing your answers.


The webpage for the used bike is :

http://tampa.craigslist.org/bik/462481014.html



They originally wanted $275 when it was first put out there.

[smilingcat]

Hi,

things to remember about buying a used bike.

How many miles does it have?
Has it ever been in a crash?

Other things to look out for is make sure that the side wall on the tires are not cracked, cables are not rusted, no rust where the spoke attaches to the wheel (that little extra piece is called a nipple). Chain should go around the gears in the back smoothly. meaning the link(s) should not be frozen. Around where I live there are lots of beach cruiser in REALLY bad shape with salt air.

Spin the wheel and see that the wheel doesn't wobble. To check, watch the wheel, the metal part, spinning by the brake and see if that opening goes big and small.

The frame size you are looking is probably in 48cm or less range.

The bike should be less than 8 or so years old so that the things on the bike are still compatible with newer parts sold today.

This is the best time of the year to buy a used bike.check e-bay, craig's list, local paper... check even your local bike shop and big box store.

And the fit. Make sure it fits you first and foremost.

And do look at some local bike shops too. Sometimes they have used bikes for sale.

-----------------
Yes when you first start riding, your buns are going to hurt for a while. And if you have a good comfortable seat, the pain will go away in like a week or two. It's your buns getting used to the bike seat.

smilingcat

[sandra]

I clicked on the link and it has been deleted. Did you buy it?

[lizc]

Same question - did you buy it, the link was gone.

Real Estate: Location. location. Location.

Bicycles: Fit. Fit. Fit.

If you haven't purchased a bike yet, definitely get fit. First find the right frame size and geometry for you. And make sure it is right for you. I tried a ton of women's geometry bikes and in the end, the standard geometry fit me better. Just because it says women's doesn't mean it will fit all women.

So whether you spend $500 or $5,000 dollars make sure the frame size is correct and that the distance between the seat and handlebars is correct. The seat and handlebar height are correct and that the handlebars are not too wide or narrow for your build. More than anything, this will make the difference of whether or not you will enjoy your new or new-to-you bike.

Any decent bike shop will fit you and some will fit you for a fee if you don't buy there ($25 - $100). The best trained fit specialists seem to have gone to the Serotta Fit school (don't have sell Serotta bikes to be certified).

I test rode a bunch of bikes and in the end I got fitted and had a bike assembled for me (stock frame & then pieces added). I was nervous about not being able to "test ride" before buying, but I took the leap (based upon the above advice from some friends who have ridden for years) and I couldn't be happier. The best fitting, most comfortable bike I have ridden. I'm never sore (butt, back, neck, shoulders, legs).

Also, once you get your bike, as you ride more you may find that your posture will change, so if you do start getting sore or losing power, or you become more or less flexible, just go back to your fit specialist and they can make adjustments (or teach you how to do it) that will keep you comfortable and riding at your best.

Good Luck! Let us know what you ended up with.

[Brandi]

awwwww the link has been terminated! I want to know what it was and if you bought it too.
I agree with the above fit fit fit! My first two bikes were not fit right. My husband actually fit my last bike and it is sooo wonderful! I still have my 15 inch giant in the garage. I needed a 14 inch. But I keep it cause it is perfect for when people visit who like to ride. Except for my friend Bob who is 6'5. I can not support a bike for someone that tall!
My first bike was soooooo heavy it made me not want to ride!

[WhirlyGirl]

You may have already purchased it, but here's my two cents.

Used bikes can be great, but I strongly reccomend them from your LBS rather than online. A LBS has a skilled (hopefully) mechanic that will give it a complete safety check as well as make sure all components are in good working order and will take care of the bike after the sale just as if it were a new bike from them. Online you may be getting a bike that is not in great shape and the repairs can cost you dearly after the purchase.
Not to mention the fit as mentioned above, that is so important!