is this bike worth it?
Thread started by
tomato at 03.7.08 - 3:05 pm
i need to upgrade to a road bike even though i'm new to the midnight ridazz crew..i hate getting stuck behind everyone. this bike (gt force 48cm 3 speed) is going for 150 of CL. is it worth it? are 3 speeds enough? ...any help is appreciated. thanks!
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looks pretty worthy. it's not a 3 speed, actually, it has a front triple which is good if you do any hills, and probably a 8 or 9 speed cassette in back for 24 or 27 speeds total.
toweliesbong03.7.08 - 3:11 pm
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That's an ok price not a good price. Since I'm short I know it's hard finding a small frame so they usually go quicker.
web77703.7.08 - 3:12 pm
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I might be imagining things...but that does NOT look like a 3 speed
adrian03.7.08 - 3:12 pm
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yeah, probably a good deal. it's definitely not a 3 speed, but even if it was, 3 speeds rock.
Particularly if you need a sub 50cm frame, this is a good deal, sub 50's can be hard to find, i'd say go for it if you need a road bike.
FuzzBeast03.7.08 - 3:13 pm
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it does look like it will clean up well
adrian03.7.08 - 3:15 pm
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great thanks for all the replys. yeah i asked the guy and he said 3 speed so who knows. i'm going to check it out. i'll try to test ride it but i might fall off since i only have one good arm at the moment haha.
tomato03.7.08 - 3:18 pm
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"Since I'm short I know it's hard finding a small frame so they usually go quicker."
You can imagine my problem being at the other end of the spectrum.
People's pictures on CL usually crack me up - like this guy couldn't be bothered to put the chain back on and lean it up against a clean wall to better show it off. Then again, he's under the impression that it's a three
speed, so go figure.
Having said that, it looks like a decent bike at a fair price.
mr rollers03.7.08 - 3:18 pm
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If the guy thinks it's a three-speed, might it not be stolen?
PC03.7.08 - 3:21 pm
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YES it is worth it. The STI shifters alone are worth it. Depending on how it rides and operates and fits you also. If it doesn't fit you right, do the right thing and let somebody whom it does fit, buy it.
sexy03.7.08 - 3:22 pm
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Since the bikes in LB I can check this out if you want. Sounds like the guy doesn't know what he's got. Does he have the cleats for the pedals too?
User103.7.08 - 3:22 pm
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or he's like me and just rides bikes and doesnt think about the details
Joe Borfo03.7.08 - 3:23 pm
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Borf, you would have known that that bike isn't a three speed.
PC03.7.08 - 3:24 pm
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It amazes me every time you find the start of the ride Borfo!
User103.7.08 - 3:24 pm
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I hear what your saying PC, but look at the stones in the patio, the table (looks like a high dollar patio, people with money usually don't do street crimes) the stand for the bike,I doubt it stolen, probably something the person is trying to get rid of. If it looks like it fits the guy probably even more reason, why it might not be stolen.
sexy03.7.08 - 3:26 pm
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its got threee chain rings.. 1. 2. 3.. uh yeah its a 3 speed...
Joe Borfo03.7.08 - 3:26 pm
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"might it not be stolen?"
nahh, his patio furniture is too expensive.
mr rollers03.7.08 - 3:27 pm
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great minds think alike
sexy03.7.08 - 3:28 pm
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maybe he stole that patio furniture... DAH DUH DAAA!!!
Joe Borfo03.7.08 - 3:28 pm
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WTF sexy, do you know everything I'm going to say before I do?
mr rollers03.7.08 - 3:29 pm
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You'd be surprised at what kind of people BUY stolen bikes. And then resell them when they don't fit or they just don't feel like riding them.
PC03.7.08 - 3:29 pm
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LOL that's what I was thinking Borfo! Small minds think a like too!!
Woooooooooooooooo
HHHooooooooooooooooooooo
........wait.......... did I just say that????
User103.7.08 - 3:30 pm
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if you do buy it the first thing you'll be getting rid of is that seat
toweliesbong03.7.08 - 3:38 pm
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Umm, from the front triple to the rear derialleur I surmise that this bike has more than three gears.
wtf do i know.
The bike looks like a total deal for $150. Ready to ride it could sell for $100+ or more to someone who knew what they were buying.
ubrayj0203.7.08 - 3:54 pm
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okay thanks everyone. you crack me up. i will be going tomorrow to check it out. i appreciate everything.
tomato03.7.08 - 4:01 pm
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Loser1, if you think you don't realize how bad it makes you look, trying to make fun of me, think of how bad you are going to look making fun of, "Mr. Everybody Love that guy Rollrz", ROTW himself...;......DUMB
sexy03.7.08 - 4:30 pm
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Good brand, decent price, it would be a nice base to build on...2¢
Brandothedj03.7.08 - 4:36 pm
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Looks like a good deal to me if it fits you. Small frames are rarer, indeed.
The bike has 3 chainrings up front and probably 7 or 8 cogs in the back, so it's a 21 or 24 speed. Probably some kind of middle Shimano group, most likely RSX. If you're talking to him it would be good to ask what components and how many cogs are in the back.
Test the shifters out extensively if you can. Older integrated shifter/brake levers may be worn out, can be a pain to adjust, and are not repairable. If the shifters aren't working right it makes it a lot less attractive of a deal.
And yes, that's a terrible ad, no photo and no details. Plus the photo he does supply doesn't even show the drive side!
cabhauler03.7.08 - 4:37 pm
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HEY tomato, I still need to get your bike to you. It's working fine. email me and I can bring the bike to you this weekend.
barleye03.7.08 - 4:47 pm
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"Loser1, if you think you don't realize how bad it makes you look, trying to make fun of me, think of how bad you are going to look making fun of, "Mr. Everybody Love that guy Rollrz", ROTW himself...;......DUMB"
Me -
King Fluffa,
I'm not sure how you arrived at the conclusion I was trying to make fun of you or Rollers. I would bet all the money in my pockets tonite that Rollers didn't get that impression. It looks to me that not only do you not have a grasp at comprehending the English language, your social skills needs a brushing up too. Nice work screwing up Tiffany's thread here! JERK!
User103.7.08 - 5:23 pm
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Hey Tomato
Judging by the head tube, that is a small frame bike that is very hard to come by, if you dont like it you can make your money back, I would ride it make sure it's in good condition first.
dannyzuko03.7.08 - 5:26 pm
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Hey Tiffany,
Sorry for the post, but that guy just really pisses me off sometimes. If or when you buy the bike, can you start up a new thread? You can even name it the same one as this one.
Good luck with getting your bike
User103.7.08 - 5:41 pm
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"I'm not sure how you arrived at the conclusion I was trying to make fun of you or Rollers. I would bet all the money in my pockets tonite that Rollers didn't get that impression."
User1, I've never been so insulted in my life! Well., probably I have, but I can't remember right now. If I wasn't "Mr. Everybody Love that guy Rollrz", I'd probably have to challenge you to a duel or a race or something. May the best geezer win!
BTW, how much money do you have in your pocket and will we see you tonight?
Tiffany, buy that bike already!
mr rollers03.7.08 - 6:09 pm
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Cabhauler wrote:
If you're talking to him it would be good to ask what components and how many cogs are in the back.
"Hey, could you do me a favor? Look at the little dangly thing hanging from the dropout--what? Oh...that's the thing where the seatstay and the chainsta--what? Oh...well, those are the...OK, look, it's the thing where the back wheel connects to the bicycle. See the dangly thing hanging from it? Does it have any words on it? Yeah, I'll wait. All right...good. Now, can you take a look down by the bottom of the seat tube--what? Aw, Jesus...listen, why don't you just give me the phone number of the guy you took it from and I'll ask him."
PC03.7.08 - 10:24 pm
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i'm getting the bike today. just talked to the kid. sounds like he's 17 and high as a kite..so the poor presentation makes sense now..lol. and if it doesn't work out. i'll re-sell..
tomato03.8.08 - 10:47 am
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i hope the bike isn't "hot"
adrian03.8.08 - 10:58 am
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What are you saying Joe, that tomato is above 98.6 F, does she have a fever, does she need air conditioning, or just a breeze running through her living area? You not suggesting that she is extremely attractive are you Joe. Are you complimenting her, or are you commenting on her anatomical temperature?
What are you saying here Joe?
sexy03.8.08 - 3:05 pm
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lmao i love you guys. so the bike is actually a 24 speed so i lucked out. it has a computer and clip in pedals, but they gave me the regular pedals too..they even gave me his clip in shoes (they might fit ..i'll have to try them). he was a 16 year old kid that outgrew his bike and it's still pretty new. think i got a pretty good deal. i'd ride it, but i might fall off since my left elbow is still broken and hurts like a bitch.
tomato03.8.08 - 3:40 pm
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Wow . . . good to hear! Sounds like you got an excellent deal and you don't have to worry about "Did I just buy a stolen bike?"
Ride On!
mr rollers03.8.08 - 3:49 pm
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the shoes in the pic are up for grabs. they're about two sizes too big for me and i'm a womens 8 (they're probably a mens 8).
tomato03.8.08 - 4:13 pm
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all the parts say "shimano rsx"..that good/standard?
tomato03.8.08 - 4:17 pm
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glad it came with the computer (mity 8 cateye cc-mt 400).
tomato03.8.08 - 4:20 pm
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48cm and from helen's cycles. when i've calculated my size, i got a 49cm result..so this is close enough. i'm pleased and can't wait to try it. enough about my bike, but i thought i'd share the details.
tomato03.8.08 - 4:22 pm
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Not sure what you officialy call a frame with that type of seatstay/seat tube geometry, but I would call it
Mighty Parallelogram
Eric Hair03.8.08 - 4:56 pm
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More importantly, what are you going to call this bike?
It is going to have a name, right?
sexy03.8.08 - 5:01 pm
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hmmm i'm not good at naming things..now i'm thinking...
tomato03.8.08 - 5:12 pm
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Cool! If it's 8-speed in the back it's readily upgradeable to newer 9-speed or 10-speed, plus that means the rear dropout spacing is 130mm and you can fit most any wheel on it.
Shimano RSX is their 90s group right below 105, kinda where Tiagra is today. It's good stuff, not quite elite, but just fine for a daily rider.
Eric Hair, the seatstay design is an old British design flourish called Hellenic and GT revived it for their bikes.
Are you planning to run toe clips? If so, I have a pair of women's SIDIs Size 38 (7.5) with slotted cleats, if you want to trade for those SIDIs that came with the bike. They might be a tad small for you but sizes do vary and it just might work!
Let me know, my e-mail is john [at] jhvu [dot] com. I'm in Silver Lake.
cabhauler03.8.08 - 7:47 pm
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Congratulations on the new bike Tiffany. Looks like it was a sweet find for you.
Hope you're recovering just fine and look forward to seeing you on the road again sporting your new ride.
User103.9.08 - 12:42 pm
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we can rebuild her...
who has the elbow bone?
adrian03.9.08 - 9:18 pm
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okay i'm really stupid and bought this bike before i realized it was too big for me. when i stand over it, my crotch is right on the bar. i don't want to bang up my girl bits.
if you want to buy it off of me, please let me know.
tomato05.9.08 - 9:21 am
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i really like the bike but it is too big. i was told you should be able to lift it 1-2 inches before it hits your crotch. i rode a bike in NY that was my size, but one time i jumped off and hit myself and it was excruciating. i know this will happen every time with this bike if i try to ride it.
so i'm looking for something smaller on CL and re-cycle.com.
i'll sell it for $150 since that's what I got it for. i no longer have the shoes though.
tomato05.9.08 - 9:39 am
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bring it to the jedi ride early with a "for sale" sign from a hardware store. I think you'll have it sold before the ride starts.
barleye05.9.08 - 9:44 am
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As long as you clear the bar you should be fine. Otherwise, naughty naughty bar!
Joe Borfo05.9.08 - 9:45 am
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or go out and buy some 650 wheels for it and that will lower its standover height an inch or two.
ruinedbyidiots05.9.08 - 9:46 am
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See, Tomato? Problem solved. Tis a nice bike. You got it for a deal. I'd buy it if I was sure Maria would ride it, but no.
Joe Borfo05.9.08 - 9:48 am
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hey rbi, i was wondering if that would work. i called a bike shop and they said i can't do that. i will take your word over theirs.
tomato05.9.08 - 10:13 am
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joe, how do we solve a problem like mariaaaaa (sound of music). dude, i want her to come out on that awesome tandem. try to get her out if you're coming tonight. she would love it if she tried it.
tomato05.9.08 - 10:15 am
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tomato, a 48cm should be the right size for you. the standover height is not important, what is important is when you are ON the bike and the seat is adjusted to the right height, whether you are too upright or too bent over.
short people will almost always not have any standover height, especially on older bikes with "classic" geometry. this is a function of the size of the wheels and some other limits on bike geometry.
the bike probably feels too big because you are used to a cruiser that has you sitting way upright. you'll get used to it.
if you still aren't sure, bring it by the bikerowave on wednesday and we can take a look... but based on how tall you are you should be riding a 48 or a 50. karla even rides a 48.
stevestevesteve05.9.08 - 10:27 am
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Problem with using 650 is the brakes. You need to get brakes that will accommodate the smaller wheel. You paid $150 for the bike, expect to pay another $150 - $200 to make it work right.
sc_nomad05.9.08 - 11:26 am
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Using RBI's 650c solution might not work. The brakes probably won't line up in the right place.
hatehills05.9.08 - 11:28 am
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i dont think you could get the rear brakes to reach, but with a 650 fork the front brakes would reach, assuming that you can find a 650 fork that has a hole drilled for them.
ruinedbyidiots05.9.08 - 11:33 am
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If you can stand-over the bike, then standover height is not a big issue . The length of the top tube is also something to consider but you can compensate for that by varying the length of the stem or quill. Also if the standover height is an inch off, use mountain bike shoes.
One last thing to consider is the purpose of the bike. While it is crucial to have the perfect fit if you race, everyday riding might be more forgiving.
sc_nomad05.9.08 - 12:07 pm
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NOT SELLING for now until i try it for a while. i just got a call. sorry about posting it earlier. i am taking it to LA brakeless tonight for a new tire and to get the pedals switched out. i want to try riding it first. thanks guys!
tomato05.9.08 - 12:50 pm
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The girls at C.i.c.l.e. offer classes, I hear, on riding basics and perhaps there's some things that you may benefit from it.
Joe Borfo05.9.08 - 1:00 pm
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ooo i bet i could. i feel stupid on the bike. i always feel like i'm going to fall. thanks!
tomato05.9.08 - 1:09 pm
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I was wondering why I haven't seen you ride this, tomato! So, you can't stand over it at all without hitting the top tube?
Sorry RBI I don't think 650C (571mm) would work. It's not so much the brake, since they have extra-long reach brakes that would give you the additional 25mm of reach, it's the bottom bracket! You'd be lowering the bottom bracket a lot and that might cause pedal strike even if you use the shortest common crank size (165mm)
650B (584mm) MIGHT work if you use a thinner tire, but this size isn't something you'd find in most bike shops, at least not for road use.
It's a shitty world for us shorter road bike riders, isn't it? 700C road bikes are ideally made for men between 5'10" and 6'1", shorter peeps and womenses gotta live with compromises in geometry.
cabhauler05.9.08 - 2:41 pm
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