The Chainlink

Looking for Roadbike, or....

An acquaintance is looking for wheels. Her roadbike was stolen last Fall, and she's jonesing for a new one.

 

She says, "I'm open to road bikes, mixties, and hybrid options. I'd like a Japanese or Italian frame (around 50-51cm), but would happily settle for a Raleigh or Schwinn. My budget is around $200. I understand this is low, but I'm an optimist."

 

Anybody have something for her?

 

Thanks in advance!

---Carl

 

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rene Lawell on May 31, 2011 at 12:35pm

With that kind of money, it will have to be used. Your frame size is faily small.

Maybe you can look for a 2010 trek. Most of the 2010's that are still left have good deals with them.

Youcan expect to spend on a new bike about $500-600. And that doesot include your pedals and other stuff.

 

If you buy a used road bike, make sure who ever owned it before you did not crash.

 

Rene'

Permalink Reply by Becca on May 31, 2011 at 1:16pm

Tell her to head over to Working Bikes Co-Op and check out what they have for sale.  Last time I was there, they had quite a mixture of different used road bikes. http://workingbikes.org/

 

That may be the only place other than Craigslist to get what she wants for that price.

Permalink Reply by Carl on May 31, 2011 at 2:51pm

A good bike at that price would have to be used. That's why I asked the Chainlink, and not Cozy's ;)

 

Working Bikes is definitely on that list that we're gonna look at =)

 

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on May 31, 2011 at 7:27pm
Other than working bikes you probably aren't going to find much in even halfway decent shape around here with those parameters.  If you know how to wrench maybe you can find a fixer-upper.
Permalink Reply by ChristopherMCA on May 31, 2011 at 9:47pm
If it's not to far, you two should check out "A Nearly New shop"  I've never been inside but it seemed nice when I biked past it. They have a bunch of used bikes of all makes and styles
Permalink Reply by Carl on June 1, 2011 at 12:21am
Just checked out Nearly New today. Found three the right size, and around that price. Unfortunately, she can't get over there to see them till end of the week :\
Permalink Reply by Dr. Doom on June 1, 2011 at 8:31am

I'd check this touring bike out. Early 90s Bridgestones are really nice.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/bik/2412277770.html

52 cm Bridgestone RB-T, $300.

Permalink Reply by Carl on June 1, 2011 at 8:53am

MARK, I know the pitfalls of shopping for others (that's why I'm a devout gift-carder at holidays ;)

Yeah, fit is everything. At 6'-3", I can overlook a lot of size variations, as long as the stem and seat posts extend far enough (my favorite bike is my little U-folder, which makes me look like I'm on a pixie bike). But she's around 5-4, so I think if you're having trouble reaching on your Mesa, she definitely would. Still, it sounds tantalizing. Perhaps I could arrange for her to take a test ride?

 

Doc, thanks for the heads-up on the Bridgestone. I'll pass it on to her!

Permalink Reply by Bikefreeek on June 1, 2011 at 4:48pm

Ciclo has a steel wheel Miyata for $150. For $240 + tax she could get a brand new SE Draft single speed hipster whip just like this in any size!

 

If you are looking for an inexpensive bike to get you around the city this summer, we’ve got you covered! SE Draft complete bike $240.00 

Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on June 1, 2011 at 6:22pm
Some bad math in there. I take a 52-53 in a road bike and 18" is my maximum in a mountain or cross bike. Sounds like ~16" would be about right for Carl's friend.

Carl said:

MARK, I know the pitfalls of shopping for others (that's why I'm a devout gift-carder at holidays ;)

Yeah, fit is everything. At 6'-3", I can overlook a lot of size variations, as long as the stem and seat posts extend far enough (my favorite bike is my little U-folder, which makes me look like I'm on a pixie bike). But she's around 5-4, so I think if you're having trouble reaching on your Mesa, she definitely would. Still, it sounds tantalizing. Perhaps I could arrange for her to take a test ride?

 

Doc, thanks for the heads-up on the Bridgestone. I'll pass it on to her!

Permalink Reply by Carl on June 1, 2011 at 9:54pm

Thanks, Alex! Is that Miyata 50-52cm? it would be nice to support Ciclo!

 

I've always been told to go with the measurement from crank center to top of seat tube. I think that's what she's going by, too. According to my trusty ruler, 51cm = 20 inches.

Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on June 1, 2011 at 11:22pm
Well, maybe the math is OK then but a person who rides a 51cm road bike would not be able to ride a 20" frame on a daily basis.

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