Wanted: A Little Road Bike
Thread started by
HappyLand at 03.1.09 - 5:55 pm
Hey dolls,
Alright, so a little more than 6 months on my much beloved mountain bike and I feel ready for a road bike.
I've been looking at a few shops, but I'd prefer to buy it used from someone, especially since the economy blows so hard right. Maybe I can help someone out.
I need a 44cm with 700 wheels. Yes, gears. I rode a Specialized Dolce at a store and I really liked it (Of course). I don't feel ready to pony up the $900 for it though, especially since this is my first road bike.
Got something for me? Shoot me an email.... happy[dot]land[dot]2007[at]gmail[dot]com
Hope y'all were able to enjoy this beautiful weekend!
Thanks a million : }
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At that frame size I'd get an older Terry bike or perhaps an older 650C road bike. No 700C-wheeled bike will work unless you get a newer women's specific bike with a shorter sloping top tube.
It's too bad, 700C really works best for 53cm-60cm. Outside of that the bike's geometry starts getting compromised.
You peeps who ride 56cm are lucky, the world is built around you, not just bikes either!
cabhauler03.1.09 - 6:31 pm
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Yeah, I am pretty much stuck getting a woman's bike, which is fine...because even though I'm short (4'10.5") I have long legs? (That was sort of a nice thing to hear at the various shops!) The bikes I tried with 650 wheels were just too small. I rode a couple 44/700 and really liked how they felt.
I'm just trying to not spend $900, although it's beginning to look like that's my fate. When you're little and find something that works, you don't give it up!
And yeah, the world seems made for taller people - it's frustrating! Shows, chairs, bikes, clothes, etc etc etc...
Thanks for the help!
HappyLand03.1.09 - 6:50 pm
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Yup, you're going to pay more and spend more time researching all this, but I think it's all worth it if you are looking to put good road mile on. Above all else, it begins with a good-fitting bike.
cabhauler03.1.09 - 7:04 pm
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I like doing the research, I'm learning a lot. The bike will happen one way or another. Patience is a virtue. It's like falling in love. Takes time.
Looked at the Terrys just for fun...gosh they look nice, very $$$!!! Steel! My dad is all about the steel! Maybe one day....
Once again, thanks for all the help!
HappyLand03.1.09 - 7:45 pm
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imachynna, that's a good call ... I forgot about that place! I've never been, but I've scoped out their frames the last time I was looking. Scroll down for the good road bikes, HappyLand. looks like quite a few of them are close to the size you're looking for.
Ooo, field trip for me soon.
katiepoche03.1.09 - 10:53 pm
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Yup! It's the only place I've seen small frames! (It's where I got mine!)
imachynna03.1.09 - 10:55 pm
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The old Terrys are real nice, well-designed bikes made from lugged steel usually in Japan. They don't cost all that much in the used market, usually $200-$400. The smaller front wheel is clever, but you do have to support two different wheel sizes, a small price to pay IMHO for a bike that fits a shorter rider with shorter arms and torso much better.
+1 steel. That's all I ride, though one of my bikes does have a cabron fork.
cabhauler03.2.09 - 12:28 am
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I saw on craigslist that dude's ad, rustybikes. One time there was a posting of a bike he was selling that had bent forks. I wouldn't ride anything like that.
CrazyPenis03.2.09 - 12:30 am
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Did he advertise it had bent forks, or was it just clear from the photograph? Some of his bikes he says need work and/or replacement parts & that he'll tell you what needs to be done.
But if he didn't mention it ... yeah, that's pretty fucked up.
katiepoche03.2.09 - 12:36 am
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i got a bike from that dude on c-list and it works fine tho it is kind of a piece of junk to begin with... seems like he'll tell you if the bike needs work, and was willing to negotiate price.
steph03.2.09 - 12:39 am
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i have a terry style bike [ but a bianchi ] thats a 44 cm. its pretty awesome. i dont feel nearly as stretched out as i do on a 44cm with /700s. i highly recommend it.. or if you can find a 46cm with 650s, that fits super well too [ if you want to go to the single/fixed route, the IRO heidi is awesome. ]
tinycities03.2.09 - 12:53 am
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I've seen his ads that say the bikes need work. The one I saw didn't say that. It was complete but it looked like it needed some work. cables, bearings and stuff like that. He didn't mention the forks in the ad.
CrazyPenis03.2.09 - 12:55 am
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I was looking at the Junky Rusty Bikes last night and I wonder if, since I am still a new rider, it might be more beneficial for me to spring for a new bike from a shop, as far as fitting, adjustments, and maintenance goes.... Sure it might be more expensive, but if I get a used bike that I have to work on, the cost might come out the same.
I mean, right?
I fully intend to learn more about working on my bike myself, and as my dad warns, "This isn't going to be the last bike you buy...." So I'm beginning to think a new bike may not be so bad until I feel more confident about possibly constructing my own. What do you guys say?
Anyone have any experience with a KHS bike? The guy at Bike Attack suggested this one http://khsbicycles.com/05_flite_220L_09.htm for a small road bike at a better price, but he'd have to order it for me. I'd feel bad making him order a bike only to ride it and not like it. Of course, my dad insists on springing for the better bike and will help me out with half the price, but I don't want to do that to him.
My dreams have been filled with road bikes for the past week....
HappyLand03.2.09 - 7:25 am
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P.S. Is this anyone's bike? I was looking on Craigslist and it made me suspicious: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/bik/1056049811.html
Gonna call later. If it's not anybody's, then I might want it. But I'd hate to be riding someone's stolen bike!!!
HappyLand03.2.09 - 9:07 am
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