$600 for a bike, what would you buy
01-09-08, 09:07 AM
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$600 for a bike, what would you buy
I would like to buy a new road bike, but dont have much money to spend. What would be my best buy for $600?
01-09-08, 09:09 AM
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Sua Ku
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If you know your size then I you should go for something second hand, ebay etc.
01-09-08, 09:11 AM
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https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...d_record08.htm
Yep, I'm a BD shill. Seriously though, I got an even cheaper bike from them and am pretty happy with it. If you don't mind turning a wrench and setting the bike up yourself, this is a good way to get a brand new bike. You can go used and possibly get a better bike.
Yep, I'm a BD shill. Seriously though, I got an even cheaper bike from them and am pretty happy with it. If you don't mind turning a wrench and setting the bike up yourself, this is a good way to get a brand new bike. You can go used and possibly get a better bike.
01-09-08, 09:13 AM
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I agree, $600 should get you something with decent components from ebay or craigslist. Check out this thread, the OP paid $450 for a new bike that is well equipped.
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/377444-finally-got-proper-road-bike.html
Edit: Only buy online if you know what size you need, otherwise, go for an entry level bike from a local shop. SOme local shops will also carry used bikes that are very good deals.
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/377444-finally-got-proper-road-bike.html
Edit: Only buy online if you know what size you need, otherwise, go for an entry level bike from a local shop. SOme local shops will also carry used bikes that are very good deals.
Last edited by JMT114; 01-09-08 at 10:26 AM.
01-09-08, 09:18 AM
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If it's strictly a roadie you're looking for, then consider the Trek 1.2 (formerly Trek 1000) or the Giant OCR3. Both are great entry level bikes. I've ridden a Trek 1000 now for 3 years and it's a great entry level bike
However, both manufacturers also offer fitness-type (Gianat FCR and Trek FX) bikes that offer many of the pleasures of a road bike but, at least at the low end, cost a few $$ less which brings them into line with your budget.
I don't dispute the price advantage to online deals, but buying from a reputable local bike shop and getting properly fitted has its merits also.
HTH
However, both manufacturers also offer fitness-type (Gianat FCR and Trek FX) bikes that offer many of the pleasures of a road bike but, at least at the low end, cost a few $$ less which brings them into line with your budget.
I don't dispute the price advantage to online deals, but buying from a reputable local bike shop and getting properly fitted has its merits also.
HTH
01-09-08, 12:02 PM
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Theres a really nice 56cm jamis ventura race on ebay. Search jamis ventura and it'll turn up. I think it was less than 600 with shipping. Looked really sweet!
01-09-08, 12:06 PM
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This time of year, you might be able to find a last-year's closeout Trek or Giant road bike at a local bike shop. Used bikes or mail-order bikes can be a problem is you're going to get serious in the sport because of fitting issues.
01-09-08, 01:05 PM
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If I had $600 to spend on a bike, I could find something used that once cost $1,500+ in perfect shape almost immediately.
01-09-08, 02:24 PM
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Something used for sure.
01-09-08, 02:54 PM
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Vintage Lugged Steel!
I just got this (see link below) bike for well under $600.00 on craigslist. Even after replacing the seat, stem and handlebar and adding a pair of aero brakes I am still under $600.00!
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/376755-my-new-vintage-cilo-pics.html
I just got this (see link below) bike for well under $600.00 on craigslist. Even after replacing the seat, stem and handlebar and adding a pair of aero brakes I am still under $600.00!
https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/376755-my-new-vintage-cilo-pics.html
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01-09-08, 04:14 PM
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Used. Do some research for a while to figure out how to get the right size bike and then start looking on craigslist and ebay.
I got the bike below for $500 including the computer, pedals and a new helmet.
I got the bike below for $500 including the computer, pedals and a new helmet.
01-09-08, 04:16 PM
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I'm happy with my Ibex. They don't carry the model I have anymore, but the Aprisa is good if you're looking for a new road bike on the cheap.
https://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/APR-4500-Details.html
https://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/APR-4500-Details.html
01-09-08, 05:14 PM
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Agree..this is a good way to go. I was in a shop today that had a closeout Disco 1000 for $600. You might be hit and miss with their sizing on closeouts, but it's worth a try.
01-09-08, 05:57 PM
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I think we bought from the same seller! I'm the guy who bought the bike the guy linked to earlier for $450, and I recognize the garage door/floor (it's not the same in the pictures of my bike, but I looked at his other auctions and they all have that floor/door). They must be clearing out all their old stock, they're selling tons of new bikes for pretty damn cheap.
01-09-08, 06:02 PM
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Used.
There are more than a few folks who have a $1800 105 equipped road bike that's got a year or two of dust on it that would take that cash the month after Christmas in a heartbeat.
There are more than a few folks who have a $1800 105 equipped road bike that's got a year or two of dust on it that would take that cash the month after Christmas in a heartbeat.
01-09-08, 06:30 PM
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Bicycling magazine just talked about winter bargain bikes and mentioned the entry-level trek. They said great things about it for beginner use. I was all into it and then they have to mention the one problem they had with it.....under performing brakes.
Now call me crazy, but the ONE thing I truely DON'T WANT on a bike is brakes that UNDERperform! This is particularly an important item for a beginner's bike.
I wonder how much would it cost to modify that problem if the rest of the bike is cool?
Now call me crazy, but the ONE thing I truely DON'T WANT on a bike is brakes that UNDERperform! This is particularly an important item for a beginner's bike.
I wonder how much would it cost to modify that problem if the rest of the bike is cool?
01-09-08, 06:35 PM
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Bicycling magazine just talked about winter bargain bikes and mentioned the entry-level trek. They said great things about it for beginner use. I was all into it and then they have to mention the one problem they had with it.....under performing brakes.
Now call me crazy, but the ONE thing I truely DON'T WANT on a bike is brakes that UNDERperform! This is particularly an important item for a beginner's bike.
I wonder how much would it cost to modify that problem if the rest of the bike is cool?
Now call me crazy, but the ONE thing I truely DON'T WANT on a bike is brakes that UNDERperform! This is particularly an important item for a beginner's bike.
I wonder how much would it cost to modify that problem if the rest of the bike is cool?
01-09-08, 06:40 PM
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Underperforming brakes?!?!?!?! Give me a break. (ha, ha!)
Let me help you with something here. It may seem absurd now, but you'll thank me later.
Ready? Here it is...
Ignore everything Bicycling Magazine has to say. That magazine is written and edited by a bunch of advertising *****s with nothing of merit to say.
Here's the little secret. With few exceptions, you can't go wrong buying a new bike anymore. They are all that good.
I promise you, there is no way if you buy the bargain Trek, you will end up with unsafe brakes. They may not be as powerful as top line brakes, but then again, as a beginner, you probably won't notice.
Heck, the designs of the top and bottom line brakes are so similar anyway, the biggest difference to note is probably the pad material which is easily changed.
Let me help you with something here. It may seem absurd now, but you'll thank me later.
Ready? Here it is...
Ignore everything Bicycling Magazine has to say. That magazine is written and edited by a bunch of advertising *****s with nothing of merit to say.
Here's the little secret. With few exceptions, you can't go wrong buying a new bike anymore. They are all that good.
I promise you, there is no way if you buy the bargain Trek, you will end up with unsafe brakes. They may not be as powerful as top line brakes, but then again, as a beginner, you probably won't notice.
Heck, the designs of the top and bottom line brakes are so similar anyway, the biggest difference to note is probably the pad material which is easily changed.
