First Road Bike Question

[bucksgill]

Well, I'm having a look tomorrow. Paying cash so he is accepting £300

Being new to bikes, what am I to look out for when I go see it?

 

[cyberknight]

Well, I'm having a look tomorrow. Paying cash so he is accepting £300

Being new to bikes, what am I to look out for when I go see it?

I think vicster covered all the bases with regardds to good budget bikes, here is a link to an article about things to look out for ...( pdf )


http://www.cyclingpromotion.com.au/images/stories/factsheets/Second_Hand_Bikes.pdf
And more for carbon but if you get a carbon fork + the rest is helpful...
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/artic...ch-for-when-buying-a-used-carbon-frame-23020/

 

[bucksgill]

Thanks everyone who has helped me, it is very much appreciated. CycleChat is definitely going to be my place to come for bike help

 

[Cyclist33]

If the bikes the right size u will enjoy the felt... Ive got the z100 which is the same price range and a slightly different geometry. But yes, fab bike.

Stu

 

[Cyclist33]

Looks like the wheel upgrades worth keeping, altho the stock felt wheelset is ok.

 

[bucksgill]

I do hope so Stu, I am rather excited to go have a look. I hope its okay!

Just thought of another question if I am to get this bike; can anyone recommend any pedals with toe clips? (can't afford clipless and the shoes etc.). I like the look of the ones on the Triban 3, don't know if they are bought in components or a Decathlon thing? But something along those lines would be great.

Thanks (yet again)

 

[jim55]

have you bought it ,,the listing has ended?

 

[bucksgill]

I have in the sense that if I believe it is okay when I go see it tomorrow then it is mine, he has ended the listing to prevent the awkward moment of someone paying for it on ebay now its virtually mine

 

[jim55]

good ,,and re pedals ,,id just fit a pair of basic (but nice ones ) with toeclips to start with ,,if u wana go clipless later then ,,thats a diff thing but for now nothing fancy ,,just by coincidence i have these,,il post pics from my phone ,,fiver plus postage ?

 

[jim55]

 

[jim55]

in a good used condition ideal ..i just took them off as theyr a bit narrow for my working boots for commuting

 

[bucksgill]

I would definitely be interested, I bought the bike today () and he shoved on some silver ones which he said are poop and im not too keen, plus definitely need black ones for style

Send me a PM if you want to discuss the shipping costs etc.?

 

[jay clock]

That Felt looks like a good bike. Personally I think all the original ones you listed look to be of very poor quality. One at least has non STI gears, with changers clamped on the bars.

With the Felt I would check wheel straightness and overall condition. It does not look hugely new but from what I can see it looks in good nick. The gearing at the front looks quite big (unless it is a triple), more like a 53/39. Changing to a compact (easier gears) would cost about £70 for adequate parts (assuming the front mech can be moved)

 

[bucksgill]

Just did my first 6.1 miles on it around Southsea common, bike felt really really good although I did almost die from a heart attack my fitness is soooo bad.

It does have a triple at the front which the previous owner did say he would upgrade if he is keeping it but I'll wait a while before doing that as I know nothing about bikes

Thanks for all the help, absolutely chuffed to bits

 

[jay clock]

Triple is fine. In fact ideal for a new cyclist. Looks like a great purchase and MASSIVELY better than the stuff you linked to.

Check saddle height. Place heel on pedal with pedal at lowest point (in fact with the crankarm in line with your leg.). Set saddle so knee just locks out. Then when you pedal with your forefoot on the pedal the knee will not quite lock. A lot of newbies set the saddle too low.

In terms of training, little and often building about 10-15% per week. Very soon you will be finding 10/20/30 mile rides a doddle!

Keep us posted!