First road/racer - help
leilaphoenix
Posts: 839 Member
Hi everyone,
I've been a cycle commuter for a number of years. I ride a trusty Ridgeback Speed which can deal with the bashing it gets around the cycle parking in city centre Oxford. I'm 5ft2 with short legs and my Ridgeback is a 17" frame.
Now, I'd love to buy a road/racer. Something that is significantly lighter than my hybrid and something I can take out on the weekends and zoom up hills on. I have recently learned some basic cycle mechanics and quite like the idea of fixing something up with the help of my local bike coop who run assisted workshop time.
I have found one potential:
The shop who have this bike say "Standard sizes for racing bikes are around 19-21, so small ones are hard to get hold of or more expensive. However, I have got a 1980s Raleigh racer in a primrose yellow that would be small enough for you though, not too sure on the frame size but it has slightly smaller wheels than a standard racing bike so should be ideal! Price wise, I'll be looking for around £100 once refurbished as I need to fit a new chain/tyres and some other parts. I've attatched a photo, It looks normal sized but it is much smaller than standard!"
I was wondering if some bike experts could help me
- what should I be looking for in a 2nd hand bike. What are the absolutely important things to have in good nick?
- what useful questions could I ask the shop?
- any other advice?
Thanks bicycle friends!
Leila
I've been a cycle commuter for a number of years. I ride a trusty Ridgeback Speed which can deal with the bashing it gets around the cycle parking in city centre Oxford. I'm 5ft2 with short legs and my Ridgeback is a 17" frame.
Now, I'd love to buy a road/racer. Something that is significantly lighter than my hybrid and something I can take out on the weekends and zoom up hills on. I have recently learned some basic cycle mechanics and quite like the idea of fixing something up with the help of my local bike coop who run assisted workshop time.
I have found one potential:
The shop who have this bike say "Standard sizes for racing bikes are around 19-21, so small ones are hard to get hold of or more expensive. However, I have got a 1980s Raleigh racer in a primrose yellow that would be small enough for you though, not too sure on the frame size but it has slightly smaller wheels than a standard racing bike so should be ideal! Price wise, I'll be looking for around £100 once refurbished as I need to fit a new chain/tyres and some other parts. I've attatched a photo, It looks normal sized but it is much smaller than standard!"
I was wondering if some bike experts could help me
- what should I be looking for in a 2nd hand bike. What are the absolutely important things to have in good nick?
- what useful questions could I ask the shop?
- any other advice?
Thanks bicycle friends!
Leila
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Replies
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Modern bikes are usually measured in centimeters rather than inches. I would start with going to a bike shop and see if you can get fitted with the proper sized frame. People of the same height don't always ride the same size bikes either. Some have long legs and arms but short torsos and some are the other way around. Some have more flexibility and core strength that allows more aggressive positions on the bike while staying comfortable. You could get a brand new entry level road bike at a place like Performance (a national chain) for $400-500. Also, if you choose to go the used route, don't worry about spending money to much money. Road bikes after they are a few years old hold their value quite well. I have bought road bikes, ridden them for a season and turned around and sold them for what I paid for them.0
