Cheap bike thoughts - JP Fitness Forums

tcoy777 · 06-06-2008, 01:25 PM

I know this is going to sound really stupid, but here it goes.

I only really want to spend $200.00 or so on a bike as I am more into running then biking, but want to start. My friend has a old Bianchi for sale that he would let me have for $200. Its probably a 80's model and seems fairly well taken care of, but shifts really hard and kind of uncomfortable.

I have looked at some sports stores and seen this GMC Denali bike

Which one should I go for. A new crap bike or a older quality bike that maybe on its last legs.

thanks in advance for allowing me post a really stupid question.

LisaS · 06-06-2008, 01:29 PM

Quote:

but shifts really hard and kind of uncomfortable.

not a bike expert here but I'm not sure what this means? Is this something that a little tune-up from the LBS could fix? Is the shifting uncomfortable or the ride itself?

Aoife · 06-06-2008, 02:01 PM

For a bit more you could get a not quite the crappiest bike ever that's still only 3-400.

Otherwise, ride em and see. I'd guess the new beater would be lighter, under some kind of warranty, and prolly more comfortable.

In my personal experience, anyway. I guess it might depend on the stores you have around you.

tcoy777 · 06-06-2008, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LisaS

not a bike expert here but I'm not sure what this means? Is this something that a little tune-up from the LBS could fix? Is the shifting uncomfortable or the ride itself?

Shifting is clunky, the ride is uncomfortable. Where the shifters are located are a bit clumsy for me, but I could get use to it. The new bikes have them more towards the handle bars instead of the upper part of the frame. The older bike is lighter and probably originally built better as bianchi is suppose to be a good brand.

tcoy777 · 06-06-2008, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aoife

For a bit more you could get a not quite the crappiest bike ever that's still only 3-400.

Otherwise, ride em and see. I'd guess the new beater would be lighter, under some kind of warranty, and prolly more comfortable.

In my personal experience, anyway. I guess it might depend on the stores you have around you.

Yeah I know. I found a close out deal from REI on a bike that was normally 650.00 marked down to 430.00. I just cant swing that much now and I really wanted to get something while I do my marathon training for my cross training days.

tcoy777 · 06-06-2008, 02:11 PM

Marin Portofino from REI 434.00. AHH I am so confused!!!

emartin10 · 06-06-2008, 02:33 PM

^^That's a far better bike than the GMC bike. If you can learn some basic bike maintenance skills, you could probably keep an older bike riding pretty well.

E

tcoy777 · 06-06-2008, 02:53 PM

Thats kind of what I am feeling. For 200.00 the bianchi would be a good deal, but if I can get another 200.00 I would go with the Marin. Just did not know if a cheaper new bike would be better then a older better brand bike.

emartin10 · 06-06-2008, 03:13 PM

Are you a member at REI? If so, you'll recoup some of that money (not a lot, probably like $15 in rewards), but that's something else to think about.

E

ODB · 06-07-2008, 10:08 AM

Old quality is way better than new cheap. I rode a 1989 Cannondale SR800 for about 8 years and just finally replaced it. I had bought it used for $350 and took it to the LBS for adjustments. I did a century and a half century on it last year. It's still a great bike and I'll probably keep it to use on the trainer and as kind of a beater bike. I did a triathlon on it two years ago and got comments on what a nice bike it was. The bianchi would be in the same class of bike probably.

savg99 · 06-07-2008, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcoy777

Shifting is clunky, the ride is uncomfortable.

The uncomfortable part alone would scare me off. The shifting part can be fixed, but if it doesn't feel good, you're not going to ride it. Then it's just $200 sitting in the garage giving you dirty looks every time you walk by.

ODB · 06-07-2008, 02:21 PM

For a price the LBS will fit it for you. Size matters but fit matters more.

tcoy777 · 06-12-2008, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aoife

For a bit more you could get a not quite the crappiest bike ever that's still only 3-400.

Otherwise, ride em and see. I'd guess the new beater would be lighter, under some kind of warranty, and prolly more comfortable.

In my personal experience, anyway. I guess it might depend on the stores you have around you.

Do you have a recommendation of a bike in the $300 to $400 range?

RobLL · 06-12-2008, 07:48 PM

Craig's List, you can go look at it, they usually give the size. I'm riding a 15(?) year old$1000 Mongoose, I got for $175. It did need a hundred or so adjustment of gears and head set.

tcoy777 · 06-12-2008, 08:26 PM

I have been looking, but so far nothing looks good. I m getting a bit anxious. LOL

savg99 · 06-13-2008, 09:00 PM

Maybe keep an eye on Bikes Direct: Save Up To 60% Off with Bikesdirect.com

I have a friend who bought one, had the LBS put it together, true the wheels, etc. and ended up with a pretty nice bike out of the deal.

The LBS took pretty good care of him. I'd rather buy one locally, but he did OK.

tcoy777 · 06-13-2008, 09:21 PM

I found a cannondale R400 on craigslist. I bought it for 275.00 anyone know if that was a fair price. So far I like it. Its comfortable and seems to be in good condition.

Aoife · 06-13-2008, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcoy777

Do you have a recommendation of a bike in the $300 to $400 range?

Sorry I didn't see, but I guess it don't matter anyway...

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcoy777

I found a cannondale R400 on craigslist. I bought it for 275.00 anyone know if that was a fair price. So far I like it. Its comfortable and seems to be in good condition.

If you like it and you don't regret your purchase, it was a fair price, no?