Thread: Looking for my first road bike.......what about this idea/anyone selling?

So i've been mountain biking for a long time and now that i find myself in SF, I kind of want to road bike to mix things up.....

I have a pretty small budget and from mountain biking I know that cheap bikes make for shitty rides so i'm trying to get the best bang for my buck at around $1,000.

I test rode a bunch last weekend including a Trek 2.1 and Felt F75. I liked the Felts I rode so I might go that route but I also saw some cheap ones on CL that I was thinking of building up.....

I'm trying to bargain this guy down to $300 - http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/2231455302.html

He said it has Tiagra and Sora gruppo which I don't want so would it be worth it to get the bike for $300 and then drop like $600 into it with new wheels and a new 105 gruppo? Or am I better off just buying a new F75 or F85?

Also if anyone is selling a road bike in a 52ish......i'm all ears. Thanks

300 would be quite the steal for that CL bike, but in the end its not really worth it to upgrade stuff IMO. The old tiagra/sora stuff isn't directly compatible with 105, so basically the entire drivetrain would have to go. Paying retail Shimano or SRAM prices for a gruppo isn't cheap, and at that point you might as well get a whole new bike.

Just like with mountain biking, it's not going to be super light at $1000, but it'll still perform real well. A good aluminum frame with a 105 build is some of the best bang/buck out there. 2.1 and F75 are both good choices, go with whichever feels better.

This --> http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik/2232862972.html

Get him down a couple of hundred and pick up some shoes.


Or this ... if you can stretch to a 54

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/bik/2228413912.html

(again, assume a hundred or so off)

Originally Posted by huckbucket

This --> http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik/2232862972.html

Get him down a couple of hundred and pick up some shoes.

i'm no expert but full carbon and the triple chainring for SF hills for that price seems like a score.

Eh I'd prefer a good alu frame, carbon fork with 105 group over a full carbon bike with tiagra, but to each his own.

If you just riding by yourself I'm a believer in the cross bike for big time mountain bikers. Grab some cheap slicks and you are set. Great deals on cross bikes as well around that 1000 mark. More fun more options and zippy fast compared to mtbs. My road bike gets more miles but my cross bike goes out more often. Not a good plan if you are going to ride with other roadies. Great for city riding as you can go off curbs or jump up on a sidewalk if you have to avoid something quickly. I'm sure the hardcore roadies will rip me apart but like you I'm a mountain biker who likes to mix it up...Bottom line is bikes are so fun! The more the better.

I have an F75 and have really put some miles on it over the last 5 yrs. It has grown with me and I'm not feeling like I'm missing out on any componentry. I replaced the saddle with a fizik arione. Felt is a great value; you won't be sorry if you choose this option. (Giant also fits that category too)

Oh man that first one was flagged......I rode a 54 last weekend and it was definitely a stretch unfortunately.....

Edit: Also, the guy with the 2005 Felt came down to $350 which seems pretty decent....if I get some used 105 components and a cheap wheelset of chainlove it could be a decent ride?

The F75 I wanted that was on sale for $1050 but only in a 50cm or 60cm.......

Get the cheap bike and ride it as is, upgrade if you get into it.

Originally Posted by Raps

Edit: Also, the guy with the 2005 Felt came down to $350 which seems pretty decent....if I get some used 105 components and a cheap wheelset of chainlove it could be a decent ride?

$350 is a great price for that frame and components. I wouldn't necessarily worry about the wheelset so much as the components. However, rludes025 speaks the truth. don't spend more than you have to until you know you're gonna like it.

I've got a used 52 w/ 105 10 and a triple for $400. Specialized allez comp frame, E5 w; carbon fork and rear stays. Mavic wheels.

If you want a newer used rental I have one with a compact that is fresher for $600. The smaller rentals do not get the miles of the 54 and 56's

I can take a pic monday when I get to work.

I don't like to see people buy new cheaper bikes thinking they are going to upgrade parts. If the frame, wheels, bar and stem are lower end you will never really improve the ride by better parts. The frame is the heart of it...

http://www.departmentofgoods.com/ell...ram-avid-build

I have seen this bike go for $1500 on bonktown. I bought one and love it, but it might be a little over your price tag. Ebay is also a really good place to get a good price on a bike.

Yo Raps - Crampedon's got it. Call him...

^^^^Yep.

Selling mine. Its a 56", though.

Full SRAM force group. Ritchey WCS components. Lots of carbon bits. Brand new Mavic Aksium wheelset with used hutchinson tires (not pictured).
Gore shift cables set.
Bike is in great condition. Fast, stiff, light (17.8lbs)

DOPE! Thanks Crampedon, done deal right there - I will PM you now.......

Flowtron - long time, how are things in D town? I'm still rockin my 575, love that thing - just rebuilt the fork and put new bearings on it

Gravity - same to you - how are things in NY?

NY is, well, like NY. Ya know - great looking women in tight clothes that are only good to look at not talk to. The pizza is still good How's the left coast treating you?

Originally Posted by gravitylover

NY is, well, like NY. Ya know - great looking women in tight clothes that are only good to look at not talk to. The pizza is still good How's the left coast treating you?

Left coast is good other than the fact that I really miss those NYC women you speak of......
Last time I saw you I was scheming where I would head and it has been a great few years of wanderin the west - good to be settled out here and diggin SF though