quick bike buying help
Thread started by
aksendz at 03.29.11 - 9:49 pm
so its my brothers bday soon, 25. love him to death and he has been asking me to find him a cheap bike on craiglist but I haven't been able to do find anything worthy.
anyone know any good shops that sell bikes at reasonable prices. I'm thinking around 400.
He would like something for commuting and touring but the only things I could find in those categories are the bikes with the slanted top tube that look awkward.
i've been riding an old aluminum bike for a couple of years with the straight top tube and I would like to get him something like that.
a store near santa monica is preferrable.
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bikesdirect.com
cheap+ free shipping
Mook03.29.11 - 10:29 pm
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any specific recommendation that would fit my criteria. i always get lost in that site.
aksendz responding to a
comment by Mook
03.29.11 - 10:44 pm
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uh, phantom cross uno. but it's a single speed
Gav03.30.11 - 12:11 am
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And there's nothing wrong with sloping top tubes
Gav03.30.11 - 12:11 am
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i dont know how tall he is but this matches the criteria.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/mercier/galaxy.htm
otherwise, good luck on craigslist.
Avner03.30.11 - 12:52 am
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http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/mirage_xi_steel.htm
this too.
Avner03.30.11 - 12:53 am
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hey is around 5'11 6'0
pretty big build.
I'm thinking 57 or 59cm?
aksendz03.30.11 - 9:33 am
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Don't guess. Use this fit calculator to have a better idea of what to look for in a bike
http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO
Gav03.30.11 - 11:32 am
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There are plenty "worthy" bikes on CL in that size (56-58) and in that price range for what you are looking to get your bro. Given your task, I would certainly start there--and check back frequently. The downside is, of course, you might have to make some trips around the city to check them out. Try to get as many pix from the seller beforehand.
$400 at a retail store like Helen's (in SM) will get you a decent bike, but not great. REI (in SM) has bikes, or so I'm told (never been). I'm sure there are some smaller bike shops on the Westside, but that area ain't my thing anymore.
Depending on the type of "touring" he'll be doing, I wouldn't go cheap on a bike my ass will be on for 8-10 hrs a day. That's probably not what you're in the market for.
Me, I'd go for a sweet old-school vintage ride. Class, functionality, and history, all rolled up in one.
dudeonabike03.30.11 - 1:02 pm
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little touring, more commuting. getting there and back fast and comfortably.
aksendz03.30.11 - 2:43 pm
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Although likely too small for your brother, this would make an excellent commuter, and for $140 bucks!
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/bik/2298133666.html
dudeonabike03.31.11 - 4:35 pm
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This one for a cool $100 is pretty nice, too.
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/bik/2298108724.html
dudeonabike03.31.11 - 4:36 pm
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And here's a semi-old-school Bianchi for $350 (more road bike, less mtb/hybrid like the above two):
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/bik/2298110345.html
This one is awesome.
dudeonabike03.31.11 - 4:38 pm
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Here's another in SM for $300. These will be gone soon if you don't jump on them--good bikes at good prices.
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/bik/2299228911.html
(And maybe one day trickmilla and the other tech gurus out there in bike land will show us Luddites how to make the links all fancy dark blue and clickable.)
dudeonabike04.1.11 - 9:47 am
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Don't listen to dudeonbike, there's always going to be bikes to had. You don't have to rush into a careless purchase. Your bro is at a good size that there's alot to chose from. Just looking cl for 5 minutes I ran across this one,
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/bik/2299675989.html
DArK ENERgY04.1.11 - 1:49 pm
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my, fertile grounds today! hard to say if it's the right size. the price sure is right!
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/bik/2299428091.html
DArK ENERgY04.1.11 - 1:59 pm
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thanks for all the help guys.
hardest part is just finding the right size..
so he should be a 58? if he is 5'11 - 6
aksendz04.1.11 - 3:59 pm
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