I have to get the best road bike I can find for $2500 or less. Where are the best place shop for cheap/used bikes?

So far I've got the RBR Classifieds and Ebay.

Thanks.

If you live in a fairly big metro area, try Craigslist. If you don't live in a big metro area, try looking at a different city in C'list that is a big metro area. This will give you a better chance to find a good deal. Also, don't let the asking price be a deterrent. I have purchased 3 bikes and a trainer off C'list and each of these items were about half of what MSRP was for these items. My best deal was a 2006 Trek 5200 (this baby was basically new) for $1,120, a close second was a Blackburn Trakstand Ultra trainer for $150. In both instances the seller was asking significantly more.

One more tip, look at all listings even the old ones. On 3 of my deals, the seller had re-listed at least once and that is when they become more desparate to sell.

Word of caution, I would not do a deal through C'list via shipping. Make sure you go look at the product in person. I've heard some horror stories and there is no recourse on C'list like there can be on Ebay. Good luck.

I have to get the best road bike I can find for $2500 or less.

BTW, do you examples of what you are looking for?

Thanks, so far no luck on craigslist, but I did find some bars I was looking for for my touring bike.

Basically, what I am hoping to find is a full bike, with 55 cm/Medium carbon frame from Giant, Scott, Specialized, or maybe Cervelo with mostly DA level components (willing to compromise on brakes, cassette, etc.) for $2500 or less. A pretty tall order, I know, but I am quite willing to take something that's well used and I am trying to cast as large a net as possible.

Try your luck by asking at LBS. They typically don't sell used bikes, but its employees might want to sell their own stuff, or know someone who does, regular customers for instance. Especially if you want to spend so much for a used bike someone who wasn't even planning on selling might be tempted to sell to finance a new one that they've been lusting for.

I think buying this way you stand a better chance of getting a quality bike as opposed to buying online, even though you might end up paying a little more. Thats how I got mine anyway, and live happily ever after :cool:

for $1500 you can buy a new Dura Ace bike off one of these online discount bike pages like bikes direct (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/centuryteam_wcs.htm). You can sell the frame for a couple hundred bucks and have roughly $1000-$1200 to buy another frame... just an idea.

for $1500 you can buy a new Dura Ace bike off one of these online discount bike pages like bikes direct (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/centuryteam_wcs.htm). You can sell the frame for a couple hundred bucks and have roughly $1000-$1200 to buy another frame... just an idea.


Or you can get an Immortal Spirit and have one of the highest grade CF frames sold
and DuraAce and be under your budget

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/immortalspirit_instock.htm

If I could scrape off that infernally disgusting red name off the frame, then I would maybe consider buying it.
Check you local bike club, and ask around, there is a local guy here in west texas that I will probably buy a cervelo from. I will keep the name Cervelo on the frame ....thank you very much!

Thanks guys. Earlier this week a friend of mine in the industry called me up and offered me a very good deal on a new Schwinn Peleton. I think I'm going to go that route.

Actually, I think the "Immoratal Spirit" looks pretty cool. If my legs were proportionally longer, I might just pick one up.

Or you can get an Immortal Spirit and have one of the highest grade CF frames sold
and DuraAce and be under your budget

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/immortalspirit_instock.htm


highest grade? like high modulus CF?

If I could scrape off that infernally disgusting red name off the frame, then I would maybe consider buying it.
Check you local bike club, and ask around, there is a local guy here in west texas that I will probably buy a cervelo from. I will keep the name Cervelo on the frame ....thank you very much!

In another thread I saw that you can remove decals with a hair dryer. I guess that assumes that there isn't a clear coat on top.