Here's my story- I started spinning about 3 months ago and have really enjoyed it- I told myself that if I continued spinning through the winter (which in Milwaukee lasts about 6 months) that I'd buy myself a road bike and hit up trails around here in the spring (there are plenty of great trails from what I'm told).

I asked for a couple pairs of cycling shorts for Christmas, since I only have one pair and enjoy using them while spinning, but in addition to shorts, I got a helmet, jersey and blinking red light. I already have road shoes (from spin) and a bike pump, so I basically have everything. Except the bike, well and some accessories.

So I'm in the market for a road bike and I don't like to spend loads of money, but I realize that a decent bike costs a good amount of money. That said, it makes the most sense to me to look for a bike that is 4-5 years old and buy it off someone- I figure I can pick up something pretty sweet used for $700-800 or less- a lot more bike than I could get new.

The problem is, I don't even know where to start. I don't know what type of bike I'd like, or even what would fit. I'm about 6'1" but I have the reach of someone who is 5'10" - so I have longer legs and shorter arms for my height. On a spin bike 6 holes show on the seat post (I'm not sure if spin bikes are universal...).

I will be using this bike mainly to hit up trails- nice smooth concrete- though I can occasionally see myself hitting the streets, and the Milwaukee streets suck pretty badly. I'd mainly be riding to stay in shape, so while a lightweight bike would be sweet, it's not a high priority. I want something comfortable that I can crank away on for a few hours at a time. It doesn't have to be trackable, or raceable - if I really get into the sport I'll worry about that later.

Any advice- I've read through some threads here, but there's just so much information... What should I be looking for, what should I stay away from? Where are some quality classifieds? If I buy from ebay what should I look for? What am I forgetting? I realize you guys probably read about 400 of these threads per week, so I apologize if I've wasted anyone's time- just remember that you were a newb once too ;)

Thanks for the help.

Take some time to check out some of the LBS's to see what they have. Your chances of picking up an end-of-season closeout on a 2005 bike will make it worth looking. As you look around, you'll find that bike fit is a very individualized issue. A good shop should help you find a good bike that will fit you well - if you decide not to go through a LBS, that'll give you some basic info you need to buy from a private party (what frame size you'll need, some basic component information, etc...).

Can't say much as to how e-bay works for entire bikes but be careful. $800 will likely get you a decent entry level bike (Trek 1000, Specialized Allez)... a word of warning though... if you really catch the "bug" you'll be in the market for a new, fancier ride in a season or two.

Also, check out the beginner's corner forum as I think you'll find a lot of relevant information.

Good luck!

I definitely plan on heading out to the local stores- I was planning on waiting until March though. I have no idea what a good fit will feel like, unfortunately, and in March it will be difficult to go on any test rides :D

Thanks for the advice! I have been keeping an eye on the beginner corner :)

One to think about for your first is something like a Bianchi Volpe or any similar light-touring/semi-cyclocross bike. It's steel, relatively cheap (was $800 new in 2001), 9-speed Shimano with drop bars, and will take a wider tire if you care to hit the crushed stone trails (there are a lot of great stone trails in WI). Thais type of bike and two sets of tires (or two wheel sets is even better) and you can ride anything from Monday night at the Kenosha Velodrome to all the great rails-to-trails nearby. - TF

While I respect your desire to make your money go further by shopping the used market, for a new rider that is really a crapshoot.

The main thing a good road-oriented LBS offers a bike-buyer is professional fitting assistance, and you probably need it. Although you can't "test ride" in crummy weather, you can learn a lot by getting a knowledgeable fitter to put you on the trainer and evaluate whether your long-legged shorter-torsoed self can be accommodated by various stock offerings, etc.

If you try to ball park it and then buy a four year old $800 bike off, say, eBay or the classifieds on this site, you are just as likely to get it WRONG as get it RIGHT, and then even if you can make it work, you may find yourself buying new bars, stem, whatever.

Get thee to a good LBS now, and don't wait 'til spring when they'll be slammed. Ask them to fit you and talk to you about your options. You can then get more meaningful input from folks here, too.

I agree, LBS is te way to go. Explaint to them that you're just starting out and don't want to shell out big bucks initially. Any shop worth dealing with will want to help you out, as they know that if you get the bug you'll be back to buy something nice in a season or two.

Sounds like a good idea to at least get fitted... who knows, maybe they'll make me a deal I can't refuse ;)

Dude, I also live in Milwaukee. I am not sure where you live, but on the East Side, the roads are just fine most of the time. There are a lot of good places to ride North, West and South. East is a little tough, what with Lake Michigan and all. At any rate, get out in the country.
As for local bike shops, we have plenty and most of them are very good. There's Wheel & Sprocket of course. Staffed by riders who can help you no matter the level. There's Emery's, Rainbow Jersey, Crank Daddies and many others. Just ask some questions when you go in. Any good shop is not going to pressure you to buy a bike above your level.
Two pieces of advice, though, no matter what, buy bike shorts. Your rear end will thank you. And, always wear a helmet. A helmet saved my life once. Why gamble?





Here's my story- I started spinning about 3 months ago and have really enjoyed it- I told myself that if I continued spinning through the winter (which in Milwaukee lasts about 6 months) that I'd buy myself a road bike and hit up trails around here in the spring (there are plenty of great trails from what I'm told).

I asked for a couple pairs of cycling shorts for Christmas, since I only have one pair and enjoy using them while spinning, but in addition to shorts, I got a helmet, jersey and blinking red light. I already have road shoes (from spin) and a bike pump, so I basically have everything. Except the bike, well and some accessories.

So I'm in the market for a road bike and I don't like to spend loads of money, but I realize that a decent bike costs a good amount of money. That said, it makes the most sense to me to look for a bike that is 4-5 years old and buy it off someone- I figure I can pick up something pretty sweet used for $700-800 or less- a lot more bike than I could get new.

The problem is, I don't even know where to start. I don't know what type of bike I'd like, or even what would fit. I'm about 6'1" but I have the reach of someone who is 5'10" - so I have longer legs and shorter arms for my height. On a spin bike 6 holes show on the seat post (I'm not sure if spin bikes are universal...).

I will be using this bike mainly to hit up trails- nice smooth concrete- though I can occasionally see myself hitting the streets, and the Milwaukee streets suck pretty badly. I'd mainly be riding to stay in shape, so while a lightweight bike would be sweet, it's not a high priority. I want something comfortable that I can crank away on for a few hours at a time. It doesn't have to be trackable, or raceable - if I really get into the sport I'll worry about that later.

Any advice- I've read through some threads here, but there's just so much information... What should I be looking for, what should I stay away from? Where are some quality classifieds? If I buy from ebay what should I look for? What am I forgetting? I realize you guys probably read about 400 of these threads per week, so I apologize if I've wasted anyone's time- just remember that you were a newb once too ;)

Thanks for the help.