Want to Purchase 54-55cm Road Bike

[Kruse08]

Looking for a 54-55cm road bike.  This will be my first road bike.  Not looking for something expensive but want something in well taken care of shape.  Wanting to start riding multiple times a week.  Looking to spend no more than 300$.  If you know of anyone selling let me know.  Any suggestions are welcome as I am new to road bicycling.

[Kruse08]

I am 5'7 and inseam is 26in.

[blue03636]

54 will be to big. I'm 5'9" with a 31" inseam and my 56 is just a touch big on the reach from the seat to the bars, I should have purchased a 54. IP is better at sizing than I am so I'm sure he can get you close.

 

Have you been to a bike shop for sizing?

[Kruse08]

I was only going off an online sizing guide.  Like I said I am new to road bikes and know little. Any help is appreciated.  I am looking on Craigslist currently as I am unaware of any shops which would have a bicycle at my price point.

[Kruse08]

I guess in my mind I was looking at the older Raleigh bikes and such.  Older heavier bikes because they were cheaper.  I can save up more money if need be but was not wanting to invest a lot at the start in case my desire fades away. 

[Kruse08]

What about something like this?

https://columbus.craigslist.org/bid/5902569128.html

[motocat12]

Those lugged composite frames are about 20 years old and have 3 materials you just don't know how they were built back in the beginning or treated since.

something like this would be a fair start if it's not too small

https://cleveland.craigslist.org/bik/5903454058.html

http://www.ebay.com/itm/52-cm-Tommaso-Capri-24-Speed-/172403309820?hash=item282409bcfc:g:vIQAAOSw5cNYIvxF

A good way to determine age and quality is the stem is it's an outer clamp aheadset or the old/cheap skinny quill that bends ~90 degrees and clamps inside the fork. (also called threadless/threaded but harder to see) Also go 8 speed or more rear hub

Tiagra sora microshift  brifters would be on my wishlist for current models ultegra or 105 for older stuff. will be a big difference from downtube/stem shifters. For $300 and willing to drive as far as lancaster I'd hold out or offer less on the ones their owners think are worth that much.

look for compact front gearing 46-48 big ring rather than 52. though that will reduce options as it's been popularized since 2010. Otherwise with "race gears there will be several less useful ratios.

Get used to clip in pedals.

get proper shorts

[blue03636]

I found my 2014 Trek 1.1 used for $400. There are deals out there to be found just be patient.

[Kruse08]

I am patient.  Just wanted to make a post here since I know quite a few people ride and have more knowledge than I do.  I also thought that a few more eyes may help spot a deal.

[jhawk]

Agree with IP on sizing, that Trek above would be a good bike! 

[Al Z. Heimer]

1 hour ago, Isaac's Papa said:

I like that one, but I didn't post it because of the old school shifters. 

What?  Old school. I bet coaster brakes are out of the question ?

[Kruse08]

I will message/call the three posted above @Isaac's Papa when I get back in town.  Which one would you rather spend the money one between the cannondale/mongoose/trek?  I would like a bicycle to last for more than a year even if I do become serious about it.  Need time to save up and motorcycling gets a lot of that extra money.  I also have no time rush.  I have had my experiences with rushing and need to think them through more.

[motocat12]

1 hour ago, Kruse08 said:

 Which one would you rather spend the money one between the cannondale/mongoose/trek?  

the lightest one.(that fits)

for the price I'd go the mongoose, They're all  getting to be old rims/spokes, cables,chains,brakepads, gumwall tires. you'll be in for more money to keep them going more than a year. For a beginner the the treks double isn't as good as the other 2 triple chainrings and with the downtube shifters will be harder to resell when you upgrade. 

Edited December 15, 2016 by motocat12

[Kruse08]

Wow, so much information I never knew.  Thanks for all this.  The search is on.

[motocat12]

http://dayton.craigslist.org/bik/5893679832.html