Bike buying help

RunAmock
RunAmock Posts: 95 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I want a road bike. I am not a snob but I don't know anything at all about road bikes. I am lost as to how to get the most bang for my buck. How much do I need to count on spending in order to get a lot of bang for my buck without going broke in the process? Any help would be much appreciated!! :) Thanks.

Replies

  • kehuizenga
    kehuizenga Posts: 151
    I want to know about this too--they are so expensive! You might try a used one on craigslist maybe?
  • scott091501
    scott091501 Posts: 1,260 Member
    Tough call really. Best bang for your buck is used. That said it's tough buying used if you don't know what to look for wear and tear wise when you buy. You can get lightly used bikes on Craigslist for about 50-65% of retail. I wouldn't buy a bike off of ebay because it is hard to know if it's the right size or what the wear really is sight unseen.

    I'd start by going to all your local bike shops that would be within a distance you are comfortable with driving to get the bike serviced. Talk with the sales staff, talk with the mechanics, and discuss your goals for the bike and see what they recommend for you. If it's casual riding with the occasional charity tour here or there and they try to sell you a $4k bike run, don't walk, out of the store. If you get quality advice, listen and maybe look at a bike from there. I'd think you could get away with a good, new bike for $800. Especially if you wait until the end of the year. Bikes are like cars and the shops will want to make room for the new models on the floor.
  • cohophysh
    cohophysh Posts: 288
    Tough call really. Best bang for your buck is used. That said it's tough buying used if you don't know what to look for wear and tear wise when you buy. You can get lightly used bikes on Craigslist for about 50-65% of retail. I wouldn't buy a bike off of ebay because it is hard to know if it's the right size or what the wear really is sight unseen.

    I'd start by going to all your local bike shops that would be within a distance you are comfortable with driving to get the bike serviced. Talk with the sales staff, talk with the mechanics, and discuss your goals for the bike and see what they recommend for you. If it's casual riding with the occasional charity tour here or there and they try to sell you a $4k bike run, don't walk, out of the store. If you get quality advice, listen and maybe look at a bike from there. I'd think you could get away with a good, new bike for $800. Especially if you wait until the end of the year. Bikes are like cars and the shops will want to make room for the new models on the floor.

    ^^this^^ also ride everything and anything, the most important part is the bike fit. Trek sells some decent bikes. Also, for your first bike you may want to consider a mountain bike because they are a little more versatile in the sense you can ride them off and on road, off road is not so easy with a road bike, unless you get a cyclocross.

    So like I said, ride everything in your price range, including mountain bikes.
    Good luck and tell us what you find.
  • ModoVincere
    ModoVincere Posts: 530 Member
    Go to a local bike shop near you. They should be able to set you up with a bike that will fit you properly. If the bike doesn't fit you properly, your likely to not use it...and it could be unsafe.
    For an entry level, good road bike I'd think you are looking at $600 and up. This will likely have Shimano Sora level componentsl. For basic riding and getting in shape, this is perfectly acceptable. If you think you may want to try racing, you may need to look a little higher up and get at least Shimano Tiagra components. I'd really recommend Shimano 105 though for that.
    You will want to get clothes for riding too. Bike shorts have padding in them that makes it easier to ride longer distances with less pain in sensitive areas. Gloves are good as are water bottles and bottle cages.
    If you think you need to carry anything on the bike, a rack is a good idea....but that can wait.
  • Marmitegeoff
    Marmitegeoff Posts: 373 Member
    Tough call really. Best bang for your buck is used. That said it's tough buying used if you don't know what to look for wear and tear wise when you buy. You can get lightly used bikes on Craigslist for about 50-65% of retail. I wouldn't buy a bike off of ebay because it is hard to know if it's the right size or what the wear really is sight unseen.

    I'd start by going to all your local bike shops that would be within a distance you are comfortable with driving to get the bike serviced. Talk with the sales staff, talk with the mechanics, and discuss your goals for the bike and see what they recommend for you. If it's casual riding with the occasional charity tour here or there and they try to sell you a $4k bike run, don't walk, out of the store. If you get quality advice, listen and maybe look at a bike from there. I'd think you could get away with a good, new bike for $800. Especially if you wait until the end of the year. Bikes are like cars and the shops will want to make room for the new models on the floor.

    Go local unless they try to fleece you. you will usually get the best service there, remember it will need servicing.
  • RunAmock
    RunAmock Posts: 95 Member
    Thanks for all of your input. Much appreciation!!! :) It's all SOO confusing.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories