Any cyclists/mountain bikers/commuters?

[Curahee]

Quote: Originally Posted by DJ

It can be a gamble, but Craigslist has a good selection of used bikes people are looking to sell.

That was gonna be my next suggestion.

With two more suggestions. Go to a bike shop and find out what size you need.
Generally 6' will need a 56cm, but 5'10" could take a 52cm.
So its important to know what your size range is.

Secondly, anyone selling you a bike, should be willing to meet you at a bike shop and allow the bike shop to give a look over to see if its a POS.
If they arent willing, then IMO, you dont need to buy it.... nor do you want to.

[Cabke]

Quote: Originally Posted by Curahee

These would be my recommendations.... http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...9632%2C1127640 In my personal opinion, I would try to stick with Fuji, Diamondback, or GT. In that order. But also the components are what makes up the bike. Most bikes at a BBS are gonna have the same frames but the components will be different (as every bike is) but the components at a BBS are generally going to be plastic and a literal POS!

Awesome. Thanks a lot.

[Curahee]

Quote: Originally Posted by Cabke

Awesome. Thanks a lot.

Yep!

If I were spending your money, I would put it on one of the Diamondback Sorrentos.

The Fuji is great, but youre paying for the name and not getting much in components.

[Curahee]

Cyclocross technique lesson 4: Bunnyhopping stuff

[DJ]

OHHHH .... almost forget to include this. Ask your local bike shops if they have any tent or clearance sales. There's a store in CO that every year in Feb., sells all of its "old" (meaning 2013 or 2012) models at this huge tent sale for at least 50% off. These bikes have never been ridden, though, so you're getting a new bike for a fraction of the cost.

That Fuji Nevada 2.0 that I mentioned earlier, I picked it up at this sale. List price was $800 and I paid $300 for it.

[Curahee]

Quote: Originally Posted by DJ

That Fuji Nevada 2.0 that I mentioned earlier, I picked it up at this sale. List price was $800 and I paid $300 for it.

WOW! Thats awesome!

Are you versed in recognizing components at all?
Id like to know what the quality of them is especially from '09.

[DJ]

Quote: Originally Posted by Curahee

WOW! Thats awesome! Are you versed in recognizing components at all? Id like to know what the quality of them is especially from '09.

I'm still learning (any tips would be helpful), but I know a little. Let me know what you're looking for and I'll see if I can find the information when I get home tonight and look at the bike.

[Curahee]

Quote: Originally Posted by DJ

I'm still learning (any tips would be helpful), but I know a little. Let me know what you're looking for and I'll see if I can find the information when I get home tonight and look at the bike.

Really, its all about research and doing.
There is a list of components you can look up and see whats what, but really the best thing to do is compare 1:1. What does A have that B doesnt.

Most frames are identical in category but its the components that make up the bike.
I look at cranks, drive train, derailleurs, cassettes, shifters/levers.
Things like that and determine if A is better than B.

Heres a list to get an idea of parts....

https://circlecitybicycles.com/bikecomp.htm

One thing Ive learned about Shimano, other than the 105's, anything with a number, is cheap and entry or below entry level.