Tips on buying a used road bike

[prime]

Calling all experienced cyclists out there!

I'm extremely new to road/touring bikes. To put into perspective the last time I rode a bike was probably 3-4 years ago on an off-the-shelf mountain bike from CdnTire. I really have no idea what to look for in a bike so I would like to buy a used one from Kijiji. I have roughly ~$400 to spend on one and narrowed it down to this one: http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-bikes-road-Miele-Road-Bike-W0QQAdIdZ394080634

Can someone please chime in on whether this is a reasonable price and what missing information I should know? I'm 5'9 and I intend to learn more and upgrade later. If anybody finds anything else better or if you're selling your own please don't hesitate to pm me.


ps. I'm letting go of tracking the MZ3 as a hobby and replacing it with cycling instead. Just a heads up I'm going to be posting up my OZ wheels and helmet for sale and maybe a couple more things.

Thanks in advance!

[SirWanker]

The important thing is to make sure the bike "fits" your body ( see here for a rough guide http://bicycling.about.com/od/howtoride/a/bike_sizing.htm ).
Better yet go to one of the better cycling stores ( not Canadian Tire and stores in that category) and determine what frame size is appropriate. It has been a while since I've been there but Duke's Cycle ( 625 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON. ) is pretty good with service and information.

Don't forget about the helmet and proper cycling attire ( shorts & jersey ) as they will factor in your comfort and performance in the long run.

[joedemarco]

if your 5'9 your in the M to L range...im 5'10 and I ride a Large frame....I believe its a 54cm...I dont know to be honest.

I work at cyclepath in woodbridge, I've been around bikes alot, I did my reasearch...the only thing I dont know about bikes is grades of Carbon Fibre...which is on my "Learn List' This summer...dont buy that bike...save the $440 and wait until you have another $440 and buy a New bike from a proper bike shop, that bike is out dated and cannot be upgraded with modern day parts, Its a complete waste.

If your that interested in cycling then your best bet is to save until you can buy yourself a modern bike that is up to date and modern components that will perform much better than the dinosaur components on there now.

my opinion...save your money.

[leecheefoto]

Get a track bike. Track it. Velodrome bro.. Then I can come with you lol

[SirWanker]

As for the bike in the ad:

test ride it
ensure you are able to smoothly change all gears in the large and small cranks
ensure you are able to smoothly spin the crank without any noise
smooth braking i.e. ensure the brake pads are actually working
look for any signs of rust
is the bike "true" i.e. will it go in a straight line if you take your hands off the handlebars
are the rims true ( spin each rim and observe the clearance between the brake pads and rim; if there is too much variation then the rims are bent)

edit: or listen to joedemarco. sales on bikes will begin shortly so 1K will get you a decent entry level racer.

[yally]

Many road bikes are wayyyy over priced on kijiji or Craigslist. That Miele isn't worth more than $200. Save up just a bit more and focus on brand names with bikes that are less than 10 years old in excellent condition. Trek, Specialized, GT... With many people looking to sell, it's very easy to find a quality road bike that fits your size in the $500-600 range online. If I see any good ones, I'll post.

[prime]

if your 5'9 your in the M to L range...im 5'10 and I ride a Large frame....I believe its a 54cm...I dont know to be honest.

I work at cyclepath in woodbridge, I've been around bikes alot, I did my reasearch...the only thing I dont know about bikes is grades of Carbon Fibre...which is on my "Learn List' This summer...dont buy that bike...save the $440 and wait until you have another $440 and buy a New bike from a proper bike shop, that bike is out dated and cannot be upgraded with modern day parts, Its a complete waste.

If your that interested in cycling then your best bet is to save until you can buy yourself a modern bike that is up to date and modern components that will perform much better than the dinosaur components on there now.

my opinion...save your money.
I may hold onto buying that used bike after what you said. What in your opinion is an example of a decent NEW "starter" bike? I'm not sure if spending +$1k on a bike is something I want to do right now since I currently don't have plans on cycling competitively. For now I just want to bike for cardio and something to replace my MZ3 in terms of performance modifications lol.



As for the bike in the ad:

test ride it
ensure you are able to smoothly change all gears in the large and small cranks
ensure you are able to smoothly spin the crank without any noise
smooth braking i.e. ensure the brake pads are actually working
look for any signs of rust
is the bike "true" i.e. will it go in a straight line if you take your hands off the handlebars
are the rims true ( spin each rim and observe the clearance between the brake pads and rim; if there is too much variation then the rims are bent)

edit: or listen to joedemarco. sales on bikes will begin shortly so 1K will get you a decent entry level racer.

Wow that's really helpful tips. If I do end up buying a used bike I'm sure to follow your guidelines. I appreciate the input.



I think I may just visit a professional bike shop like SirWanker proposed and get more exposure than waste my money like joedemarco said. With that said, is there a forum you guys are using just like TM3 that you would recommend for a newbie like me?

[prime]

Many road bikes are wayyyy over priced on kijiji or Craigslist. That Miele isn't worth more than $200. Save up just a bit more and focus on brand names with bikes that are less than 10 years old in excellent condition. Trek, Specialized, GT... With many people looking to sell, it's very easy to find a quality road bike that fits your size in the $500-600 range online. If I see any good ones, I'll post.

Thanks man. I'd appreciate that...

[yally]

Thanks man. I'd appreciate that...

Ok, here are some quick...some I'm sure some can be negotiated further. Can sometimes take a few weeks for the right bike at right price to pop up! Also, be careful for "too" good a deal. Online classifieds can sometime be shady for used bikes.

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-bikes-road-Road-race-GT-bike-W0QQAdIdZ394228198

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-bikes-road-Road-bike-W0QQAdIdZ392719903

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/3098419427.html

Will need to invest a bit in this one...

http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/3050661971.html

Not a bad deal if you can find one....

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/sportchek-jamis-ventura-sport-mens-road-bike-360-tax-coupons-ymmv-1174926/

[m_bisson]

if your 5'9 your in the M to L range...im 5'10 and I ride a Large frame....I believe its a 54cm...I dont know to be honest.

I work at cyclepath in woodbridge, I've been around bikes alot, I did my reasearch...the only thing I dont know about bikes is grades of Carbon Fibre...which is on my "Learn List' This summer...dont buy that bike...save the $440 and wait until you have another $440 and buy a New bike from a proper bike shop, that bike is out dated and cannot be upgraded with modern day parts, Its a complete waste.

If your that interested in cycling then your best bet is to save until you can buy yourself a modern bike that is up to date and modern components that will perform much better than the dinosaur components on there now.

my opinion...save your money.

this is my advice too. if you get a cheap bike you won't enjoy riding and you'll probably go find a new hobby. look around the 800-1200 range for a new bike and you'll be much happier.

[joedemarco]

I may hold onto buying that used bike after what you said. What in your opinion is an example of a decent NEW "starter" bike? I'm not sure if spending +$1k on a bike is something I want to do right now since I currently don't have plans on cycling competitively. For now I just want to bike for cardio and something to replace my MZ3 in terms of performance modifications lol.




Wow that's really helpful tips. If I do end up buying a used bike I'm sure to follow your guidelines. I appreciate the input.



I think I may just visit a professional bike shop like SirWanker proposed and get more exposure than waste my money like joedemarco said. With that said, is there a forum you guys are using just like TM3 that you would recommend for a newbie like me?

forum....not that I know, get familliar with Shimano Road Bike Components (Sora, Tiagara, 105, Ultegra, Dura Ace...and for fun Di2) learn what a crankset, deraillure, are, learn about their different systems, how they work, then benefit of each. There are also SRAM and Campagnuolo, they both make bike components...learn as much as you can then make the commitment...research wheels and their benefit, all these things will allow you to justify saving and buying a better bike, or at least give you enough knowledge to make an educated decision

LOL @ the bolded comment (in a joking, fun, non offensive way) - competitive race bikes start at $3000...minimum (carbon fibre, high end components etc) beginner bikes start at around $799 were talking aluminum frame, Sora components.

Check youtube for videos and reviews.



edit: http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/3050661971.html - buy this or this - http://toronto.en.craigslist.ca/tor/bik/3098419427.html

[Mr Wilson]

Check out Pinkbike and it's 'buy/sell' section.

Sir Wanker pretty much covered what to look for. Nothing wrong with a used bike that checks out. As mentioned as well, its cheaper to get abetter bike from the outset rather than upgrade over time.

Closer to us check Wheels on Bloor, Racer Sportif doesn't have time for you unless you ride a $10,000 bike. The one at Jane and Bloor is pretty good too.

[ZeroChalk]

I'm also looking for bike too! Not to side-track the thread too much, anyone recommends a good hybrid/cyclocross/touring bike? Couple of brands that I've been looking at it is Jamie and DeVinci. I'm looking for a solid bike to take camping, paved trails, etc.

thanks.

[joedemarco]

@zerochalk: look at the Giant Roam...the model ranges from $540 - $1500. Its an amazing bike, and incredibly versatile! If I did more camping and leisurely trail riding...this would be the only bike I would buy. Also look at the the Specialized crosstrail - same idea, different colours lol

@MrWilson: I though Wheels on Bloor was another one of those snob bike shops, I know they are a great shop, as well as Racer Sportif, they just built a hell of a snob rep fo sho

[Mr Wilson]

ZeroChalk, Cannondale (Crank n' Fail) used to have a real nice hyrbid that was all black and used the headshock with Avid mechanical brakes.......not sure if they still make it.

Joe, yes they are pretty snobby, but no where near as douchetastic. If anything, it's close to his location and they can at least measure him and give him sizing. Chain Reaction is nearby and somewhat luke warm. I only shop at Cycle Solutions (beaches) or East Side Cycle in Kitchener (well worth the drive).

[joedemarco]

I work at 2 bike shops. Woodbridge cyclepath and Walk, Run, Ride in Bolton. Woodbridge has a bit of the higher end bikes/components and accessories, and the owners are fantastic friendly people.

what kind od riding do you do? what bike?

LOL your another person who hates on Cannondale, I love their bikes, the SuperSix EVO (until it changes again) is my dream bike (with SRAM Red and Reynolds RZR wheels). I love everything Cannondale, BB30, Hollowgram Crank, lightest stock crank on the market...pure innovators.

[Mr Wilson]

I have a 'do it all' or 'do most' Trek EX8 with a RS Lyrik up front, E13 SRS, Sram X0, Avid Juicy Ultimates, DT Swiss wheelset (FR2350/EX1750), etc, etc and a Devinci Wilson, carbon Dordao, Sram X.0., Magura Gustavs, Dt Swiss EX1750, Twenty6, spare MY10 Boxxer WC, etc, etc......think I have a pic,

http://gp1.pinkbike.org/p4pb7969283/p4pb7969283.jpg

Closet love for Cannondale.

[ZeroChalk]

thanks guys. Any particular time to buy a bike? Is there a mid-summer sale coming up? Can I negotiate on price? It seems most bike stores are selling at MRSP.

Think I narrowed it down to the Giant Rapid 2 or Cannondale Quick 3 (leaning towards Giant). Thoughts?

[Mr Wilson]

At this point the fall Toronto Bike Show will be your best bet. The 2013 bikes will have come in and shops will be getting rid of 2012 models.

[m_bisson]

Fall is also a decent time to sweet talk deals with the smaller shops. They always worry about paying their employees in the winter ;)

[joedemarco]

All bike shops will start to put their bikes on sale more or less in September...there isnt much more of a discount offered at the fall bike show. If you decide to wait for the fall show then 100% go to Gears Bike Shop, they are fantastic and very honest. I helped a friend buy a bike from them last year and he is very impressed and happy with the service and the bike itself (Cannondale Caad10)


I go to the show every year...why? I dont know...but anyway set yourself a reminder...shoot me a message when the time comes, I'll be happy to meet with you and help you shop for one. thats if you wait until the show.

[SirWanker]

Either that or wait until next spring. Shops will deep-discount any left-over models from the previous year but you may not find the proper size.

[ZeroChalk]

Either that or wait until next spring. Shops will deep-discount any left-over models from the previous year but you may not find the proper size.

but... but... summer is here! Thanks guys, probably going to try and pick it up this weekend or next. Perhaps I can find a 2011.

[SirWanker]

http://youtu.be/dY1XZ02x0jo


http://youtu.be/N9POYvZFyms

for inspiration

[ZeroChalk]

what's a good lock?

[prime]

@joedemarco - Great info. I've been spending a lot of time reading up on Shimano parts and the terminologies you've just outlined.
@Mr. Wilson - I was actually window shopping at Wheels of Bloor one night after they had closed and the staff/owner were walking back to the store and chatted with me inviting me to visit the store to go for a test ride and fitting. I think I'm going to pay them a visit since they had a deal online and seemed pretty hospitable.


I took a look at race sportif and they're selection was wayyyy out of my budget so I didn't even bother. I ran into pinkbike at some point as well. I found some good deals on it but they don't last long. I haven't completely outruled looking at used bikes. Since you guys are mentioning a lot of things and places that I'm running in to in my research I guess I'm on the right path :)

[SirWanker]

Duke's is having a sale on Trek road bikes, $200 off 2012 models

[prime]

I bit the bullet and bought a brand new Rocky Mountain Oxygen 50 :)
It was over my budget but so far enjoying it. Thanks for all the help guys.

[Mr Wilson]

^^^ Congrats, enjoy the ride!

[joedemarco]

congrats!!! its an investment to your overall health, the extra money was worth it!!!