AZ Cyclists

[Monster Dave]

Hey everyone,

We're interested in seeing if anyone has any good ideas about where to find a good deal on a road bike. Maureen would like to get into it and start riding to work, but this past weekend we about had heart attacks when we saw the sticker prices on new road bikes.

We're hoping to find something in the $300 or less range but we didn't have much luck with new bikes. Are there any good places to find used bikes?

Thanks!

David & Maureen. 

[Dietrich]

In my distant past I worked in a coulpe different bicycle shops for many years.  Unfortunately you're not going to find anything above department store quality for that price range.  You might be able to find a decent used bike, but remember, just like motorsickles, you will have maintenance and be replacing worn stuff (chain, sprockets, bearings, tires, etc.).  You should be able to get a new entry level road bike for about $5-600.  For used stuff you're stuck with eBaY & Craigslist.  Sometimes shops take bikes in on trade, or consignement, but I don't see that happening as much these days.  Feel free to send me a link to anything you might find for my 2 cent evaluation if you want.

[Monster Dave]

Thanks Dietrich! We looked at everything and the lowest price that we came across was $799 for a TREK 1.2 WSB 

We were'nt being particular, but that was just as cheap as they seemed to be! We went to Landis Cycles, Bike Barn, Costco, and hesitated at going to Walmart since they don't carry anything but standard mountain bikes.

We'll keep looking around and hope that we get lucky with something!

[triangleforge]

Do you know what size you're after? If you've got a good idea of Maureen's size, a patient attitude & Craigslist can yield some good rides -- though like Dietrich mentioned you've got to figure getting the bike up to snuff into the full purchase price. I found a nice early '90s Scott MTB for Ann-Marie just this past week for commuting & weekend riding, and she's quite happy. I'd be happy to keep an eye open up here in Prescott if you've got some more particulars on what to look for.

[Monster Dave]

Do you know what size you're after? If you've got a good idea of Maureen's size, a patient attitude & Craigslist can yield some good rides -- though like Dietrich mentioned you've got to figure getting the bike up to snuff into the full purchase price. I found a nice early '90s Scott MTB for Ann-Marie just this past week for commuting & weekend riding, and she's quite happy. I'd be happy to keep an eye open up here in Prescott if you've got some more particulars on what to look for.

Thanks for the advice and the offer. We've been patiently looking everywhere and this past weekend I found one for her at Performance Bikes that she just loved. It'll make the perfect birthday gift!!!