I'm considering bidding on this bike.... thoughts?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170135005912&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNA:US:12

I'm about 5'5 with a 26 inch ish inseam. I've been looking for a Bianchi or similiar steel entry level road racing ish bike.

I've never tried to buy a bike from ebay before... so I'm a little nervous.

Thoughts?

It is pretty old (21 spd? 7 cogs with 3 chainrings!) I am not sure that thing is even worth the $65 shipping.

Look around for something newer (like a Gunnar) if you want that nice steel ride.

I agree that you should look around a little more. However, I always have positive experiences with EBay. I've bought two complete bike as well as varoius parts with no problem.

With that said, you may want to beware if you aren't sure the bike would fit.

I'm considering bidding on this bike.... thoughts?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170135005912&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNA:US:12

I'm about 5'5 with a 26 inch ish inseam. I've been looking for a Bianchi or similiar steel entry level road racing ish bike.

I've never tried to buy a bike from ebay before... so I'm a little nervous.

Thoughts?

No opinion on the bike--although I have a 2006 Bianchi Eros Donna, the female version of that bike which I really like. Are you sure your inseam is 26 inches? I'm 5'4 with relatively short legs and even with that, my inseam is 29.5. If you inseam is indeed 26 inches, the bike won't fit you since it's advertised as having a standover of 30 inches

No opinion on the bike--although I have a 2006 Bianchi Eros Donna, the female version of that bike which I really like. Are you sure your inseam is 26 inches? I'm 5'4 with relatively short legs and even with that, my inseam is 29.5. If you inseam is indeed 26 inches, the bike won't fit you since it's advertised as having a standover of 30 inches

Yep my inseam is insane short, but it's never stopped me. I was a state track and cross country runner in high school... haven't competed much since then though... but I'm trying to get back into competitive endurance sports.

Currently, I'm riding a bike that's 33-34" stand over, but it's obviously a little tall for me... once I'm up on the saddle i'm comfortable, but I'm guessing that I would benefit from a shorter top tube as well as a better stand over height.

I was looking at the newer Bianchi Eros models and wondering if those are nice for entry level road racing. Not sure I can swing the cash right now, but I really like their steel road bikes.

I agree. That bike is at least 15 years old and was only one step up from entry level even then. It definitely went for too much, especially with shipping.

What about something like this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=200136363038&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=010

Here is one to consider at the current bid price.
http://cgi.ebay.com/LeMond-Buenos-Aires-49cm-road-bike-w-Ultegra-components_W0QQitemZ230157611690QQihZ013QQcategory Z98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This one will probably not meet reserve, you should make the seller an offer after the auction ends. This would be a SWEET ride.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Serrota-Titanium-complete-road-bike_W0QQitemZ280138691920QQihZ018QQcategoryZ98084 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I have read the posts above and find it very difficult to believe that you have a 26" inseam and ride a bike with a 33 or 34" standover. I have a 33.5" inseam and ride a bike with a 32 inch standover. In cycling your inseam is not your pants size it is the actual measurement from the floor to your crotch in your bare feet a few inches apart. My apologies if you really are at 26"...no disrespect intended. Hope you find a good fitting bike!

I have read the posts above and find it very difficult to believe that you have a 26" inseam and ride a bike with a 33 or 34" standover. I have a 33.5" inseam and ride a bike with a 32 inch standover. In cycling your inseam is not your pants size it is the actual measurement from the floor to your crotch in your bare feet a few inches apart. My apologies if you really are at 26"...no disrespect intended. Hope you find a good fitting bike!

Haha... seriously 26-27 ish inseam... my girlfriend is a clothing designer. She measured me. And my current 33-34" bicycle - I have to sorta lean the bike and hop to get over the top tube and then I have to lean it over when I'm not pedaling. I didn't realize how tall the bike was until I measured it this morning - which is why I'm on the hunt for something a little more reasonably sized.

Eros is WAAAY too heavy for racing. You'll be at a significant disadvantage. For racing, consider a lighter and stiffer Al frame for your price range.

I found a cool vintage steel frame Bianchi Trofeo with all Campagnola Super Record components... is that worth $325?

It looks like a rad bike and I've heard that they were decent racing bikes in their time.