Looking for a second hand road bike

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Permalink Reply by Luke Hallam on November 13, 2009 at 7:22pm

Hi Gina,

I can help you if you are 185 - 190cm tall. I've got a nice 60cm Reynolds 853 framed roadie gathering spiders in the corner of the shed that needs a new home.

Luke

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Permalink Reply by Gina Negrido on November 13, 2009 at 11:02pm

Hi Luke,

Wow, thanks! But I'm only 160cm. :-(

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Permalink Reply by Nick Thomas on November 16, 2009 at 2:39pm

Hi Luke,

I have been looking for a second hand bike for the TDU ride as well - and I'm 190cm tall. I would be interested in the Reynolds.

Nick

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Permalink Reply by Roger ... on November 13, 2009 at 11:15pm

Are you expecting to ride the full distance?
Certainly there are lots of people that ride the shorter distances on MTB's. Be aware road bikes have much higher gearing and much "harder" ride. Their skinny tyres are hard like rocks so you will feel every bump and 100kms is actually a very long way. Road bikes unashamedly sacrafice comfort for speed by making the rider lean forward and take weight on their hands. However, if you do ride regularly on a roadie you can get pretty tough/comfortable. So you need to get a bike and then practice on it for a while.

Ebay is a great place to look for a bargain on quality second hand bikes.
the smaller sized women specific bikes often sell for less because they just dont fit 90% of the bidders.

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Permalink Reply by Gina Negrido on November 13, 2009 at 11:32pm

Hi Roger,

Thanks for your reply. I'll be doing the 35 km. I haven't tried a road bike yet.. I've always had a mountain bike. And this is the first time I'd be joining this type of "challenge". I've looked at Ebay this afternoon, but I haven't found any yet (price is the main factor I'm considering, but if I can't find one, I"ll be forced to buy whatever is available)TDU comes only once a year so even with short notice I decided I wanted to be part of it (at least the day before the pros come) Yes, you're right on getting a bike now and practice on it, so I need to find a bike as soon as possible. :-(

This forum is really great, I really appreciate all your comments and replies. (^_^)

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Permalink Reply by Roger ... on November 14, 2009 at 10:08am

The ride you doing is nearly flat.
If you are on a tight budget just
get some smooth road tyres (slicks) on your MTB and
inflate them to 60 to 80psi (you will probably need a floor pump for this).

Really squishy, soft seats are really, really uncomfortable on long rides.
Firmer seats although uncomfortable on short rides dont get more uncomfortable as the day goes on.
Wider bottoms need wider seats.

Make sure you ride with proper padded bike nicks sans underwear ..

Be sure you have 2 bottle cages fitted and 2 water bottles.

The only other mods I would suggest are a larger touring size crank (48-36-26) instead of perhaps the 42 or 44 you possibly have now. This give your bike longer legs. You will be able reach speeds of 45kph with a little effort.
Some MTBs built for commuting actually come with 48 tooth cranks, you might be lucky.

Fitting different smaller rear gear cogs "close ratio"(cassette) is an easy & nice road mod also. 25 teeth on the largest gear give you a choice more gears that are actually usable on the road.
The bigger chainring (Front cogs) will allow you to ride keep up with the bunch so you can enjoy being sucked along by the draft the peloton makes.
Most local bike shops have all this gearing stuff ... 2nd hand if you ask.

The cool thing about MTBs on the road is they dont make you feel like you need to ride fast all the time. Fat tyre people are generally more relaxed taking time to smell the roses or whatever.



Slick fat tyres, biddons
good seat, properly adjusted & nicks

and lastely perhaps if you still have money .. change the gearing

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Permalink Reply by Gina Negrido on November 17, 2009 at 11:23pm

Thank you very much for the tips Roger! My MTB is heavy, that's why I have to find a road bike, and I'll find time this week bike hunting on the bike shops and I'll be looking at ebay again.I will still follow your advice on changing the crank and saddle (i have a squishy seat)I don't usually do long distances when riding, so I'm practicing at least 3 times a week, which I started last week... that's 20km going to work and going back home. I need to build up my endurance. I'm always very exhausted after every ride.. where my face turns swollen.. ;-)

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Permalink Reply by Mark Matthew on November 14, 2009 at 4:44pm

Hi, depends how much you really want to spend. You can pick up entry level roadies for under $700, that will have the basics you need to do a Challenge ride. If you can go a little higher, you will get a better bike of course. Some stores will even offer 12 months interest free if that is a help?

That, or with xmas coming up, tell friends, family, hell even the kris kringle, all you want is cash! Put it all together an go bike shopping!

I have a few fave bike shops but most will take real good care of you.

You may even find some specials on bikeexchange.com. Have a look at the bike shops listed there.

If you want to start with an easier ride, Ride Like Crazy will be 109km for the big ride, or 53km for the shorter one, only cost $100, and you get a jersey there too! And free lunch at the end!

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Permalink Reply by Gina Negrido on November 17, 2009 at 11:32pm

Thanks Mark! I was hoping I could find a $200 road bike.. but when I looked at ebay and bikeexchange, my hopes were shattered so to speak.. Their cost were from 1000 to 2000 and i haven't come across a bike worth less than 700.

I guess I just have to work work work.. to buy that bike. I wish Icould ask cash for kris kringle, but I don't think I'll be getting some even if I asked.. ehhehehe..

I'll pass on Ride Like Crazy.. I'll just save the registration money for the bike ;-) I was actually planning to join. but then I realised I'm short on money.. but still, thank you for that suggestion (^_^)

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Permalink Reply by Gina Negrido on November 26, 2009 at 2:44pm

It's very hard to find a second hand road bike! specially if i'm on a rush to have one! I went to standish marion last week and i found a malvern star flat road bike worth 350. will that be okay for the mcct?

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Permalink Reply by Patrick Sunter on November 26, 2009 at 11:06pm

Hi Gina - one local approach is to ask around at sport cycling clubs in SA. I remember some of them have online bulletin boards advertising second hand bikes - I remember seeing a Cannondale for about $500 on one of them.

Here's Cycling SA's (who coordinate all the clubs) contact webpage :- http://www.sa.cycling.org.au/default.asp?ID=1018

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Permalink Reply by Gina Negrido on November 27, 2009 at 2:27pm

Thanks Patrick! I'll send and email to them.

here's the bike that i was talking about
http://www.malvernstar.com.au/range/bike-2294.aspx

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