Finding a Used Road Bike

smc0170

In May, the local university by my house does a giant campus wide yard sale where students donate anything they don't want to move home with them. This includes bikes....TONS of bikes. I've heard of really nice road bikes being in the sale in the past, so I want to see if I can pick up a good bike for my first race at a steep discount. Then I would take it to a local bike shop to get fitted/maybe get some aero bars.

The problem is, I have absolutely no idea what I'm looking for. I know next to nothing about bikes (I own a mountain bike that I'm planning to use to start with until this sale). Are there some specific brands/models/looks I should be looking for?

scott091501

Scott, Cervelo, Orbea, Felt, BMC, Lightspeed, Cannondale, Specialized are all good road bike brands.

I wouldn't buy anything under Ultegra grouppo from Shimano or the Rival set for Sram, but given the right price you may be able to switch out group sets later. Look to make sure the wear around the drivetrain isn't too bad. Shifters, crank, cassette, derailleurs. Also ride it to make sure it shifts smoothly.

halfiron2014

if you're riding a mountain bike now, almost any road bike will be a world of difference.that being said I agree with scott advice. I would also add That Trek makes some decent road bikes as well.

dolcezza72

Make sure your know what size you are,,, and also bring a tape and know how to measure the frame... cause a great bike that isn't the right fit... isn't that great after all. Good luck!!!

jacksonpt

Size is important, and you can make a reasonable estimate based on your height assuming you are fairly typical proportions.

I'd add trek and gaint to Scotts list as well, and they have some lower end bikes that may well show up at a sale like that.

I'd look for something with a shimano 105 or ultregra rear derailleur. If it's got that, then it's fairly safe to say it's got decent starter parts throughout. Check that the pedals spin smoothly, that the wheels are straight and true, and that there is no structural damage (dents/cracks) to the frame.

dickrocketjones

good advice. it's the brakes and components that really make the bike. all the frames are pretty much the same. for instance if you have two aluminum framed bikes that fit you- one with 105 components one with ultegra, then the ultegra is a better bike. do your research and have all that written down before hand and go shopping. you should get a good deal.